We had a great turnout for the Blackstone Canal Hike on Rails-To-Trails Celebrate Trails Day last month. Scroll down to find the schedule of our Trail Ambassador volunteer-led hikes. We hope to see you out on the trails! | |
Corridor News - May 7, 2024 | |
The Latest Buzz on Pollinators | |
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While visiting Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark recently, we saw URI Master Gardener volunteers working in the garden area. They shared the news with us that they are going to build pollinator-specific garden beds this year. There will be beds for Bombus fervidus (Golden Northern Bumblebee), Bombus vagans (Half-black Bumblebee), solitary bees, and a bed for moths and butterflies.
You can meet with Master Gardeners during the First Strike Festival at Old Slater Mill on Saturday, May 11, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. They will be offering free soil testing.
We invite you to take our Pollinator Pledge, which can be found at https://blackstoneheritagecorridor.org/protect-our-pollinators/.
Check out the video featuring National Heritage Areas across the country showing their support of Operation Pollination: https://youtu.be/xhkIMpdx49c.
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Check out this video featuring National Heritage Areas across the country talking about Operation Pollination. Devon and Bonnie got a role in it! | |
Devon stands ready to present the history of the Blackstone River Valley to groups around the Blackstone Valley. If you'd like to invite him, send an email to dkurtz@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org. | |
May is National Bike Month | |
How will you celebrate National Bike Month in May? If you're out riding along the Blackstone River Bikeway and Greenway this month, you may spot our volunteer Bikeway Ambassadors. They'll be noticeable in their orange shirts. Stop and say hello. Maybe you or someone you know would enjoy participating in the accessible cycling events this month (scroll down to learn more). We hope you'll share your cycling adventures with us by tagging us in your photos with #brvbike.
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One of our priorities for the future is to advocate for the completion of the well-traveled, multi-use trail used for biking and hiking between Worcester and Providence. The natural treasures of the corridor are tremendous assets to the quality of life here. Our programs provide cherished experiences for all: families and visitors, including people with disabilities and veterans. To learn more and show your support, visit PreservetheCorridor.org. | | |
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In celebration of National Bike Month, we donated our pet trailer to All Out Adventures in memory of B.A.R.K. Ranger Rocksie, who passed away in October. They will use it for accessible cycling participants with service animals. | | |
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It's been a busy spring season for our volunteer program! We've been hosting several Day of Service events and want to thank the MA Department of Public Health, Whitinsville Christian School, National Grid, Zillow, and Santander. The total in-kind value of these service projects comes to $5,744.
If you'd like to plan a Day of Service event for your group, reach out to Molly Cardoza at volunteer@BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org.
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Accessible Cycling Returns to the Blackstone Valley! | |
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All Out Adventures, in partnership with the Universal Access Program and the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, is pleased to offer adaptive cycling for people with disabilities and their families and friends. All ages and abilities are welcome!
All equipment is provided, but you must pre-register for a time slot by calling All Out Adventures at 413-584-2052 or emailing info@alloutadventures.org. Reserve a handcycle, recumbent trike, or tandem recumbent trike for a one-hour time slot during the program time.
All events are 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The fee is $5.
- Wednesday, May 15 Blackstone River Greenway in Blackstone
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Wednesday, June 19 Blackstone River Greenway in Blackstone
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Wednesday, June 26 Blackstone River Greenway in Worcester
If you'd like to volunteer, please contact Molly Cardoza at mcardoza@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org.
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Explore the Waterways with the
Blackstone Valley Paddle Club
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The Blackstone Valley Paddle Club launches its 24th season with a paddle at the West River in Uxbridge, MA.
Tuesday, May 21
Meet at 6 p.m. for a 6:15 p.m. launch
28 West River Road, Uxbridge, MA
Learn more here.
Photo by Skye Pechie
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Hikes with BHC Trail Ambassadors | |
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The following is a list of hikes in Massachusetts being led by volunteer Trail Ambassador Phil. Phil's hikes begin at 10 a.m. Find event details on our events calendar.
- Saturday, May 18: Wallis Pond Loop Hike, Douglas
- Saturday, June 1: Stowe Meadows Hike, Millbury
- Saturday, June 15: Douglas State Forest Hike, Douglas
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The following is a list of hikes in Rhode Island with volunteer Trail Ambassador Ernie. Ernie's hikes begin at 9 a.m. (except for May 26). Find event details on our events calendar.
- Sunday, May 26: Historic Providence Tour, Downtown
- Saturday, June 8: Ponaganset Covered Bridge Trail Hike, Glocester
- Sunday, July 28: Mowry Farm & Conservation Area Hike, Smithfield
- Sunday, August 25: Powder Mill Ledges Hike, Smithfield
- Sunday, September 29: Turner Reservoir Hike, East Providence
- Saturday, October 26: Moshassuck River Preserve Hike, Lincoln
- Friday, November 29: Wolf Hill Hike, Smithfield
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News From Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park | |
Old Slater Mill reopens in April! Click here for visitor information. | |
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Come Out for a Power Walk!
