September- November
It’s Fall Family Storywalk at Houghton’s Pond Playground
Enjoy a colorful seasonal autumn tale written by Linda Glasser. Read along as you stroll through the pages of the book posted on the wooden fence at the playground. Add a unique literacy experience to your outdoor fun. Best for families with kids 3-8 years old. Enjoy a self-guided visit through November at 840 Hillside Street in Milton. Co-sponsored by DCR and Milton Early Childhood Alliance.
Meetup Mondays & Thursdays
Free Forest School in Blue Hills
Meeting details and RSVP through joining the Facebook group "Free Forest School of Greater Boston" or contacting freeforestschoolboston@gmail.com.
Free Forest School has come to the Blue Hills! Join us on Monday and Thursday mornings! Free Forest School is a national nonprofit meet up group which encourages child-directed nature play for children ages 0-6 and their caretakers. We start with a shared snack, trail talk, and songs which are followed by a less than .25 mile hike to a nature area where children play freely.
Every other Tuesday, September 3 through October 29 11 am - noon
Friends of the Blue Hills Peek-a-Blue Hikes for Parents & Tots
Meet at Houghton’s Pond main parking lot at 840 Hillside Street in Milton.
Join the Friends of the Blue Hills to enjoy the outdoors during our bi-weekly Tuesday Peek a Blue Hikes series from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Healthy snacks, juice and water will be provided thanks to the grant from the Milton Junior Woman’s Club. Mothers’ groups and play groups welcome! Enjoy a hike every other Tuesday, through October 29th weather permitting. For info, call 781-828-1805 or visit http://friendsofthebluehills.org/peekablue/
Saturdays, September 7 & 21 11 am – 2:30 pm
Free Open House at the Dorothy Quincy Homestead
The Dorothy Quincy Homestead is located at 34 Butler Road in Quincy. Visit www.nscdama.org
A National Historic Landmark, the Quincy Homestead is significant for its role in early American history, for its architecture, and for its Quincy family association. Docents share stories of the Quincy family during the colonial era.
September 14, October 5, November 9 & December 7
Friends of the Blue Hills Trail Work Days
Meet the Friends at 9:00 am at Houghton’s Pond main parking lot at 840 Hillside St. in Milton.
Lend a hand with trail leaders to maintain drainage structures such as culverts and water bars, and to clear the trails of overgrowth and downed branches. Volunteers will receive training in working safely as well as proper maintenance and use of the tools. Volunteers walk or carpool to the work sites, work until about 12:30 pm and gather back together for a pizza lunch. Wear long pants and boots. Tools provided. For more info, visit trailsprogram@friendsofthebluehills.org
Saturday, September 14 12 pm– 5 pm
Blue Hills Trailside Museum’s 60th Anniversary Celebration
Meet at the Trailside Museum at 1904 Canton Avenue in Milton.
Bring the whole family to Trailside Museum for a celebration of everything the sanctuary has accomplished in the past 60 years! Enjoy free admission all day as well as up-close encounters with live animals, special exhibits, and engaging programs for all ages. More information at www.massaudubon.org/bluehills
Saturday, September 21 9 am – noon
Neponset River Fall Cleanup
Volunteer registration required at www.neponset.org/volunteer
Join the Neponset River Watershed Association and DCR and lend a hand to clean up the Neponset River- in the water and along the banks in Hyde Park, Milton and Mattapan. Register online and report to your pre-assigned work site at 8:45 am, walk-ins are always welcome! Work clothes required and close-toed boots. (no sandals) Bring your own water, sunblock and work gloves. Contact Kelly DiStefano at 781-575-0354 x306 or distefano@neponset.org
Saturday & Sunday, October 26 & 27 10 am – 4 pm
Blue Hills Trailside Museum Owl Festival
Event at 1904 Canton Avenue on Milton.
Give a hoot for owls at Trailside Museum’s Owl Festival! Meet live owls up close and discover how these mysterious animals survive. Celebrate all things owl in myths, legends, and art. Find out about conservation challenges owls face and what you can do to help. Kid’s crafts, food trucks, and fun for all ages. Event admission $6/person members, $8/person non-members. Visit www.massaudubon.org/bluehills
Saturday, November 2 10 am - noon
Mindful Outdoors
Pre-registration required. Please email Maggi.Brown@mass.gov for reservations and meeting location. Space is limited.
Many people intuitively know that they feel better when they spend time in the outdoors. Recent research has verified that nature connection is profoundly beneficial to our health and well-being. Benefits include boosting immunity, reducing blood pressure and heart rate, and relieving depression and anxiety. Leave behind the multitasking and frenetic pace of day-to-day life, and ease into the slower and restorative pace of the natural world though a guided Mindful Outdoors experience of movement and meditation.
Saturday, November 23 10 am- noon
Quincy Quarries: History Happened Here
Meet at the DCR Quincy Quarries Historic Site parking lot on Ricciuti Drive in Quincy.
From Rt. 93, exit 8, follow signs toward Quarry Hills. Park at the lot on the right at the crest of the first hill. Quincy is known as the Granite City for its rich quarry history. Join local experts and enthusiasts from the DCR, the Quincy Quarry Workers Museum and a registered geologist to learn about the amazing geology and industrial history of the Quarries. Sturdy footwear is recommended and the ability to walk on uneven ground. 2 hours
Things to know before you go
Visit www.mass.gov/dcr for more DCR summer news & free programs across the state.