Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor
August 4, 2022
Thank you to our Volunteers-In-Parks volunteers who joined us for our Volunteer Appreciation Ice Cream Social on August 3rd at West End Creamery. It was a wonderful night to spend catching up and getting to know each other. We hope everyone had a great time learning about the work their fellow volunteers have been doing around the Corridor! If you couldn't join us, please reach out to Molly. We would love to hear from you about your volunteer experience and what you have been up to this summer! 

We asked our volunteers to share what their favorite part of volunteering is. If you want to see what they said, click here or on the image.
Blackstone River Commons Expedition 2022
The Blackstone River is a commons – a resource shared by the community to be kept open and protected for future generations. This is an exciting year for the Blackstone River – it marks the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, the primary driver of our cleaner water today, as well as ZAP the Blackstone, the largest one-day regional environmental cleanup in U.S. history, where 10,000 volunteers removed 10,000 tons of debris from the river.

Recently, the Blackstone Watershed Collaborative was created at Clark University to bring partners together and solve water quality and climate resilience challenges in the region, as identified in the recently published Blackstone Needs Assessment Report. Designers and faculty from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and Counterform Studio are working with the Collaborative and other water and community advocates, including the Friends of the Blackstone, Save the Bay, and others, to find creative ways to connect people to the river. The goal is to acknowledge and celebrate the work that has been done in the past and identify the work that remains to create a vibrant, resilient, and diverse future for the river.
Current challenges such as climate impacts, stormwater runoff, invasive species, equitable river access, and fish passage require varied strategies to solve, but they also count on public support, active stewardship, and engaged decision makers. To bring attention to these challenges as well as opportunities to work together to solve them, the group is organizing a 60-mile paddle from the headwaters of the Blackstone in Worcester, MA, through its connection to the Seekonk River and on to the Narragansett Bay in Providence, RI from August 11 - August 14, 2022. Each day will offer new perspectives, stops to discuss specific issues, and an opportunity to highlight the diverse voices and issues along the river.

Blackstone River Commons Expedition:
Public Paddle - Pawtucket to Providence - Sunday, August 14
On Sunday, August 14, join the Blackstone River Commons Group on the final stretch of the 2022 Blackstone Expedition!

Paddlers are invited to join the last four miles of the 4-day, 60-mile expedition, raising awareness about the opportunities to improve the Blackstone River.

32 spots are available in canoes generously provided by Friends of the Blackstone, or feel free to bring your own watercraft! All participants must register by Thursday, August 9, at 5 pm.

This will be a moderate paddle of 4 miles from 1:30 - 3:30 pm, from Festival Pier Boat Launch in Pawtucket to Gano Park Boat Launch in Providence. All are invited to a public celebration of the Blackstone River Commons Expedition hosted by Narragansett Brewery at 4 pm!

"Kittakuck Speaks" is a film produced by the Friends of the Blackstone in concert with the Rhode Island Rivers Council. The Native American meaning of Kittacuck is "the great tidal river." During this film, Kittacuck speaks back to the people of the Blackstone River Valley.

Click here to watch: https://youtu.be/morPl5sxtTc.

This film will be screened at Narragansett Brewery (271 Tockwotton St.) in Providence at the end of Expedition 2022 on Sunday, August 14, at 4:00 pm.
Click on the above image to open and print the letter template.
Night Sky Program
Friday, August 12
8:00 p.m.
River Bend Farm
287 Oak Street, Uxbridge, MA

Would you like to learn the constellations visible right now? Astronomers from Skyscrapers will be able to guide your way around the sky. Telescopes will be available for close-up looks of the moon and stars. Free event. Photo by Jim Hendrickson.
Become a Bikeway Ambassador!
Join Us on Rides of Discovery
Join our Blackstone Heritage Corridor Bikeway Ambassadors on guided bike rides this summer to explore different sections of the Blackstone River Bikeway.

Bring your own bike, helmet, and water. Rides depart at 6:30 p.m. and return by
8 p.m.
Wednesday, August 10: Blackstone, MA
Meet at the Blackstone River Greenway, 85 Canal Street, Blackstone, MA, for a guided ride along the Blackstone River Greenway to Uxbridge, MA, and back. The round-trip distance is just over seven miles.

Wednesday, August 24: Lincoln, RI to Old Slater Mill
Meet at the Lonsdale Drive-In parking lot, 110 John Street, Lincoln, RI, for a guided ride to Old Slater Mill in Pawtucket, RI. Much of this ride will be off of the bikeway and on the street. The approximate round-trip distance is five miles. 

Mechanics and Bike Modifications
Monday, August 8
9:30 AM – 12 PM
Landry's Bicycles - Worcester

Group Ride on the Weekend
Sunday, September 25
10 AM - 1 PM
Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center, Worcester
Blackstone Valley Paddle Club Celebrates Its 22nd Season!
Get Your Canoe or Kayak and Join the Fun!
The Blackstone Valley Paddle Club proudly celebrates its 22nd season! This all-volunteer program will lead guided paddles throughout the Blackstone River Valley on Tuesday evenings from May 17 through August 30. See the schedule and details below!

