Calendar
![14th Annual Mattapan on Wheels: Green and Blue Spaces @ Boston | Massachusetts | United States](https://i0.wp.com/friendsofthebluehills.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mattapan-On-Wheels_2024-1.jpg?fit=222%2C300&ssl=1)
Ride with Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition (MFFC) and the Neponset River Watershed Association (NEPWA) as you experience the breathtaking beauty of Mattapan and surrounding communities on wheels!
This year, our bike routes are designed to guide riders through the most stunning green and blue spaces the area has to offer. Immerse yourself in nature as you pedal to locales like the lush Edgewater Food Forest, explore the sandy shores of Tenean Beach, and the scenic scenic routes around the Blue Hills with its charming Trailside Museum. Each turn and trail promises picturesque views and the refreshing embrace of the great outdoors. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with nature and community in an unforgettable ride through Boston.
At the end of the bike ride, learn more about MFFC’s and our partners walking, biking, and public transit advocacy efforts, experience delicious food from local food trucks, and enjoy the sounds of music as you connect with your fellow riders.
Rain Date:Â Sunday, July 28, 2024
Time:Â 8:00am-2:00pm
Cost:Â FREE!
Age:Â 8+ (12 and under w/adult)
Registration ends as follows:
- Saturday, July 13 if you need a bike –
- Saturday, July 20 if you don’t need a bike
- If you have a bike and didn’t register by July 20, you can register on event day
Blue Hills Ride: 14 miles. Destination: Trailside Museum, Milton
Map:Â https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46136308
This is a very green and scenic route. Riders will start their journey on the Neponset River Greenway Trail and make their way to Mattapan Station. From there we will cross over to the Milton side heading down Blue Hills Parkway. We will continue our journey to Unquity Road, passing the skating rink until we reach Houghton’s Pond. We will keep riding until we reach the Trailside Museum, then head north on the Neponset River Greenway back to Ryan Playground.
This is a hilly ride! If you are uncomfortable with hills, please consider joining the other routes.
Why this route:Â Parks and green spaces contribute to community benefits by fostering social cohesion. They serve as vital spaces for interaction, cultural expression, and civic engagement, enhancing community ties and individual health outcomes. They offer crucial developmental benefits for youth, such as environmental education, mental health improvement, and confidence-building activities.With multiple projects aiming to increase access to the Blue Hills, this route will give riders a chance to learn about these important initiatives.
Projects: Unlocking the Blue Hills, Boston to Blue Hills
![Meet the Executive Director and Board President Hike! @ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot | Milton | Massachusetts | United States](https://i0.wp.com/friendsofthebluehills.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Jen-Klein-in-BH.jpg?fit=225%2C300&ssl=1)
![Signs of Summer Hike @ Trailside Museum | Milton | Massachusetts | United States](https://i0.wp.com/friendsofthebluehills.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Canton-Will-Mann-Falling-Water.jpeg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1)
![August Trail Maintenance](https://i0.wp.com/friendsofthebluehills.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/20220618_1019311.jpg?fit=300%2C142&ssl=1)
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 helping to care for the trails by improving erosion structures, raking and digging out the ditches next to trails or cutting brush. Your work will keep the trails from eroding and make sure people can explore the park.
Please wear sturdy shoes (no sandals) and long pants. If you have a favorite pair of gardening gloves, please bring them. Please bring at least a liter of water as well. We will provide all the tools and training you’ll need. No experience necessary.Â
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![Let's Go Fishing with Elevate Youth! @ Houghton's Pond | Milton | Massachusetts | United States](https://i0.wp.com/friendsofthebluehills.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Every-time-I-cast-my-line-I-connect-with-the-heart-of-nature.-—Linda-Greenlaw-1-e1716408450926.png?fit=300%2C251&ssl=1)
Calling all local kids and families!
Join us at Houghton’s Pond for a FREE day of fishing–and fun! All fishing equipment, plus instruction, will be provided.
Donations and sponsorships accepted.
Sponsored by: Elevate Youth and US Fish and Wildlife Service
Rain date: August 22
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![Invasive Plant Removal with Charlie](https://i0.wp.com/friendsofthebluehills.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Photo-Jul-13-11-36-51-AM-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1)
If you want to help care for the forest, join us for ‘Invasive Plant Removal with Charlie!’
On the fourth Friday of the month, you can help protect the forest by removing invasive species in the park. Your work will protect endangered species in the park.
When you sign up, we’ll let you know the location about a week in advance. Please wear sturdy shoes (no sandals) and long pants. Please bring plenty of water and if you have a favorite pair of gardening gloves, please bring them. We’ll provide gloves, if you don’t have them, and all the tools required. No experience necessary. Thanks to Charlie for leading this event.
Are you curious about how you can lead an event? Contact us at info@friendsofthebluehills.org. We’d love to talk to you!
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