Calendar
Department of Conservation and Recreation Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Ponkapoag Pond Master Plan & Fisherman’s Cove Improvements
Public Meeting
Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 6:00pm-7:30pm
Teams Meeting link: Click here to join the meeting
At this remotely held public meeting, the Department of Conservation and Recreation project team will present initial designs for the Ponkapoag Pond master plan and Fisherman’s Cove improvements. DCR’s vision for Ponkapoag Pond is to protect and restore the ecologically sensitive landscape as we create an accessible and sustainable outdoor destination – featuring hiking, wading, boating, horse riding, and cross-country skiing – that provides an opportunity to educate park users about the rich and diverse ecology of the ACEC. The project scope also includes an early action project at Fisherman’s Cove, to improve vehicular and pedestrian circulation and create accessible parking and routes.
If you need assistance when registering, please contact Daniel.Cushing@mass.gov. During the meeting, the public will be invited to ask questions and provide feedback on the proposed design, using the raise hand and chat functionality that will be available through the virtual participation platform.
After the meeting, the presentation will be available for viewing at https://www.mass.gov/dcr/past-public-meetings.
DCR encourages the public to share additional feedback, with a deadline for receipt of comments by DCR of Wednesday, December 29, 2021.
Comments may be submitted online at www.mass.gov/dcr/public-comment. Please note that the content of comments you submit to DCR, along with your name, town, and zip code, will be posted on DCR’s website. Additional contact information required when commenting, notably email address, will only be used for outreach on future updates on the subject project or property.
If you have agency-related questions or concerns or would like to be added to an email list to receive DCR general or project-specific announcements, please email Mass.Parks@mass.gov or call 617-626-4973.
New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA) will hold its Annual Holiday Toys Drive at BlueHills on December 12th, 2021.
Based out of the Houghton’s Pond lot on Hillside street, from 9 AM til 1 PM, we will be accepting donations of toys and gifts for children in need. We will also offer guided mountain bike rides of all ability levels, going out between 9 AM and 9:30 AM. We’ll also have GPS routes available for self-guidance.
All collected toys and gifts will be delivered to Interfaith Social Services, to be distributed to children in need all over the South Shore, just in time for the holidays.
Beginner hikers welcome! Join the Friends of the Blue Hills on an easy 3-4 mile hike around picturesque Houghton’s Pond and the green dot trail, approximately 1.5 hours long.
Trails are mostly level. You must be comfortable walking a comparable distance. Be prepared to step over tree roots and some rocks. Sturdy walking shoes required. Dress for the weather. Heavy rain or thunderstorms will cancel. Group size will be limited to 25. Bring at least 1 liter of water and a snack. We start as a group and end as a group; nobody is left behind. No children under 12 and no pets, please.
Blue Hills Reservation, 1:00pm—3:00pm
Moderate walk, hilly terrain, 3.5+ miles. Wolcott Path to Eustis Trail and Base Path, return via Hancock Hill Path. Meet at the Blue Hills Headquarters staff parking lot at 695 Hillside St. Milton. 617-727-4573 x4.
Be a part of the “poo-lution” solution and join us in developing a plan to help reduce dog waste and bio-pollution on the trails!
We will teach you all that you need to know… you do not need any prior experience or knowledge. Join us for this online training to learn how to be involved. After the training session, you will only need to commit to walking 1/4 mile on two trails at least twice a month. The first Zoom training is on Thursday, December 16th, 2021 at 5:30pm. Don’t worry if you aren’t able to attend this one, there will be additional trainings in the future!
The first Zoom training is on December 16th at 5:30pm. Add your email below to sign up.
