Friends of the Blue Hills

From 4:30-7:30 p.m., the Friends of the Blue Hills and Blue Hill Ski will be sponsoring a free hike to the top of Great Blue. Complimentary hot cider and apples will be served at the top of the mountain, and hikers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner to enjoy at the summit. Sunset will be at approximately 5:47 p.m. This is a self-guided hike, so arrive anytime.

How will climate change effect the Blue Hills? Next Tuesday QCAN - Quincy Climate Action Network is hosting Dr. Pamela Templer of Boston University to discuss how changes in climate are impacting New England’s forest ecosystems.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1157155387828089/

Next weekend is Mass Audubon's Owl Festival. Meet live owls up-close and discover how these mysterious animals survive. Celebrate all things owl in myths, legends, and art. (Ticket purchase required)

https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/blue-hills-trailside-museum/news-events/owl-festival

Bike, hike, run or ride your own horse at this fundraising event to support the DCR's Massachusetts Park Ranger Mounted Unit.
Friends of the MA Park Ranger Mounted Unit's 4th Annual Fall Trail Ride is Sunday, October 27, 2019
http://www.friendsmaprmu.com/events/fall-trail-ride

So much to explore! Bring the kids to a "Peek-a-Blue" hike on Tuesday at 11 am!

www.FriendsoftheBlueHills.org/peekablue

After a rainy week with crummy weather the little ones are going to need some fresh air. Bring them for a hike in the Blue Hills next Tuesday at 11 am!

www.FriendsoftheBlueHills.org/peekablue

Information regarding the Blue Hills Deer Management Program, which is part of DCR’s long-term effort to manage high deer densities within the Blue Hills Reservation can be found here:

https://friendsofthebluehills.org/deer2019/

At our 40th Anniversary Celebration we presented our Legacy Partner and Community Partner Awards to individuals and groups who have contributed in making the Blue Hills the fantastic park it is today.

Thank you to R.E.I. Co-op, Bob Flagg, Caleb Blankenship, Norman Smith, and Steve Cobble!

"Graffiti thru Snow Backlight by Super Snow Moon," a submission from Joe Riordon of Braintree brought home an honorable mention in our 40th Anniversary Photo Contest.

Thanks to Randy Betts of Roxbury for his photo submission "Summer Day on Houghton's Pond" who took home an honorable mention in our photo contest!

There were so many amazing entries in our photo contest and we would like to share some of our honorable mentions! One of our honorable mentions was titled "Star Trails Over Eliot Tower" by Tom Amsterburg of Mansfield.

Congratulations to Walter Keenen of Marshfield who won the Judges Award in our 40th Anniversary Photo Contest with his entry "Owlet and Oriole."

Thank you again to everyone who entered our 40th Anniversary Photo Contest.

Congratulations to the popular vote winner Christopher Castasus of Randolph with his photo "Reflections at Houghton’s Pond."

***Update***
We will still be doing a trail clean-up this Saturday, but you can leave the waders at home. Ponkapoag Brook cleanup is postponed but there are plenty of other opportunities to care for your park!

Meet at the Houghton's Pond Parking lot at 9 am on Saturday!

Do you love dogs? Our upcoming Annual Celebration features Keynote Speaker who is New York Times Best-Selling Author Tom Ryan. Tom's book Following Atticus: Forty-Eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship tells the heart-warming story of a newspaper reporter and his relationship with his beloved dog Atticus M. Finch as they hike the mountains of New Hampshire together.
https://friendsofthebluehills.org/celebrate2019/

Yesterday was the first day of fall, so today we're here to tell you about our fall foliage walk! Mark your calendars for Saturday October 26th and for more information check out our website: https://friendsofthebluehills.org/event/sunset-hike-2019/
(Photo credit: Carolyn Rannacher)

Ticket sales for our raffle ends Thursday!

For your chance to have a once in a lifetime catered dinner for six served on top of the Blue Hill Observatory buy your tickets today

https://friendsofthebluehills.org/raffle2019/

(Thanks to Ronald Reynolds for the fantastic photo)

Tomorrow we have another fun peek-a-blue hike for the kids. Come for a stroll, we'll bring the snacks!

www.FriendsoftheBlueHills.org/peekablue

October 3rd we celebrate. Join us for an evening to remember!

https://friendsofthebluehills.org/celebrate2019/

(Photo: Tom Amsterburg)

Thanks to everyone who came out yesterday and got involved! If you would like more info on our on-going trail maintenance programs check it out here:

https://friendsofthebluehills.org/trails-maintenance/

The Blue Hill Observatory is the oldest continually operating weather observatory in the country. How can you get the chance to have a catered dinner on its roof?
https://friendsofthebluehills.org/raffle2019/

You could win a night you will always remember. Your chance for a catered dinner with breathtaking views for you and 5 friends is here:
https://friendsofthebluehills.org/raffle2019/

Thank you to everyone who submitted to our photo contest! We had so many fantastic submissions, it is clear you all have a unique perspective of the park we all love. Keep a look out for official notification of winners, coming soon!
(Photo by Bernie Murphy of Stoughton)

Next weekend Mass Audubon's Trailside Museum is holding their annual yard sale. Find a bargain while helping to fund the museum, programs, and wildlife!

https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/blue-hills-trailside-museum/news-events/annual-yard-sale

Spring cleaning doesn't have to only happen in the spring. Mass Audubon's Trailside Museum is accepting donations for their annual yard sale! For more than 20 years, all proceeds from this yard sale have helped Trailside continue to provide quality programs for the public, care for our non-releasable wildlife, and host thousands of visitors to the Blue Hills Reservation.

https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/blue-hills-trailside-museum/news-events/annual-yard-sale

Celebrate 60 years of the Blue Hills Trailside Museum on Saturday September 14th. Mass Audubon is offering free admission all day!
https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/blue-hills-trailside-museum/news-events/celebrating-60-years

Blue Hills Octoberfest!
Our friends at the Mary M. B. Wakefield Charitable Trust are giving you the opportunity to enjoy some Turtle Swamp Brewing along with some bratwurst and sauerkraut for a good cause. Ticket info here:
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=6kzbivcab&oeidk=a07egjvn2xq83e2e905

The Mary M. B. Wakefield Charitable Trust‎ is hosting its 2nd annual Blue Hills Octoberfest on Saturday 10/5 to raise funds for the estate's environmental and outdoor education programs. For more information and ticket information: https://www.facebook.com/events/503872697047030/

You and the kids could use some fresh air.
Come to our kid friendly hike Tuesday at 11.
www.FriendsoftheBlueHills.org/peekablue

Looking for a stroller friendly hike through the Blue Hills with some future friends? Look no further! Our next "peek-a-blue" hike is scheduled for Tuesday at 11.
https://friendsofthebluehills.org/event/peek-a-blue-hikes-for-parents-and-tots-3/

Our photo contest ends on Sunday. Enter your pictures or vote for your favorites today!
https://friendsofthebluehills.org/photo-contest/
(Photo credit: Kristen Rehs of Abington)

Do you have a photo good enough to win a $250 L.L. Bean gift card? Show us:
https://friendsofthebluehills.org/photo-contest/
(Photo credit Tim Cutter of Canton)