Blue Hill Observatory Renames Annual Earth Day Climb, Expands Invitation to All

The beloved climb up Great Blue Hill returns April 18 under a new name — Climb for a Better Tomorrow — with a broader mission and 800+ expected participants

MILTON, MA, March 26, 2026 — Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center today announced that its annual Earth Day climb up Great Blue Hill has a new name: Climb for a Better Tomorrow. The event, which draws hundreds of community members to the summit each spring, returns on Saturday, April 18, 2026 with an expanded mission and its most ambitious fundraising goal yet.

The name change reflects the Observatory’s belief that the climb means something different to everyone who makes it — some climb for climate, some for the next generation, some for the students who have never had access to a trail, a summit, or a place where science is happening in real time. Climb for a Better Tomorrow is an open invitation to all of them.

“We wanted a name that held everyone who climbs with us,” said Alex J. Evans, Executive Director of Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center. “Whatever brings you to Great Blue Hill on April 18th — your values, your community, your kids — there is a place for you on this climb.”

The event runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton. All registered participants receive an event t-shirt and goodie bag. Climbers ascend a paved road to the summit — an accessible, family-friendly walk suitable for all fitness levels — passing sponsor and partner tables along the way — where they are invited to tap a live LED counter that tracks the day’s total climbs in real time. Music, refreshments, Earth Day activities, and free tours of the historic Observatory await at the top.

This is a rain-or-shine event. Participants are encouraged to climb as many times as they wish and to tap the counter with each ascent. Registration is $25 and includes the event t-shirt and goodie bag. A community fundraising goal of $50,000 has been set for 2026, with proceeds funding field trips, internships, mentorship, and career pathways for young people who have been left out of science and outdoor learning experiences.

“Too many students grow up without ever hiking a trail or stepping inside a place where science is happening in real time,” Evans added. “Every registration helps change that.”

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Interested organizations should contact Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center at events@bluehill.org or visit bluehill.org/climb2026.

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