PRESS RELEASE: Friends of the Blue Hills Invites Community to Celebrate the Reservation Through Photography

Annual photo contest showcases the wildlife, landscapes, recreation and people that make the Blue Hills special

CANTON, Mass. — October 15, 2026 — From wildlife and wildflowers to favorite trails and memorable moments outdoors, the Blue Hills Reservation offers something special to everyone who visits. Friends of the Blue Hills (FBH) is inviting photographers of all ages to share their perspectives in the 2026 Blue Hills Photo Contest, open for submissions through October 23.

The annual contest celebrates the beauty and diversity of the Blue Hills Reservation and the many ways people connect with this treasured natural resource. Whether capturing a quiet moment in nature, an outdoor adventure with friends, or the details of a plant or animal, photographers are encouraged to share what makes the Blue Hills meaningful to them.

“This contest is a wonderful way to see the Blue Hills through the eyes of the people who know and love it,” said Jen Klein, Executive Director of Friends of the Blue Hills. “Every photograph tells a story about this special place and the experiences it makes possible. We look forward to seeing the community’s unique perspectives.”

The 2026 contest features four categories:

• Youth:
  Photographers under age 18
• Flora & Fauna: Plants, wildlife and the natural world
• Recreation Activities in the Park: Hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding and other outdoor activities
• People in the Blue Hills: People enjoying and exploring the Reservation

Photographers may submit entries by emailing their photos to fbhphotographs@gmail.com by October 23, 2026. Each submission must include the category, photographer’s name, town of residence and photo title to qualify. A panel of judges assembled by Friends of the Blue Hills will review submissions and select the winners.

Winners will be announced at the Friends of the Blue Hills Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 4, at Milton Academy’s Straus Library in Milton. The meeting will also recognize the organization’s 2026 Volunteers of the Year. Visit our calendar at friendsofthebluehills.org to get tickets.

The Blue Hills Reservation encompasses approximately 7,000 acres of public land across several communities south of Boston. With its forests, ponds, wildlife, trails and opportunities for outdoor recreation, the Reservation is an important natural resource for people throughout the region.

Friends of the Blue Hills is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering connection between people and the Blue Hills Reservation while building a legacy of stewardship for generations to come.

For contest details, visit friendsofthebluehills.org.