Greater Boston's Blue Hills Reservation
Stronger Together for the Hills We Share
A partnership of the organizations that steward, protect, and celebrate the Blue Hills Reservation.
Who We Are
The Coalition for a Better Blue Hills brings together the organizations that call the Blue Hills Reservation home — from science and conservation to recreation, agriculture, and education.
We collaborate to protect and enhance this extraordinary 7,000-acre park for the communities of Greater Boston, ensuring that everyone — regardless of background — can access, enjoy, and steward these lands for generations to come.
Our strength is our diversity. Each member organization brings unique expertise, community relationships, and resources. Together we amplify our collective impact.
Our MissionMember Organizations
These organizations collaborate to make the Blue Hills Reservation one of Greater Boston's most loved and well-cared-for natural spaces. Each brings something unique — and together, we're stronger.
One day. Every corner of the park. All are welcome.
What's Happening
Each member organization will host activities at their location throughout the day. More details coming soon — check back as partners confirm their schedules.
End your day with live music and food at the Arboretum — the primary afternoon destination for BlueHillsFest.
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM (primary end point)Guided hike, compass & map scavenger hunt, and informational tabling at Houghton's Pond.
Houghton's Pond — Morning/MiddaySnack shack open for business with lawn games — cornhole, bocce, and more — for all ages.
Houghton's PondOpen house with free guided tours of America's oldest weather station, plus kite building classes for kids.
Summit — All DayLive animal programming from the Trailside Museum team — meet local wildlife up close.
Trailside MuseumThe AMC Blue Hills Reservation Cabins lodge will be open, serving coffee, snacks, and water for hikers.
AMC Cabin AreaFresh seasonal produce and farm goods at Brookwood Farm's stand.
9:00 AM – 1:00 PMDCR staff with wildlife furs and park information. Learn about the Reservation from the people who manage it.
TBDNew England Basecamp, NepWRA, and others are confirming their schedules. Check back soon.
Details Coming SoonAround the Park
BlueHillsFest takes place across multiple locations within the Blue Hills Reservation. Detailed parking and transportation info will be shared with registered attendees.
Join Us
Register to stay informed about the event, get your spot in the activities, and help us plan. We'll send you details, schedules, and parking info as they're confirmed.
Our Purpose
The Blue Hills Reservation is one of Greater Boston's most treasured natural spaces — but protecting and animating a 7,000-acre park takes more than any single organization.
The Coalition for a Better Blue Hills brings together the stewards of this land to share resources, coordinate programming, amplify shared messages, and create moments — like BlueHillsFest — that invite the entire region to fall in love with these hills.
We operate collaboratively under a shared charter, with each organization retaining its independence and identity while contributing to our collective mission.
Coordinating trail care, conservation, and habitat work across organizational boundaries for a healthier Reservation.
Speaking together on issues of access, funding, policy, and public awareness for the Blue Hills.
Connecting underserved youth and communities with outdoor experiences, science, and career pathways in the natural world.
Sharing event promotion, mailing lists, spaces, and expertise so every organization can do more with less.
Hosting events like BlueHillsFest that draw thousands of neighbors into the park and build lasting affection for these hills.
Coalition News
Wednesday, July 2 at 1 PM — agenda includes landing page review, BlueHillsFest schedules from all organizations, and coalition charter discussion. All members invited.
The coalition met to kick off BlueHillsFest planning. Date confirmed: September 26, 2026. Each organization is preparing their activity schedules and details. Domain betterbluehills.org secured. Coalition charter to be reviewed at next meeting.
Partners shared spring programming highlights including Earth Day events, summer youth programs, accessible trail improvements, and the upcoming Leave No Trace spotlight designation for the Blue Hills. Partners were encouraged to use the shared events calendar and discussed creating a "Blue Hills Day/Week" initiative.