We are the Friends of Hemlock Gorge Reservation

Upcoming Events

2026 Spring Cleanup of Hemlock Gorge

2026 Spring Cleanup of Hemlock Gorge


May 2, 2026    

9:30 am – 11:45 am

The Friends’ Annual Spring Cleanup of the park will take place on Saturday, May 2. Parking is available at Hamilton Place on the Needham side, […]

Tour Hemlock Gorge with Newton Conservators

Tour Hemlock Gorge with Newton Conservators


June 7, 2026    

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Hemlock Gorge, a national historic landmark with wooded paths and a spectacular view of the Charles River, is a hidden gem straddling Newton and Needham. […]

2026 Spring Cleanup of Hemlock Gorge

2026 Spring Cleanup of Hemlock Gorge


May 2, 2026    

9:30 am – 11:45 am

The Friends’ Annual Spring Cleanup of the park will take place on Saturday, May 2. Parking is available at Hamilton Place on the Needham side, […]

Tour Hemlock Gorge with Newton Conservators

Tour Hemlock Gorge with Newton Conservators


June 7, 2026    

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Hemlock Gorge, a national historic landmark with wooded paths and a spectacular view of the Charles River, is a hidden gem straddling Newton and Needham. […]


Recent News

  • The Rustic Footbridge is rebuilt

    The rustic bridge by Artists’ Point, connecting the Newton and Needham shores, has been rebuilt. The photos show the concrete footings for the new bridge next to the deteriorated timbers of the old bridge, the bridge under construction, and the finished bridge as it was left in 2006.

  • 2006 Spring Cleanup

    2006 Spring Cleanup

    On Saturday, April 29, 2006, The Friends of Hemlock Gorge were joined by a goodly number of volunteers to undertake our spring cleanup. We generally thought the property was in excellent shape, but the day revealed many concerns.

  • 2006 Fall Cleanup

    2006 Fall Cleanup

    On Saturday, April 29, 2006, The Friends of Hemlock Gorge were joined by a goodly number of volunteers to undertake our spring cleanup. We generally thought the property was in excellent shape, but the day revealed many concerns.

  • Echo Bridge Promenade is open

    Echo Bridge Promenade is open

    The Friends are pleased to report that the Echo Bridge Promenade has re-opened. The safety “snow barriers” are made of wood slats and actually not unsightly. Congratulations to the MWRA, Friends, journalists, officials, and all concerned citizens who help achieve this. We now look forward to working on the permanent solution to the railing problem.

  • Echo Bridge Promenade to Re-Open During the Railing Repair Process

    Echo Bridge Promenade to Re-Open During the Railing Repair Process

    In response to the efforts of the Friends and local officials, the protests of many local residents, and the publicity generated by front page stories in the last two issues of The Newton Tab, the MWRA informed us on Friday, March 17, 2006 that, instead of closing Echo Bridge to pedestrians indefinitely, temporary “snow barriers”…

  • Echo Bridge Promenade Closed Pending Temporary Barrier Installation

    Echo Bridge Promenade Closed Pending Temporary Barrier Installation

    We have been assured that The Echo Bridge Promenade will remain open during the railing repair process. However,  the Promenade was closed on March 17 pending installation of temporary safety barriers. The picture to the right shows how the closure was effected on the Newton side by locked gate. There is a similar barrier on…

  • Echo Bridge Promenade Closing March 17, 2006

    Echo Bridge Promenade Closing March 17, 2006

    We were informed at the beginning of March, 2006 by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) that Echo Bridge will be closed temporarily to pedestrians beginning March 17, 2006, fast upon the Ides of March. Et tu, MWRA? It is to remain closed for an indeterminate length of time. The reason is safety—the deterioration of…

  • Echo Bridge to Close to Pedestrians March 15, 2006: MWRA

    Echo Bridge to Close to Pedestrians March 15, 2006: MWRA

    What follows is the text of a memorandum sent to the Hemlock Gorge Reservation Site Supervisor by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) that Echo Bridge will be closed temporarily to pedestrians. MWRA Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2006 CONTACTS:Ria Convery, 617-788-1105 [email protected] ECHO BRIDGE CLOSED TO PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC Handrails a danger to…

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  • Stone Building Floor Installed

    Stone Building Floor Installed

    As announced previously, The Friends of Hemlock Gorge succeeded in our application for a Public-Private Partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The Friends earmarked $2500 for a new floor and other repairs to the Stone Building, and that amount was matched by the DCR. On February 23, we were notified by the…

  • Report on the Adelgids and Ladybugs in Hemlock Gorge

    Final Report Pseudoscymnus tsugae Release Hemlock Gorge 2001-2005 Background: The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) (formerly the Department of Environmental Management) was approached by the Friends of Hemlock Gorge regarding the possible release of the predatory ladybird beetle (Pseudoscymnus tsugae) for the control of an infestation of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) (Adelges tsugae) at…

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  • 2005 Fall Cleanup

    2005 Fall Cleanup

    On Saturday, November 11, 2005, The Friends of Hemlock Gorge were joined by a goodly number of volunteers to undertake our fall cleanup. The property appeared to be in surprisingly good shape on this gorgeous fall day.

  • Annual Letter to Members, 2005

    Annual Letter to Members, 2005

    As 2005 draws to a close, we again write to update you on the activities of the Friends. In addition, we appeal to you to renew your membership and your personal and financial commitment to our activities in 2006.