This spring, join a park ranger for a series of "power walks" around historic sites in the Blackstone Valley.
During these brisk walking tours, we'll explore the history of waterpower and check out some hidden gems along the Blackstone.
Hosted on Thursdays through May 30 at 5:30 p.m. Free and open to all; no advance registration is required. Cancellations will be posted on the park website: nps.gov/blrv.
Find the schedule at https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/power-walks.htm.
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Join Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park Ranger Jill Forrester for a talk on the History Behind the First Strike. Learn the history of the first wage workers' strike in the U.S. It happened in Pawtucket! | |
Ranger Walkabouts
One of our favorite traditions in the Blackstone Valley is the ranger walkabout.
Each Thursday night in June, July, and August, we invite you to get out and explore with us by taking a guided walk. All walkabouts are free and begin at 6:30 PM. Lengths, topics, locations, and rangers vary.
Check out the lineup of all walkabouts here: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/ranger-walkabouts.htm.
*Please Note: there will not be a ranger walkabout on Thursday, July 4, 2024, but the visitor centers at Roger Williams National Memorial and Slater Mill WILL be open, 10 AM - 4 PM.
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In Memoriam - Mary Lee Partington | | |
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We are deeply saddened by the loss of Mary Lee Partington, one of our 2023 John H. Chafee Heritage Award recipients. We are glad that we got to celebrate her and all of her accomplishments last December. Mary inspired us all and made a lasting impact in the Blackstone River Valley.
Her family shared a wonderful tribute in her obituary.
Our condolences go out to all of her friends, family, and community.
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Don’t Miss Ken Warchol’s Final Historic Trolley Tour of Whitinsville
Saturday, May 18
Tours at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m.
Pre-registration required. See below.
Northbridge historian, teacher, and long-time chairperson of the Northbridge Historical Commission, Ken Warchol, will guide you on a leisurely 2-hour trolley tour of Northbridge Center and The Historic District of Whitinsville. Ken began providing historic tours of his hometown in 1977 and has since celebrated and shared Northbridge's history with countless students and community members of all ages. Riders will learn about the vital role Northbridge played in the Industrial Revolution and its growth from a village to a thriving industrial global center under the direction of the entrepreneurial spirit and engineering prominence of the Whitin family. From humble beginnings at the Fletcher Forge to the establishment and growth of Whitin Machine Works into the 1920s, Whitin Machine Shop became the world's most prominent textile machine shop. The tour includes aspects of village life and explores the architectural skeletons and landmarks that remind us of a bygone era. The tour begins at the 1770 Colonel James Fletcher Homestead, the former home to James Fletcher, founder of the Fletcher Forge, and now the home of the Northbridge Historical Society. It continues with a stop at the Town Hall and on to more historical places and scenic views.
There is no charge for the tour, thanks to a generous donation from Unibank. Seating is by registration only, and tours fill up quickly. To request seat(s), email folloni1908@gmail.com. Include your contact info, number of seats requested, and preferred tour time (not guaranteed). You will receive a confirmation email with details.
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Night Sky Program
River Bend Farm, 287 Oak St., Uxbridge, MA
Gather with local astronomers to view the night sky.
All events are on Friday evenings. Details on what you'll see are on our events calendar. Save these dates:
May 10 at 8:30 p.m.; June 21 at 8:30 p.m.; July 12 at 8:30 p.m.; August 16 at 8 p.m.; September 20 at 7 p.m.; October 25 at 6 p.m.; November 15 at 5:30 p.m.
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Get Your Events on Our Calendar! | |
"Explore, Discover, Protect, and GO!"
The Junior Ranger motto is recited by children around the country, each taking an oath of their own to protect parks, continue to learn about parks, and share their own ranger story with friends and family. Here in the Blackstone River Valley, Junior Rangers are called GearHeads. What's a GearHead, you might ask?
GearHead (n.): a kid, powered by the gears in their brain, who explores nature, discovers history, protects the environment, and goes on adventures throughout the Blackstone River Valley.
Click through the GearHeads website and claim your Junior Ranger status today! Submit a completed activity, and we'll send you a Junior Ranger badge!
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Navigate & Explore the Blackstone River Valley
With Our Interactive Map!
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If you're looking to spread the word with your events, submit them today!
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Blackstone Heritage Corridor, working with community partners, provides strong leadership to preserve, promote, and celebrate the Valley’s historic, natural and recreational resources for current and future generations. | |
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