


Houghton’s Pond Bus Stop Pilot a Go!
by Friends of the Blue Hills | May 24, 2025 | Blog, Uncategorized
It’s been a long three years since completion of the public transportation study that we blogged about in 2022. But, good things come to those who wait (and keep working toward the goal of better public transit access to the Blue Hills). In June 2025, the 716...
It’s Spring in Great Cedar Swamp!
by Molly Rodin | May 20, 2025 | Blog, Uncategorized
Spring hiking in Massachusetts can seem a bit daunting. The weather is unpredictable, the trees are covered in pollen instead of leaves, and the trails are muddy. Rain and mud mean it is the best time to risk getting messy and explore the wetlands of the Blue Hills...
Join Our Team as a Community Engagement Specialist
by Friends of the Blue Hills | May 8, 2025 | Blog, FBH jobs, Uncategorized
Help inspire a love for nature and stewardship in the Blue Hills. Friends of the Blue Hills (FBH) is looking for a passionate and outgoing Community Engagement Specialist to lead fun, meaningful outdoor programs that connect people of all ages to nature this summer....
Board Update: A New Chapter Begins
by Friends of the Blue Hills | Apr 14, 2025 | Blog, Board News
Dear Friends, After four years of truly fulfilling service, I am writing to announce my transition from Board President for Friends of the Blue Hills (FBH) to a supporting role as we transition to new leadership. Mike Paglia, our current vice president, will serve as...
History of the FBH Fire Brigade
by Friends of the Blue Hills | Mar 20, 2025 | Blog, Blue Hills History
Reporting by Erin Hajian With a past that predates DCR management of the Blue Hills Reservation and a present that reflects an ongoing threat of brush fires, you may wonder what firefighting was like when the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) managed the park. If...Upcoming Events
Jul
25
Fri
2025
9:00 am
Trail Maintenance! Brushing back...
@ Houghton's Pond
Trail Maintenance! Brushing back...
@ Houghton's Pond
Jul 25 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Join us for a day of trail maintenance as we work together to “brush the trails”! Volunteers will help clear overgrown vegetation, remove debris, and improve visibility and safety along the Blue Hills trail system.[...]
Jul
26
Sat
2025
9:30 am
Family Nature Exploration “Volca...
@ Houghton's Pond
Family Nature Exploration “Volca...
@ Houghton's Pond
Jul 26 @ 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Meet DCR Ranger Dan B. at Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center at 9:20 to get started on time! Hundreds of millions of years ago the Blue Hills was a raging volcano. Join us for a geological[...]
1:00 pm
Nice and Easy Hiking Series
@ Houghton's Pond
Nice and Easy Hiking Series
@ Houghton's Pond
Jul 26 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Meet DCR Ranger Dan B. at the Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center at 12:50 to make sure you are on time for the Hike! Looking to get outdoors and take a gentle, guided hike in the[...]
Jul
28
Mon
2025
10:00 am
Ashes to New Beginnings Hike
@ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot
Ashes to New Beginnings Hike
@ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot
Jul 28 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: MODERATE This hike will be approximately 3 miles, with some elevated difficult terrain and rocky obstacles. Wear sturdy footwear. This hike will begin at 840 Hillside St, Houghton’s Pond, by the playground. Hikes[...]
Jul
29
Tue
2025
6:00 pm
Book Club with the Friends of th...
@ Houghton's Pond
Book Club with the Friends of th...
@ Houghton's Pond
Jul 29 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Registration is OPEN! Signup HERE. Looking for a new way to enjoy the outdoors and connect with fellow readers? This summer, we’re bringing stories to life on the trails with the Book Club with the[...]
Aug
1
Fri
2025
7:00 am
Your Morning 3-Miler
@ TBD
Your Morning 3-Miler
@ TBD
Aug 1 @ 7:00 am – 8:30 am

How do you start your mornings before work? Brew a cup of coffee, read the news, or watch some TV? Friends of the Blue Hills has a better idea… Why not start your day with[...]
Aug
2
Sat
2025
9:00 am
Hike with Kay!
@ Braintree Pass Path Trailhead
Hike with Kay!
@ Braintree Pass Path Trailhead
Aug 2 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am

This hike will be meeting at Braintree Pass Path Trailhead, 1331 Randolph Ave, Milton, MA 02186 at 9:00am Sharp Take a look at the change in the natural beauty and the regrowth since the fires[...]
Aug
3
Sun
2025
10:00 am
Widow Walkers Hikes-8/3/25 Frien...
@ Widowmaker Brewing
Widow Walkers Hikes-8/3/25 Frien...
@ Widowmaker Brewing
Aug 3 @ 10:00 am

Join the Friends of the Blue Hills along with our partners Widowmaker Brewing and ARC’TERYX at the 2025 Widow Walkers Hike Series. All hikes will meet at Widowmaker Brewing, 200 Wood Road Braintree and the[...]
Aug
7
Thu
2025
7:00 am
Hike with Evangeline
@ Houghton's Pond
Hike with Evangeline
@ Houghton's Pond
Aug 7 @ 7:00 am – 9:00 am

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: MODERATE Evangeline is a Reiki Practitioner, yoga instructor, and community builder. She guides monthly hikes in the Blue Hills, offers Reiki healing sessions, and hosts workshops and retreats. Evangeline’s hikes will be offered[...]
Aug
9
Sat
2025
8:30 am
Walk with a Doc
@ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot A-
Walk with a Doc
@ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot A-
Aug 9 @ 8:30 am

