Celebrate First Day 2015 with a hike in the Great Outdoors! Head to Chestnut Hill or the Neponset Greenway!

Thursday, January 1, 12 noon: Hike Departs - Chestnut Hill First Day Hike
Meet at the entrance to DCR Reilly Memorial Skating Rink at 355 Chestnut Hill Avenue in Brighton. There is limited parking available in a free parking lot on Beacon Street near the rink.
Public transportation encouraged via the Green Line to Cleveland Circle or Reservoir stop.
Join the DCR for a free First Day Hike for all ages. Kick off the new year with a brisk walk in the great outdoors. Act on that resolution to burn off those extra holiday calories on a designated DCR Healthy Heart Trail. Hike a 1.5 mile (1 hour) easy loop around scenic Chestnut Hill Reservoir. Enjoy impressive views of the grand architecture of the Boston Waterworks buildings along the way. Afterwards, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate at the DCR Reilly Skating Rink. Be prepared for cold weather: dress in layers and wear winter boots. No dogs please.

Thursday, January 1, 12 noon: Hike Departs - Pope John Paul II Park First Day Hike
Meet at the Neponset River Greenway Hallet Street parking lot at DCR Pope John Paul II Park in Dorchester.
Join the DCR for a free First Day Hike for all ages. Kick off the new year with a brisk walk in the great outdoors. Hike a 1.5 mile (1 hour) easy figure eight loop through Pope John Paul II Park in Dorchester. Enjoy scenic views of the Neponset River along the way. Afterwards, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate at the McKeon Post at 4 Hill Top Street. Be prepared for cold weather: dress in layers and wear winter boots. Friendly dogs allowed on leashes not to exceed 7 feet.

Saturday, January 10, 9 am – 2 pm: Winter Trails Day at Weston Ski Track
Meet at the Weston Ski Track at Leo J. Martin Golf Course at 200 Park Road in Weston.
Call 781-891-6575 for more info. www.skiboston.com/skitrack/skitrack.php
New to snow sports? Try snowshoeing and cross country skiing at Weston Ski Track and discover the great fitness and social benefits with these easy-to-learn winter sports.
Free demos, additional rentals for a fee. Visit www.skiboston.com or call 781-891-6575 for more information.

Saturday, January 24, 10 am – 12 pm: Annual Waltham Charles River Duck Walk
Meet at the back corner of Shaw’s Supermarket parking lot on 130 River Street in Waltham by the footbridge.
DCR will join the Waltham Land Trust for their Annual Duck Walk along the Charles River. Tag along on this very popular walk along the Upper Charles to see dabbling and diving birds, visiting from Canada. In the past we have seen mergansers (hooded and common), ring necks, golden eyes, grebes, and others, even a bald eagle! Bring your binoculars, cameras, and bird books. Dress warmly--we only cancel if there is heavy snow falling.

Saturday, February 7, 1 pm – 2 pm: Winter Birds of Squantum Point Park
Meet at the white shelter by the pier at Squantum Point parking lot in Quincy. From Quincy Shore Drive, turn onto East Squantum Street. Turn left onto Victory Road in Marina Bay. Proceed straight through the first rotary and take the next left on the Haul Road to Squantum Point. www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/squant.htm
Rafts of eider and brant are a common sight during the winter months. Join us at Squantum Point Park as we take a closer look at the ducks and seabirds that weather New England winters.
Bring binoculars if you have them. We will have some loaner pairs available. 1 hour

Visit www.mass.gov/dcr for February school vacation programs and additional offerings!

Things to know before you go

• ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE!
• Carry drinking water, wear sturdy footgear and dress in layers for maximum comfort.
• If weather conditions are questionable, please call the reservation headquarters on the day of the program at 617-333-7404, extension 104 for updates.
• Reasonable accommodations available. For accessibility concerns, please email Maggi.Brown@state.ma.us