When:
March 17, 2025 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
2025-03-17T10:00:00-04:00
2025-03-17T12:30:00-04:00
Where:
Houghton's Pond
860 Hillside St
Milton, MA 02186
USA
Contact:
John Harrell
Family Vernal Pools Adventure @ Houghton's Pond | Milton | Massachusetts | United States

Please join us for a hike around The Blue Hills to learn about Vernal Pools

A hike to vernal pools offers a glimpse into one of nature’s most important ecosystems. These temporary wetlands, typically found in wooded areas, fill with water in the spring and provide a vital habitat for amphibians like frogs and salamanders. They also support a variety of plants and insects. Vernal pools are crucial for biodiversity, as they provide breeding grounds for many species and help maintain healthy ecosystems by filtering water and supporting wildlife. Visiting these pools highlights the delicate balance of nature and the role they play in sustaining life.

  • Sturdy walking shoes required.
  • Recommend wearing long pants.
  • Dress in layers for the weather.
  • Bring at least 1 liter of water and a snack.
  • Do a tick check after hike!

Hike Registration Form

Registration for Hikes

Age(Required)
Hike/Events (select one or more)(Required)

I agree to the terms of the Liability Release-Hikes(Required)
Release and Assumption of Risk: I would like to participate in the hike (the “Hike”) organized by the Friends of the Blue Hills (“Friends”). I am aware that participation in a Friends’ Hike involves risk, including, but not limited to, the hazards of walking on rocky terrain, possible interaction with wildlife and physical exertion. I hereby state that I am physically capable of participating in the Hike. I also agree to comply with all DCR rules and regulations. Therefore, notwithstanding the risks of participating in the Hike set forth and as described above, and in consideration of the Friends: 1) I AGREE TO ASSUME AND ACCEPT ALL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE HIKE; AND 2) I HEREBY RELEASE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE AND COVENANT AND AGREE NOT TO SUE, AND AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS, THE FRIENDS AND ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS (COLLECTIVELY, THE “RELEASEES”), AND EACH OF THE RELEASEES, FROM AND AGAINST AND IN REGARD TO ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, ACTIONS, SUITS, LOSSES, COSTS, DAMAGES, AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ATTORNEYS’ FEES), AND ANY AND ALL LIABILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF EVERY KIND AND DESCRIPTION, WHICH I SHALL OR MAY HAVE AGAINST THE RELEASEES OR ANY ONE OR MORE OF THEM ARISING OUT OF, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, MY PARTICIPATION IN THE EVENT. I agree that this release and Assumption of Risk shall be (a) binding upon me and my heirs, executors, legal representatives, successors, and assigns, and (b) deemed a contract made under seal under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of said Commonwealth without regard to its principles of conflict of laws. Photo release: I hereby grant permission to Friends of the Blue Hills to use photographs and/or video taken of me and any minor participant(s) who will accompany me at this event in publications, news releases, online, and in other communications related to the mission of Friends of the Blue Hills.

PARTICIPANT AND PARENT/S OF A MINOR PARTICIPANT AGREE:
I HAVE CAREFULLY READ, UNDERSTAND AND VOLUNTARILY SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT SHALL BE EFFECTIVE AND BINDING UPON ME, MY MINOR CHILDREN AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS, AND MY HEIRS, EXECUTORS, REPRESENTATIVES AND ESTATE. I HAVE ADDED THE NAME(S) OF THE MINOR CHILD(REN) WHO WILL ACCOMPANY ME ON THIS EXCURSION BELOW. Parent/s must sign below, both in their capacity as a participant, and as Parent/s of any minor child identified below. Add your name below to accept the terms described in this document.
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