Participants must bring their own canoe or kayak and life jacket.
2022 Paddle Schedule:

All paddles are on Tuesdays. Meet at 6 p.m. for a 6:15 p.m. launch.
Find all paddle details and addresses at https://ricka.org/BVcalendar.html.

August 9: Blackstone Gorge, Blackstone, MA
August 16: Hopedale Pond, Hopedale, MA
August 23: Stump Pond, Smithfield, RI*
August 30: Spring Lake, Burrillville, RI*

*Note: for August 23 and August 30, meet at 5:45 p.m. for a 6 p.m. launch due to earlier sunsets.

Learn more about participating here: http://www.ricka-flatwater.org/bvpaddlers.htm.
Blackstone River Watershed Council/Friends of the Blackstone presents
Connecting with Canoes

Saturday, August 20
Saturday, September 17
Saturday, October 15

Come and enjoy a canoe adventure on the Blackstone River. No experience is required.

Meet at 100 New River Road, Manville, RI, at 9:00 a.m.

$30.00 per person. Instruction, equipment, and guides are provided. Wear good water shoes and bring water.

RSVP at 401-644-3215.
Let's Hit the Hiking Trails!
Who is ready for some group hikes?

We are actively planning guided hikes throughout the Blackstone River Valley this year.

We hope you'll join us!
Save the dates for hikes with BHC Trail Ambassador Ernie Germani!

Saturday, August 6: Mercy Woods, Cumberland, RI - POSTPONED to October 15
Saturday, September 17: Tri-State Marker (rescheduled from July 31)
Sunday, September 25: Turner Reservoir, East Providence, RI
Saturday, October 1: Moshassuck River Preserve, Lincoln, RI
Saturday, October 15: Mercy Woods, Cumberland, RI (rescheduled from August 6)
Sunday, November 6: Historic Providence (second half) - details coming soon!
Friday, November 25: Wolf Hill, Smithfield, RI
Second Saturday Hikes With the North Smithfield Heritage Association
Join the North Smithfield Heritage Association for its History and Nature Walks series on the second Saturday of each month at 9:30 a.m.

Find the complete schedule at https://www.nsheritageassn.org/historic-tours.

Additional details are posted on its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/northsmithfieldheritage.
Free "Movies in the Park" at
River Bend Farm/Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park
Daniels Farmstead Farmers Market and More!
The cost for a Hot Air Balloon ride is a $100 donation to the Daniels Farmstead Foundation and will be sold per basket (4-5 people). Rides can be purchased in advance at this link: https://square.link/u/9pk8Nt6x?src=sheet.
If you pre-purchase your ride, you must arrive at the balloon before 7 pm.
Help Us Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of ZAP the Blackstone
Get on the ZAP Map!
This year, on Saturday, August 27, 2022, volunteers throughout the 39 communities of the Blackstone River Watershed will roll up their sleeves and clean up and green up the Blackstone River, its tributaries, local waterways, local parks, and neighborhoods to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ZAP. Will you be one of them?

Several communities are planning town-wide cleanups, while others have community groups organizing projects. Businesses are also getting involved with Day of Service volunteer events.

Learn more and register at ZAPtheBlackstone.com.
To learn more about organizing events in the Massachusetts communities of the Blackstone River Watershed, contact Bonnie Combs at the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. Email [email protected].

To learn more about organizing events in the Rhode Island communities of the Blackstone River Watershed, contact Donna Kaehler at the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful. Email [email protected].
No, this picture is not from Operation ZAP in 1972! This was taken July 30, 2022, on the Blackstone River in Woonsocket, RI. Pictured here is Keith Hainley from the Blackstone River Watershed Council/Friends of the Blackstone with one of three boats of debris he and other volunteers gathered while the river was lowered for maintenance on the dam by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Visit our Facebook page to see more photos from the cleanup at Facebook.com/BlackstoneRiverValleyNHC.
Blackstone River Revival ZAP 50 Celebration
News from Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
World War II Comes to the Valley
Sunday, August 14
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
The Whitin Mill/Open Sky, 50 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, MA

Visit Whitinsville, MA, and commemorate the Blackstone Valley’s involvement in World War II.  

In 1942, E. Kent Swift, President of the Whitin Machine Works, spoke of the war “at home:” “In this quiet valley there will be this small army working with tools of its trade...it will fight this war of machines by pouring out a constantly accelerating flow of military equipment.”  

This event will showcase the work of local manufacturers during World War II. Veterans of the war will also be present to share their stories. A Ghost Army Tank will be on view along with exhibits about the materials such as fiberglass, rubber, and thread that helped win the war.  

FREE America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes will be available for Veterans and Active-Duty Military personnel. 

