An enthusiastic crowd turned out for the launch of our spring hiking series led by our volunteer Trail Ambassadors. This hike was at Cormier Woods in Uxbridge, and Jim Beauchamp, the caretaker of this Trustees of Reservations property, interpreted some history along the way. Scroll down to see the video we captured during the hike. You'll also find the schedule of future hikes. | |
Corridor News - April 2, 2024 | |
April is National Volunteer Month | |
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Here at the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, we proudly manage the National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks program and have nearly 300 volunteers who volunteer in a multitude of ways throughout the Blackstone River Valley. Our core volunteer programs include the Blackstone Heritage Corridor Bikeway Ambassadors, Trail Ambassadors, Photography Ambassadors, Birding Ambassadors, Cemetery Conservation Ambassadors, and the Blackstone Valley Club. Outside of those programs, we work with several partner organizations that are part of the Volunteers-In-Parks program, and their volunteer roles range from water quality monitoring to giving historic home tours and more. When a volunteer comes to us with a specific interest, we find them a place in the program. In fact, that is how most of our programs were born!
We are so proud of our volunteers and the great work they do. We thank them immensely for their incredible contribution to the Blackstone River Valley.
If you'd like to learn more about getting involved and meet our volunteers, we invite you to our Volunteer Open House on Saturday, April 27, at Old Slater Mill in Pawtucket. The event is from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can RSVP at bit.ly/VolOpenHouseApril 24.
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Would you like to lend a hand to help keep Blackstone Valley clean and green? Plans are coming together across the Blackstone Valley for spring cleanups. Check our list for a cleanup near you. We'll keep updating the list as cleanups are announced.
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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.
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Wednesday, April 17 Blackstone River Greenway in Blackstone
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Wednesday, May 1 Blackstone River Greenway in Blackstone
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Wednesday, May 8 Blackstone River Greenway in Worcester
- 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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REGISTRATION OPENS FRIDAY, APRIL 5. The link will be posted in the Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/935180454547804/.
Family Fun Fishing Day is FREE, thanks to our volunteers!
Our biggest needs are assistance with set up/break down and manning tables and fishing stations. To sign up to volunteer and to see available roles, click here.
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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, April 6: Midstate Trail Hike – Part 2, Douglas
- Saturday, April 20: Castle Hill Farm Hike, Whitinsville
- Saturday, May 4: Mendon Town Forest Hike, Mendon
- 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.
- Saturday, April 27: Blackstone Canal Hike, Lincoln
- 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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Join us on a hike to Cormier Woods, Uxbridge, MA, a carefully preserved 186-acre farmstead that dates to the 17th century. It is a Trustees of Reservations property. Jim Beauchamp, caretaker at Cormier Woods, shares some history along the way. The trailhead is at 218 Chapin Street in Uxbridge, just down the road from Southwick's Zoo and Galliford's Restaurant & Tavern. Learn more at https://thetrustees.org/place/cormier-woods/. | |
News From Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park | |
Old Slater Mill reopens in April! Click here for visitor information. | | |
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Legacy Restoration Fund Planned for Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
The National Park Service Budget Justifications and Performance Information, also known as The Green Book, for Fiscal Year 2025 was recently released, indicating a proposed $9 million in deferred maintenance reduction for Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park under the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA).
This project would preserve the historic Old Slater Mill and Wilkinson Mill, including repairs to foundations, exterior envelopes, the site’s raceways and river retaining walls, the Wilkinson waterpower system and wheel exhibit, and would provide code-compliant accessibility upgrades to the site. Read more here.
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"The Transportation Revolution: Beta Cloth" takes a deep dive into the history of beta cloth, a product made by workers at the Ashton Mill Village in Cumberland, RI. Learn how this former textile mill became part of the space race. This video was made by Colin Prancl, a park intern and member of the Class of 2024 at Providence College. | |
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The Parked at Home virtual series is returning for a third year! Learn about America's National Parks from the comfort of home. Talks will take place on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. EST this spring. All are free but require advance registration.
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Solar Eclipse of the Park
Monday, April 8 | 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
A partial solar eclipse will be visible on Monday, April 8. The eclipse will begin just after 2 PM and last about 2.5 hours.
Become an Eclipse Explorer!
- Get eclipse glasses to enjoy the event safely.
- Complete activities and earn a special badge.
- Talk with a ranger and discover how people of the past understood weather events.
- Learn about future Night Sky Programs!
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Free and open to all. No advance registration is needed. Join us at either site!
