BOSTON – Senator Brian A. Joyce (D-Milton) on Monday announced $500,000 in funding for the Blue Hills Trailside Museum will be released in the next few weeks. The funding, proposed by Joyce, passed the Senate in late May and was included in the final version of the budget approved by the House and Senate in July, but has been on hold by the Baker Administration.

The Blue Hills Trailside Museum serves as the interpretive center for the Blue Hills Reservation. It features a natural history museum and outdoor wildlife exhibits. The museum provides a wide variety of services, including summer camps, guided trail experiences, and research projects, and promotes environmental education, nature discovery, and conservation throughout the community. Over 100,000 individuals and 200 local schools visit the museum each year.

Last summer, funding for the museum was vetoed by Governor Charlie Baker, which prompted an outpouring of support from people across the South Shore.

“We received many calls and emails, but I was particularly impressed by the number of constituents discussing the Trailside Museum on Facebook. Many talked about visiting the museum as a student and were very upset about the cut,” said Joyce. “I have worked to secure funding in the budget for Trailside year after year, and I was glad to have the strong support of residents throughout the South Shore while fighting to override the veto. Trailside is truly a local treasure, and I’m thrilled they’ll finally be receiving this funding.”

“Trailside is truly a local treasure, and I’m thrilled they’ll finally be receiving this funding.” — Brian Joyce

With this funding, the Blue Hills Trailside Museum will continue to provide the public with opportunities to explore the value of natural study and conservation.

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Senator Brian A. Joyce represents the Norfolk, Bristol and Plymouth District consisting of Avon, Braintree, Canton, Easton, East Bridgewater, Milton, Randolph, Sharon, Stoughton, and West Bridgewater. Senator Joyce currently serves as Assistant Majority Leader. He can be reached at 617-722-1643 or via email at [email protected].