This event is part of Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park's Sunday Funday Series. Learn more about Sunday Fundays at https://www.nps.gov/blrv/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm.
Family Fun Fridays
at the Kelly House
1075 Lower River Road Lincoln, RI
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park for free, family-friendly programs hosted at Blackstone River State Park on Fridays this summer!
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Drop in and enjoy environmental science and art activities! Check-in at the Kelly House (white house). No registration is required.
NEW JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM!
Looking for a fun, family-friendly activity to do at your local national park?  
Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park has a new Junior Ranger program!  

The theme for this program is revolutions.

Every page of your activity set is in the shape of a circle. Learn about waterpower, water cycles, what clothing is made of, the history of time, and much more.  

Get started at Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark, 67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI.  

Open Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  
Ranger Walkabouts Are Back!

Join a Park Ranger Thursday evenings through August 25th at 6:30 PM to investigate the many stories of the Blackstone River Valley.

This year’s lineup covers all six of the sites, or “nodes,” that make up Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. Rangers will also be offering tours in other Blackstone Valley communities, including Providence, RI, Central Falls, RI, and Worcester, MA.

All programs are free and do not require registration.

Click on the photo to view the schedule.

Learn more about the Ranger Walkabouts at
Happy Birthday, National Park Service!


Celebrate the 106th birthday of the National Park Service on Thursday, August 25th, with Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park!

You can visit Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark in Pawtucket from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (guided 30-minute tours at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.), and then join park rangers for a Walkabout in Slatersville at 6:30 p.m. Details here: https://fb.me/e/3voRnjZpQ.
Join Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park rangers on Sundays in August for FREE family-friendly activities.

August 7: “Dog Days of Summer” B.A.R.K. Ranger Open House
Location: Blackstone River State Park, 1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI

August 14: World War II Comes to the Valley
Location: The Whitin Mill- Open Sky (Alternatives), 50 Douglas Rd., Whitinsville, MA

August 21: What’s Growing at Slater Mill?
Location: Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark, 67 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI

August 28: Take Me Fishing Day
Location: Blackstone River State Park, 1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI
Volunteer to Assist with
Sunday Funday Events
Find more info here:
slater mill
Visit Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark

Summer Schedule:
Through September 11, 2022
Thursday - Sunday
10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:30 PM

Join a Park Ranger on a tour of the mill that started the American Industrial Revolution. These 30-minute guided tours investigate the historical significance of Slater Mill and what valuable lessons the building is still teachings us. For more info, visit nps.gov/blrv. Free admission. The visitor center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Meditation and Movement at the Mill  
On select Saturdays through fall 2022, Metamorphosis Dance Co. will be presenting free meditation and movement workshops at Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark. Join them for Contemplative Dance Practice (CDP) from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. 
 
CDP combines meditation and movement. Bring a blanket, yoga mat, and your own cushions to be comfortable on the ground. When you arrive to the mill, arrange your cushions around the edges of the space. 
 
This practice was created by Barbara Dilley. Nikki Lee will facilitate at Slater Mill. There are no fees to participate and no need to register. 
Dates: August 6, August 13, August 20, August 27, September 3, September 10, September 17, September 24, October 1, October 8, October 15, October 22, October 29. 
Volunteer Opportunities:

Park Ambassadors Needed at
Old Slater Mill and
Roger Williams National Memorial

Join us in welcoming visitors to our national park sites in the Blackstone Valley becoming a volunteer park ambassador. Serve as a front-line representative of the National Park Service at Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park and/or Roger Williams National Memorial.

To learn more, view the volunteer job description below and reach out to Molly Cardoza, Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement, at [email protected].
Self-Guided Tours on the NPS Mobile App
Do you plan on visiting Slater Mill or Slatersville? If so, check out Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park's new self-guided tours.

These audio tours are available on the NPS Mobile App. The Mobile App can be downloaded for Apple or Google phones. Once on the app, choose Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, then select self-guided tours.

More self-guided tours will soon be available for the Blackstone River State Park and Ashton, Whitinsville, and Hopedale.
Do you enjoy learning about the history of the Blackstone River Valley? Subscribe to the park's YouTube page to see recordings of past programs, episodes of Along the Blackstone, and more. 

"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!
40 kids from Whitin Community Center's summer camp earned a Blackstone River Valley Junior Ranger badge after an outing to the Mumford Riverwalk in Whitinsville last month.
Calling All Scouts - Earn a Scout Ranger Certificate or Badge!
Click here to learn about the Boy Scout Ranger program.
Click here to learn about the Girl Scout Ranger program.
Be a Scout Ranger in the Blackstone River Valley!
Scouts and Park Rangers have a lot in common! We are all inspired to act as good stewards of public lands and to learn more about our communities.
Participants in the Scout Ranger program can earn a certificate or a patch.

As a Scout Ranger you will:
  • Learn about the mission of the National Park Service.
  • Help protect the nation’s natural, cultural, and historic resources.
  • Explore and learn about your national parks.
  • Achieve unique recognition from the National Park Service.
Navigate & Explore the Blackstone River Valley
With Our Interactive Map!
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.

670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 01588
(508) 234-4242