Friends of the Blue Hills

Friends of the Blue Hills' mission is to foster connection between people and the Blue Hills Reservation by cultivating a sense of belonging for all, while building a legacy of stewardship for generations to come. Our 1,500 members, donors, and supporters are what make this mission possible.

Vision

We envision a future where public lands are experienced as shared spaces of belonging; places where all people feel at home and take part in their care, protection, and preservation.

Values

Persistence + Partnership: We bring purpose and determination to our work which is made more impactful through the power of collective action.

Care + Service: We take responsibility for the land we love by showing up, pitching in, and tending to both people and place.

Joy + Fun: In every shared adventure, we aim to create space for people of all ages and abilities to explore and feel free in nature.

Founded in the 1970s by a group of concerned residents of Milton, MA, and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1977, Friends of the Blue Hills (FBH) has served for nearly 50 years as the independent nonprofit partner dedicated to protecting and enhancing the 7,000-acre Blue Hills Reservation, one of Greater Boston's most significant natural resources. Working in close partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), FBH connects people to nature through stewardship, education, volunteerism, and community engagement while helping preserve the Reservation for future generations.

Over the past several years, FBH has significantly expanded both its reach and organizational capacity. In 2025, the organization increased in-park programming by 70%, reflecting strong operational systems, experienced staff, and the ability to successfully manage multiple public and privately funded initiatives. Evaluation and continuous improvement are embedded in our work through participant surveys, outcome tracking, and regular impact reporting to funders and stakeholders.

Environmental education has become a cornerstone of FBH's mission. Each year, hundreds of students participate in hands-on, place-based learning experiences that build environmental literacy while fostering a lasting connection to the Blue Hills. Students engage in habitat restoration, invasive species removal, ecological observation, and community science projects alongside trained educators and volunteers. These experiences develop scientific knowledge, strengthen civic responsibility, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

FBH has cultivated strong partnerships with schools and other nonprofits serving diverse communities throughout Greater Boston, including Brooke High School in Mattapan, TEC High School in Walpole, Braintree High School, Milton Academy, Elevate Youth, and Mosaic Youth Services. These collaborations enable young people — many of whom have limited access to outdoor environmental education — to experience the physical, mental, and educational benefits of nature while contributing meaningfully to conservation.

Our broader community impact continues to grow. In 2025 alone, FBH engaged 690 volunteers, hosted 97 community events (98% of them free to the public) and cared for more than 20 miles of trails while protecting over 57 acres through invasive species removal and litter cleanup. More than 35 corporate partners supported this work through sponsorships, memberships, volunteer service, and in-kind contributions.