Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor |
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FREE FISHING THIS WEEKEND! |
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Kick off National Great Outdoors Month with some free freshwater fishing opportunities this weekend in Massachusetts!
MassWildlife announces Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend – Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5. No license is required to fish any public lake, pond, reservoir, stream, or river in Massachusetts from 12 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2022, until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 5, 2022. Learn more here: https://www.mass.gov/news/june-4-5-2022-is-free-fishing-weekend.
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Family Fun Fishing Day
Saturday, June 4
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
River Bend Farm, Uxbridge, MA
Family Fun Fishing Day returns to River Bend Farm on June 4th! All ages and abilities are welcome to this FREE event which includes rods, bait, and instruction with pre-registration. Prizes will be awarded.
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Family Fun Fishing Day returns to River Bend Farm on June 4th! All ages and abilities are welcome to this FREE event which includes rods, bait, and instruction with pre-registration. Prizes will be awarded.
Food and ice cream will be available for purchase from GottaQ BBQ and Sweet Wise Ice Cream truck. Rain date is Sunday, June 5.
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Volunteers are Needed for Family Fun Fishing Day! |
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Please Fish Responsibly!
Did you know that Berkley Fishing offers monofilament fishing line recycling? They also recycle the empty spools. They turn this plastic into fish habs!
Visit the Blackstone Heritage Corridor table at the Family Fun Fishing Day on June 4 at River Bend Farm (info above) to recycle your monofilament fishing line and empty spools. You can also bring it to the Blackstone Heritage Corridor office at 670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA. Call first at 508-234-4242.
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Blackstone Valley Tourism Council Hosts Rivers Day on June 5 |
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Worcester's Tercentennial Weekend - Friday, June 10 to Sunday, June 12 |
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Happy 300th Anniversary to the City of Worcester!
Did you know that the municipality, named after Worcester, England, was first established as a town on June 14, 1722, and later became a city on leap day, February 29, 1848? During the past three centuries, Worcester has evolved from modest but instrumental revolutionary beginnings to a diverse and modern city, the second most populous in New England, rich in innovation, history, and culture.
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Worcester Tercentennial Weekend - June 10 to June 12
Friday, June 10
- 5 p.m. - Tercentennial Weekend Kick-Off Featuring Canal District Stroll and Polar Park Fireworks Featuring Ricky Duran
Saturday, June 11
- 9 a.m. - Tercentennial Road Race, Downtown Worcester
- 11 a.m. - Tercentennial Parade & Celebration, Downtown Worcester
- 12 - 5 p.m. - Tercentennial Festival on the Worcester Common Featuring stART on the Street, Musical Performances, Food Trucks, and More!
- Look for the Blackstone Heritage Corridor tent and come visit with us!
Sunday, June 12
- 4 p.m. - Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra with Special Guest Brian McKnight at the DCU Center
- 4 p.m. - Tercentennial Family Outing at the Worcester Bravehearts
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Hear a Polish Immigrant's Perspective on Immigration and Industry in Grafton |
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Tuesday, June 14
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Grafton Public Library
35 Grafton Street, Grafton, MA
Zosia is a uniquely historical chronicle of the Industrial Revolution in Grafton as seen by immigrants, who powered its surge and enabled the prosperity that followed. The personal nature of this not-in-the-textbooks documentary lights up revealing windows through which most history students have no access.
Author Stasia Obara Rawinski and editor Helen Rawinski Blazis have combined to weave an intricate tapestry that depicts the bleak agricultural conditions in Poland that led to immigration here and the vivid opportunities in industrial America that rewarded that risky, sometimes hazardous, and often frightful journey. In between, the writers create a complete picture of life transformed, often in starkly revealing detail.
Learn more about Zosia and the Industrial Revolution in Grafton through Grafton resident Helen Blazis’s powerful presentation. The free program is sponsored by the Grafton Public Library and by the Grafton Historical Society and is supported in part by a grant from the Grafton Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
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BHC Partners on Environmental Education This Summer |
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Nature and Design: Connections Between Science, Engineering,
and the Natural World
A Professional Development Institute for Grades 6-12 Educators
July 11th – 15th, 2022 (8:30 AM – 3:30 PM ET)
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Learn how nature can inspire us to create buildings and landscapes that work together for a healthy environment.
