Photos: Skyline Trail roasted in Quincy

Here's some photos, taken five weeks later, of the fire May 3rd in the Blue Hills. Click on one image to get to the next.

http://www.friendsofthebluehills.org/oneoff/SkyFire061007/00.htm

Trail Maintenance Training - Saturday, June 16th, 8:00 AM

Hello from Bob Flagg. I just wanted to remind you of our trail event on Saturday. It will be a great opportunity to learn about trail maintenance from a real technician. Jim Kaemmerlen is incredibly enthusiastic about imparting his knowledge and skills to our members. He has many years experience in trail maintenance.

If you are interested and have not already confirmed your interest with an email to me, please email or call me to confirm. We hope you will consider donating your time to get some training and fresh air. It should be a beautiful day!!

The event will leave from Houghton’s Pond parking lot (look for my green Subaru parked in the corner when you first drive in the parking lot on Hillside Street). Because we have a short window for work and training, we ask you arrive to get on the trail at 8 AM. For those that want to work past the 11 AM time, I will be happy to stay until 1 or 2 PM to make sure people get to work all they want. If you want to leave at 11 AM, that is fine, too. We always want to make sure you get what you want out of these events because without you, our parks would just languish.

Please bring water, sun block, sturdy boots, a snack or pack lunch and your enthusiasm. If you have any questions, feel free to email or call me.

Thank you for making a difference and a special thanks to Jim for making this possible.

Bob Flagg
FBH Trails Committee
bflaggevergreen@comcast.net
781-963-1304 (7-9 PM)

PS: We are considering adding another work day on Saturday, June 23rd, around 8:30 or 9:00 AM till noon or 1 PM if I can get at least five volunteers. If you are interested, please let me know ASAP so we can get this scheduled. Thanks.

Blue Hills Reservoir update

We have been pressing Governor Patrick to suspend MWRA plans to fill the Blue Hills Reservoir on Chickatawbut Road in Quincy at a cost to ratepayers of $40 million unless MWRA agrees to replace the 8.7 acres of protected wetlands that will be lost. Such replacement has been required of every state agency including MWRA for a generation. Here's a look at our latest mailing:

http://www.friendsofthebluehills.org/reservoir/mailing060607.htm

In the meantime MWRA is charging ahead with construction despite the express opposition of the city of Quincy. Here are some photos taken at the site yesterday (click on one image to get to the next). Beware, they're not pretty.

http://www.friendsofthebluehills.org/reservoir/061007/00.htm