River Bend Farm Visitor Center
287 Oak St, Uxbridge, MA 01569
Visitor Center will be open from 10 AM - 4 PM
Roger Williams National Memorial
282 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903
Visitor Center will be open from 1 PM - 4 PM
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Roger Williams National Memorial Homeschool Day
Tuesday, April 16 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
282 N. Main Street, Providence, RI
Join us for our first springtime homeschool open house day! Enjoy a day of free activities and ranger-led programs designed for homeschool families and groups. Drop in for Junior Ranger activities anytime between 10 AM and 3 PM. Watch a short video on Roger Williams and explore an exhibit on his legacy. RSVP here.
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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, April 18 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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On Saturday, April 20, Metamorphosis: the TEN31 Dance Company and Community Partners will share a National Water Dance at Slater Mill. The performance will be at 4:00 p.m. outside the mill. It is free and open to all.
What is a National Water Dance? This a performance where a “collective of dancers bringing attention to water issues through simultaneous site-specific performance.”
Learn more about National Water Dance programs here:
National Water Dance – NWD Projects
This event marks the beginning of National Park Week.
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Spring Cleanup at Old Slater Mill and Roger Williams National Memorial
Saturday, April 27 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
We will be preparing the park for spring and summer by raking leaves and cleaning up the grounds. Staff will provide gloves, rakes, brooms, and all other supplies. It is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes and clothing for working outdoors.
This event is part of Global Youth Service Day (April 26-28, 2024). Please note that all minors must be accompanied by an adult.
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First Strike Festival - 200 Years of Labor
Saturday, May 11 | 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Old Slater Mill, 67 Roosevelt St., Pawtucket, RI
Join us for a community celebration and 200-year commemoration of the first industrial worker's strike in the United States.
THINGS TO DO:
Tours and Talks
- Tour Slater Mill with a ranger (10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, or 2:30 PM)
Meet in front of Slater Mill – limited to 25 persons
- Drop in for a Labor History Talk with a ranger (offered on the hour, 1, 2, 3)
Pop into the Slater Mill belltower
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Longley Building Documentary
Friday, May 17 | 6:30 p.m.
Old Slater Mill, 67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket
This Preservation Month, learn the history of the legendary Longley Building, a Woonsocket landmark built in 1890. Named for Charles E. Longley, this structure is part of the Main Street District of Woonsocket, an area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For more than a century, dozens of business owners have had a premier view of Woonsocket's Main Street from inside the Longley Building. Hear their stories and get a new perspective on history in Providence, Pawtucket, and Woonsocket.
Documentary created by David Lawlor, Run of the Mill LLC.
Support from the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, the Museum of Work and Culture, and local partners made this film possible.
Seating is limited. Reserve your seat at https://bit.ly/longley24.
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Join the Blackstone River Coalition (BRC) and their monitoring volunteers at this free event to learn about the latest water quality in the Blackstone Watershed. BRC samples at 75 sites throughout the mainstem and tributaries of the river in both MA and RI. This event will provide a comprehensive overview of the data, including areas of concern and others of celebration. | |
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The following are some cemetery cleanups in the Blackstone Heritage Corridor:
Saturday, April 6
Riverside Cemetery Cleanup
8:00 a.m.
Meet opposite the Harrisville Fire Station on Callahan School Street, Harrisville, RI
Contact Betty at 401-500-0433 for additional information.
Saturday, April 6 & Sunday, April 7
Elder Ballou Cemetery Cleanup – Elder Ballou Road, Cumberland
Saturday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Contact: Keith Hainley 401-996-1542 or dkhainley@gmail.com.
Saturday, April 13
Hopkins/Marsh/Potter Cemetery #12 Cleanup
8:00 a.m.
Meet at the intersection of Charles Street and Howard Avenue in Pascoag.
Contact Betty at 401-500-0433 for additional information.
>>>There are a number of walking tours planned in the Blackstone Valley. Find the list at https://rihistoriccemeteries.org/events.aspx.<<
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National Baseball Poetry Festival | |
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Calling all poetry lovers and baseball fans! The National Baseball Poetry Festival is coming to Polar Park from May 3 to 5. There was a kickoff event recently at the Worcester Public Library, and our own Devon Kurtz, dressed in his 1880s Worcester Worcesters uniform, was there representing Casey at Bat. A poetry contest is now live for adults and students in grades 4 through 12. You can learn more at https://baseballpoetryfest.org/.
Pictured here from left to right are: Smiley (Worcester Red Sox mascot), Tim Murray (Worcester Chamber of Commerce), Charles Steinberg (President, Worcester Red Sox), Serenity C. Jackson (Worcester Technical High School student, Worcester Youth Poet Laureate), Eric Batista (Worcester City Manager), Steven Biondolillo (Event Organizer, Biondolillo Associates, Inc.), Doug Lord (Worcester Public Library, Director of Library Services), and Devon Kurtz (Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor).
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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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