- Examine how building and green space designs impact the natural environment.
- Investigate design elements that support the preservation of natural landscapes.
- Explore examples of green design and biomimicry at a wildlife sanctuary.
- Explore an energy-efficient LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building.
- Design a public green space within an urban environment.
- Incorporate science, engineering, and art into design solutions for an interdisciplinary, hands-on approach to science learning.
This institute will weave pedagogy through engaging science content, highlight ways to shift your lessons towards inquiry, incorporate the Science & Engineering Practices, and implement phenomena-based units. Earn Professional Development Points and optional graduate credit while you connect and collaborate with colleagues, scientists, educators, and STEM professionals. Return to your classroom with ready-to-implement inquiry-based investigations and new science and engineering knowledge!
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Learn About Cemetery Restoration |
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Free Cemetery Restoration Workshop - July 22
The North Smithfield Heritage Association is hosting a free cemetery workshop conducted by Jon Appell of Atlas Preservation, a national stone preservation supplier and professional historic stone conservator.
The workshop is open to the public and will start at 9 a.m. Friday, July 22nd, and will run until projects are complete (possibly 4 p.m.). Participants will receive personal hands-on education, including the proper techniques and use of correct materials to restore these valuable pieces of history.
The event will be held at the Hotchkiss Cemetery on Great Road in North Smithfield. Parking is available at the adjacent Union Cemetery.
No registration is required. For more info, contact the North Smithfield Heritage Association at 401-651-6316 or email nsha@nsheritageassn.org.
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Become a Bikeway Ambassador! |
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Accessible Cycling for Veterans |
The Blackstone Heritage Corridor Bikeway Ambassadors will be supporting All Out Adventures this season with its free accessible cycling events for Veterans and their loved ones along the Blackstone River Bikeway/Greenway in MA and RI. This program is made possible by a federal Veterans Adaptive Sports Grant received by AOA. Click on the flyer for details.
LAST EVENT: Thursday, June 9!
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Pollinator Garden Bike Tour
Wednesday, June 22
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Celebrate Pollinator Week by visiting two pollinator gardens along the Blackstone River Bikeway. First, we will meet at the Blackstone River Watershed Council/Friends of the Blackstone at 100 New River Road, Manville, RI (just below the Manville parking area for the bikeway). We will visit the pollinator garden and then bike three miles south to the Capt. Wilbur Kelly House Transportation Museum to see the native pollinator garden planted by the Rhode Island Wild Plant Society. We will then bike back to the watershed council, where you can take an optional walk along the riverside trail.
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Blackstone Valley Paddle Club Celebrates Its 22nd Season! |
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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.
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2022 Paddle Schedule:
All paddles are on Tuesdays. Meet at 6 p.m. for a 6:15 p.m. launch.
June 7: Lackey Dam, Sutton, MA
June 14: West River, Uxbridge, MA
June 21: Blackstone River & Valley Falls Marsh, Lincoln, RI
June 28: Blackstone River & Rice City Pond - Uxbridge, MA
July 5: Bowdish Lake, Glocester, RI
July 12: Providence River - Bold Point, E. Providence, RI
July 19: Slatersville Reservoir & Branch River, North Smithfield, RI
July 26: Lincoln Woods State Park, Lincoln, RI
August 2: Manville Dam, Cumberland, RI
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.
To participate in the Blackstone Paddler's events, a RI Canoe and Kayak Association (RICKA) membership fee of $15.00 is required, as is a $10.00 membership fee for the Blackstone Valley Paddle Club. These fees provide a family membership and are good for the entire season. If you are a current RICKA member, you may join for the additional $10.00 membership fee. If you are not yet a RICKA member, you may join and pay your dues for both RICKA and Blackstone Valley Paddle Club by going to the membership page for payment options. Please note: the Paddle Club will not be taking payment for dues at the paddle locations. Please pay your dues in advance.
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Let's Hit the Hiking Trails! |
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Check out our interactive map for a listing of over 100 trails and parks to explore in the Blackstone River Valley! Visit http://bit.ly/BHCIMAP and plan your adventure today!
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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!
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Save the dates for hikes with BHC Trail Ambassador Ernie Germani!
Friday, November 25: Wolf Hill, Smithfield, RI
Watch for hikes in the Massachusetts Corridor communities coming soon!
