Donor-Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Invest in the Park’s Future
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable investment account through a sponsoring organization that allows donors to make an immediate tax-deductible contribution. Once you have contributed to your account, the money is invested while you decide which IRS-qualified...
Now Hiring: Volunteer and Education Manager
THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED. The Friends of the Blue Hills (FBH) is a dynamic and growing non-profit organization devoted to preserving, promoting, and protecting the Blue Hills Reservation’s natural beauty, diverse natural habitats, and many recreational...
Q&A: Horseback Riding in the Blue Hills Reservation
As a multi-use park, the Blue Hills Reservation welcomes and encourages equestrians to use the trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the reservation. However, practicing proper trail etiquette and safety measures take horseback riding from fun for one to fun for all...
Understanding Wet Bulb Temperature and Its Impact on Outdoor Safety
What is Wet Bulb Temperature? Wet bulb temperature (WBT) is a measure of heat and humidity that reflects the lowest temperature air can be cooled to by the evaporation of water. In layman’s terms, it’s the temperature reading on a thermometer covered by a wet cloth. ...
Welcome Back to Eliot Tower!
The wait is over! Eliot Tower renovations are complete, and visitors are again able to visit this well-loved, historic structure near the top of Great Blue Hill. Over the course of the past year or so, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) invested $1...Upcoming Events
May
9
Fri
2025
10:00 am
Be Kind! Intro to Trail Stewards...
@ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot
Be Kind! Intro to Trail Stewards...
@ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot
May 9 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
This event will be a part of our “Be Kind” series. Have you ever noticed rocks in the trails that do not look like natural placement? Curious about trail maintenance or how trails are designed.[...]
May
10
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-
May 10 @ 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![...]
12:00 pm
Kristin Kubera Memorial Hike 2025
@ Blue Hills Trailside Museum
Kristin Kubera Memorial Hike 2025
@ Blue Hills Trailside Museum
May 10 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Please join the Friends of the Blue Hills on Saturday, May 10th to celebrate the life of Kristin Kubera with a hike in her memory. Kristin passed away suddenly on May 9,2023 from heart disease. To[...]
May
15
Thu
2025
7:00 am
Your Morning 3-Miler
@ Shea Rink
Your Morning 3-Miler
@ Shea Rink
May 15 @ 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? The Friends of the Blue Hills has a better idea… Why not start your day[...]
May
16
Fri
2025
3:00 pm
Women’s Hike with Kay
@ Chickatawbut Overlook
Women’s Hike with Kay
@ Chickatawbut Overlook
May 16 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Join Kay on this Woman’s Hike! Our goal is to hike is approximately 3-4 miles, with trail adjustments to limit the time to 2 hours. The trail is sometimes very rocky with some inclines. We’ll[...]
May
17
Sat
2025
9:00 am
Join David at Ponkapoag Pond for...
@ Ponkapoag Pond
Join David at Ponkapoag Pond for...
@ Ponkapoag Pond
May 17 @ 9:00 am
Join David Saturday May 17th for a Hike followed by a yoga session in the park! We will meet David at Fishermans Beach at 9:00 am! Starting your day with a hike in nature allows[...]
9:00 am
Trail Maintenance at the Friends...
Trail Maintenance at the Friends...
May 17 @ 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[...]
May
18
Sun
2025
10:00 am
Beginners’ Hike with Bruce
@ Houghton's Pond Recreation Area
Beginners’ Hike with Bruce
@ Houghton's Pond Recreation Area
May 18 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Beginners’ Hike with Bruce Event Details: – When: Sunday, May 18th 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[...]
May
19
Mon
2025
9:30 am
Invasive Plant Removal
@ To be determined
Invasive Plant Removal
@ To be determined
May 19 @ 9:30 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, Garlic Mustard, from our beautiful local park. These plants disrupt native[...]
May
21
Wed
2025
2:00 pm
DCR of Massachusetts-Wellness in...
@ Houghton's Pond Visitor Center
DCR of Massachusetts-Wellness in...
@ Houghton's Pond Visitor Center
May 21 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Wellness in the Woods, 2:00 pm—3:00 pm Join DCR Massachusetts for quiet and contemplative forest relaxation program in the beautiful and peaceful Blue Hills. De-stress and reconnect with nature on this slow and gentle[...]
May
27
Tue
2025
10:00 am
Ashes to New Beginnings Hike
@ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot
Ashes to New Beginnings Hike
@ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot
May 27 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
HIKE RESCHEDULED TO TUESDAY MAY 27th! 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,[...]
May
31
Sat
2025
10:00 am
125 Mile Club Reunion Hike
@ Houghton's Pond
125 Mile Club Reunion Hike
@ Houghton's Pond
May 31 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
The 125 reunion hike is about celebrating the incredible journey of those who have completed, are currently working on, or are eager to start the 125-mile hiking club! Whether you’ve already tackled the trails, are[...]
Jun
1
Sun
2025
9:00 am
Be Kind! Pick up Trash with John
@ Houghton's Pond Recreation Area
Be Kind! Pick up Trash with John
@ Houghton's Pond Recreation Area
Jun 1 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Join our Volunteer and Program Manager, John Harrell 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[...]
Jun
7
Sat
2025
9:00 am
National Trails Day at the Frien...
National Trails Day at the Frien...
Jun 7 @ 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
Widow Walkers Hikes-6/7/25 Natio...
@ Widowmaker Brewing
Widow Walkers Hikes-6/7/25 Natio...
@ Widowmaker Brewing
Jun 7 @ 12:00 pm
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[...]