This walking program is a fun and safe place to take a walk (at your pace), learn health tips from local healthcare professionals, and meet new people. The event is FREE and all are welcome![...]
9:00 am
iNaturalist Walk @ Houghton’s Pond
@ Houghton's Pond
iNaturalist Walk @ Houghton’s Pond
@ Houghton's Pond
Aug 9 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Join Us for an iNaturalist Hike at Houghton’s Pond with Friends of the Blue Hills! Discover the hidden wildlife around you with naturalists Ann Schunior and Suzanne Mrozak during a guided iNaturalist hike at Houghton’s[...]
9:00 am
Trail Maintenance at the Friends...
Trail Maintenance at the Friends...
Aug 9 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Join us for a volunteer day dedicated to maintaining and improving the trails at The Friends of the Blue Hills. We’ll focus on essential tasks like brushing back overgrowth, clearing debris, raking paths, picking up[...]
12:00 pm
Take a Frog Walk
@ Houghton's Pond
Take a Frog Walk
@ Houghton's Pond
Aug 9 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Join us for a fun and educational Frog Hike, where we’ll explore local wetlands, ponds, and streams in search of frogs, tadpoles, and other fascinating amphibians! Led by a Caitie, a nature enthusiast with a[...]
6:00 pm
Evening Hike With Thomas
@ Houghton's Pond
Evening Hike With Thomas
@ Houghton's Pond
Aug 9 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:Â MODERATE Please meet Thomas at Houghton’s Pond. He will wait for all hikers to arrive! 4-mile hike with moderate hills, rocky terrain and some larger obstacles. Join the Friends of the Blue Hills[...]
Aug
10
Sun
2025
10:00 am
Beginners’ Hike with Bruce
@ Houghton's Pond Recreation Area
Beginners’ Hike with Bruce
@ Houghton's Pond Recreation Area
Aug 10 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Beginners’ Hike with Bruce Event Details: – When: Sunday, August 10th 10:00 am-12:00 pm – Meeting Point: Playground at Houghton’s Pond – Leaders: Bruce Dezube – Sign-Up: Guests must sign up in advance Hike Description: Join Bruce for[...]
Aug
11
Mon
2025
10:00 am
Invasive Plant Removal at Burma ...
@ Farnham Connolly
Invasive Plant Removal at Burma ...
@ Farnham Connolly
Aug 11 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Volunteer Event: Invasive Species Removal at Friends of the Blue Hills Join us for a hands-on volunteer event aimed at removing harmful invasive species, Mile-A-Minute, from our beautiful local park. These plants disrupt native ecosystems,[...]
Aug
12
Tue
2025
5:30 pm
Professional Photography Meets S...
@ WidowMaker Brewery
Professional Photography Meets S...
@ WidowMaker Brewery
Aug 12 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

End your Tuesday afternoon with a refreshing hike and photo walk led by professional photographer Matt, one of our amazing partners at Widowmaker Brewing. Check Out Matt’s WorkFollow Matt on social media and get inspired[...]
Aug
16
Sat
2025
8:00 am
Hike with Rosa
@ Houghton's Pond Recreation Area
Hike with Rosa
@ Houghton's Pond Recreation Area
Aug 16 @ 8:00 am

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:Â MODERATE 4-mile hike with moderate hills, rocky terrain and some larger obstacles. This hike will be meeting in the Houghton’s Pond parking lot by the children’s playground. Join the Friends of the Blue[...]
9:30 am
Bird Feeder Day
@ Houghton's Pond
Bird Feeder Day
@ Houghton's Pond
Aug 16 @ 9:30 am – 1:30 pm

Stop by our table at Houghton’s Pond! We’ll have everything you need to make a simple bird feeder and learn how to care for birds and nature responsibly. We set up near the food stand![...]
2:30 pm
Nature Journaling for Kids
@ Houghton's Pond
Nature Journaling for Kids
@ Houghton's Pond
Aug 16 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

On our nature journaling hike, we will become young explorers and scientists. As we walk along the trails, we will use our eyes, ears, and even noses to discover the wonders of nature all around[...]
Aug
17
Sun
2025
10:00 am
Be Kind! Trash Pick up with Mary
@ Houghton's Pond Recreation Area
Be Kind! Trash Pick up with Mary
@ Houghton's Pond Recreation Area
Aug 17 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Join our Membership Coordinator, Mary Timilty to clean the park! Get some fresh air and exercise… and give back to an amazing park that serves tens of thousands of visitors each year. You will be[...]
Aug
18
Mon
2025
10:00 am
Ashes to New Beginnings Hike
@ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot
Ashes to New Beginnings Hike
@ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot
Aug 18 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: MODERATE This hike will be approximately 3 miles, with some elevated difficult terrain and rocky obstacles. Wear sturdy footwear. This hike will begin at 840 Hillside St, Houghton’s Pond, by the playground. Hikes[...]
Aug
22
Fri
2025
9:00 am
Trail Maintenance! Brushing back...
@ Houghton's Pond
Trail Maintenance! Brushing back...
@ Houghton's Pond
Aug 22 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Join us for a day of trail maintenance as we work together to “brush the trails”! Volunteers will help clear overgrown vegetation, remove debris, and improve visibility and safety along the Blue Hills trail system.[...]
Aug
23
Sat
2025
8:00 am
Join David at Ponkapoag Pond for...
@ Ponkapoag Pond
Join David at Ponkapoag Pond for...
@ Ponkapoag Pond
Aug 23 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am

Join David for Yoga and a Hike in the Park – Saturday, August 23rd at 8:00 AM! We’ll meet at Fisherman’s Beach at 8:00 AM. Please arrive by 7:50 am and go directly to the[...]
9:00 am
Kid Friendly Hike
@ Houghton's Pond
Kid Friendly Hike
@ Houghton's Pond
Aug 23 @ 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Bring the whole family and join us for a Kid-Friendly Nature Hike, a calm, welcoming walk perfect for children and their grown-ups who want to enjoy the outdoors together. This easy-paced hike is designed with young[...]