On Tuesday, May 13th, Friends of the Fells (FOF) hosted our 2025 Annual Gathering. Volunteers, donors, members, and supporters joined FOF staff and board members at the Irish American Club in Malden to recognize the hard work of our community members, discuss exciting projects and programming happening in the Fells, and mingle with fellow Fells lovers.
This year’s gathering was particularly special because we shared it with multiple Malden partner organizations!
Partner Organizations: What We Learned
We were happy to have many partners join us at this year’s event. Guests learned about the mission of these organizations and how to get involved through community outings, volunteer events, and conservation projects.
In 2024, Bike to the Sea opened a community Bike Kitchen on the the Northern Strand Bike Path where you can repair your bike, find (cheap or free) spare parts, and meet fellow bike enthusiasts.
This summer, DCR will be hosting Fells Fishin’ Fridays from 9am-11am. Beginners and seasoned fishers alike are welcome to join for this free fun-filled family event!
This April, Friends of the Malden River joined forces with multiple volunteer organizations to take out 100 bags of trash, 13 truck and auto tires, multiple shopping carts and other miscellaneous large items from the Malden River.
On the Great Malden Outdoors website, you can find an extensive Beginner’s Guide to Birdwatching with suggested places to bird-watch (including spots in the Fells)! Check out their bird-watching series happening this June here.
Sign up to become a River Rep with the Mystic River Watershed Association and help connect your community to the Mystic River!
Mass Parks For All’s mission includes their initiative to expand state parks by developing an inventory of existing public spaces to identify areas that lack access.
Service Awards
Awards were presented to two Fells supporters at the meeting.
The Friends Service Award was presented to program leader Mike Jones. The Friends Service Award is presented to an individual for their outstanding volunteer service and leadership. Mike moves mountains (and boulders) to keep trails in the Fells safe and beautiful. We truly couldn’t do it without him!
The Fells Service Award was presented to Anthony Guthro, Field Operations Team Leader. This award is presented to DCR Staff for their work to ensure that the public areas of the Fells are safe and well-maintained and for their support of FOF’s programs. Over the years, Anthony has been an outstanding collaborator on countless projects and an invaluable part of our cross-functional programming.
Staff Updates
Executive Direct Chris Redfern announced that FOF team member Maddie Morgan has been promoted to Field Programs Manager! This will allow her to spend more time on the trails leading volunteer events, supporting trail maintenance, and working to expand the Fells’ partnerships and programming.
Friends of the Fells also welcomed Mollie O’Leary as the Development and Communications Manager. Mollie looks forward to meeting everyone in the Fells community and working with FOF staff and board members to grow the impact of the organization through fundraising, communications, and outreach efforts.
Projects & Programming
The evening also included a presentation and conversation about ongoing projects in the Fells, such as closing rogue trails to prevent habitat defragmentation, reducing biohazards by installing new pilot pet waste stations, and engaging children to explore the forest through the Fells Forest Camp!
Thank you to all our donors, members, supporters, and volunteers for helping protect, preserve, and promote the Middlesex Fells for all!