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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.
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Conserve Water and Save Money with a Rain Barrel |
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Help protect our waterways!
Order a rain barrel today!
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The City of Worcester will be distributing 60-gallon rain barrels with prices starting at $74 each.
Pick up date is Thursday, June 23, at the Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center
3 Paul Clancy Way
Worcester, MA
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
This offer is open to all. There is no residency restriction.
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Make Your Own Rain Barrel with the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council!
Saturday, June 18
12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Riverside Park, Providence, RI
This workshop will teach you the steps to build and install your own rain barrel – and add a creative touch to your barrel by painting your own design along the sides. The workshop fee ($55) includes the barrel and the other materials you will need to make your own rain barrel.
Please bring with you: a battery-charged (pre-charged) drill; eye protection (we will have eyewear if you don’t have any), and clothes for painting.
If you would like more information on this event, please reach out to WRWC's Education Director Amanda at apeavey@wrwc.org.
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Get on the River with BRWC/FOB |
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Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.: June 18, July 16, July 20, September 17, and October 15.
Meet at the Blackstone River Watershed Council/Friends of the Blackstone's Sycamore Landing, 100 New River Road, Lincoln, RI.
Fee is $30 per person. BRWC/FOB will provide life jackets, paddles, boats, and a guide. Please wear good water shoes and bring something to drink. Check for rain dates. To reserve your spot, call 401-644-3215.
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Saturday, June 25
Sunday, June 26
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
30 Meeting Street, Cumberland, RI
Canoes and PFDs will be provided, or bring your own. Please wear sturdy water shoes or sneakers. Flip flops are not allowed. Parking will be at 30 Meeting Street, Cumberland, RI 02864. Drive down Meeting Street off of Broad Street in Cumberland.
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News from Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park |
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A special thank you goes out to two local experts who are working with the park to get an old machine looking new again at Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark.
Cathy and Elizabeth, members of the curatorial team at Lowell National Historical Park, traveled to Pawtucket, RI, to provide care and treatment of this Model A Draper Loom. It was manufactured in another park node: Hopedale, Massachusetts.
In 1951, the Henrietta Mills (Caroleen, NC) gave the "A Model Loom" to the Old Slater Mill Association. Press releases from the time noted that this machine was among a small number of "old looms resurrected and repaired" by G. Ellsworth Huggins. "Most of the A models gradually disappeared...[to be] scrapped [.]" This object "is one of the first automatic looms still in existence."
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Ranger Walkabouts Are Back!
Join a Park Ranger Thursday evenings at 6:30 PM during the months of June, July, and August 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.
The 2022 Summer Walkabout Series will run on consecutive Thursday evenings at 6:30 PM through August 25, 2022.
All programs are free and do not require registration.
Click on the photo to view the schedule.
Learn more about the Ranger Walkabouts at
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Join Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park rangers on Sundays in July and August for FREE family-friendly activities.
July 10: Birding in the Blackstone
Note: This program will run from 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: Little Red Shop Museum, 12 Hopedale Street, Hopedale, MA
July 17: Meet the Birds of the Blackstone with Rhode Island Audubon Society
Location: Blackstone River State Park, 1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI
July 24: Bat Boxes and Birdhouses
Location: Blackstone River State Park, 1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI
July 31: World Ranger Day
Location: Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark, 67 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI
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
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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.
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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: June 4, June 11, June 18, July 2, July 16, July 23, July 30, 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.
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Volunteer Opportunities:
Park Ambassadors Needed at
Old Slater Mill and
Roger Williams National Memorial
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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.
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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.
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"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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Record your observations and experiences in the great outdoors with a GearHeads Nature Notes journal!
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Calling All Scouts - Earn a Scout Ranger Certificate or Badge! |
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Click here to learn about the Boy Scout Ranger program. |
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Click here to learn about the Girl Scout Ranger program. |
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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.
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Help Us Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of ZAP the Blackstone |
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Planning is underway to re-enact the region's largest environmental cleanup ever, which took place on September 9, 1972. Operation ZAP attracted 10,000 volunteers who pulled 10,000 tons of debris from the Blackstone River.
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.
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Navigate & Explore the Blackstone River Valley
With Our Interactive Map!
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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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670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 01588
(508) 234-4242
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