A bird's eye view of the Old Slater Mill National Landmark Historic District captured by Bob Evans, Blackstone Heritage Corridor Photography Ambassador. The Old Slater Mill Association completed the property transfer to the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park last week. See more information below.
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Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor |
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In This Edition - April 7, 2021
- National Walking Day - April 7
- National Park Week: April 17 to 25
- National Volunteer Week: April 18 to 24
- Plein Air Painting: Sunday, April 18
- Adaptive Cycling Returns to the Blackstone River Valley:
- Worcester, MA; Blackstone, MA; Lincoln, RI
- Skills Workshop Video: Abby Kelley Foster: Freedom, Faith, and Family
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Celebrate National Walking Day - Wednesday, April 7 |
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The first Wednesday in April is National Walking Day, and it encourages people of all ages to get out and stretch their legs and get their hearts pumping.
Need inspiration on where to go? Find a trail or park in the Blackstone River Valley using our new interactive map or walk around your neighborhood. Want to learn some history while you walk? Check out our library of 25 self-guided Walking Tour brochures highlighting the unique role each Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor community played in the American Industrial Revolution.
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The National Park Service has acquired the Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark District. NPS staff, in cooperation with the Old Slater Mill Association, completed the transfer of the property to the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park last week.
“We are honored to become the stewards of this incredibly important National Historic Landmark," said Park Superintendent Eric Breitkreutz. “We look forward to working with our partners, the Old Slater Mill Association and the City of Pawtucket, to continue the public interpretation of this seminal historic site on the banks of the Blackstone River.”
The National Park Service will now own and operate the three historic buildings on the property, including the 1793 Old Slater Mill, the 1810 Wilkinson Mill, and the 1758 Sylvanus Brown House. Also included in the transfer are the approximately three acres of land surrounding the structures, including the raceway infrastructure for both mills and Hodgson Rotary Park on the west bank of the Blackstone River.
For more information, click here.
Photo by Carol Dandrade, Blackstone Heritage Corridor Photography Ambassador
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CELEBRATING OUR VOLUNTEERS:
April is National Volunteer Month
April 18 to 25 is National Volunteer Week
April 18 is Volunteer Day during National Park Week
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A Message from Suzanne Buchanan,
Volunteers-In-Parks Coordinator
April has much to offer virtually and outdoors! We have been very mindful about where and how programs will occur as we reintroduce limited volunteer opportunities while following COVID-19 guidelines. It has been a very long and trying past year for everyone. We look for 2021 to be a year of re-introducing, re-energizing, and re-engaging our volunteer programs.
I am confident we will return to offering our fantastic Ambassador volunteer opportunities. “It takes courage to be creative,” and that is what BHC intends to do, to be creative on how programs will be coordinated, staffed, and offered to the public. This newsletter highlights several creative programs scheduled this spring. Our goal is to embrace our inner courage and to see volunteers back in action when they are ready to give of their time.
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"Arts in the Parks"
Plein Air Painting
Sunday, April 18
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Blackstone River State Park
1075 Lower River Road
Lincoln, RI
Celebrate National Park Week
& National Volunteer Week
Come paint with us outdoors! Enjoy painting in the media of your choice at Blackstone River State Park with views of the Blackstone River, the Blackstone Canal, the Kelly House Museum and replica barn, and a native pollinator garden.
This will be a non-instructional event with limited space. Current social distancing guidelines will be in place. No restrooms will be available. Pre-registration required.
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A Message from Devon Kurtz,
Executive Director of Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor
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Come Celebrate National Park Week in the Blackstone River Valley!
Every year the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation encourage people to celebrate America’s national parks with themed days, events, and activities during National Park Week. This is a time to explore amazing places, discover stories of history and culture, and find your park.
Join us celebrating National Park Week 2021 from April 17 to 25! Take our Junior Ranger oath to heart and “Explore Nature, Discover History, Protect our Environment, and GO on Adventures.”
The National Park Service website lays out daily themes – and we at the Corridor, along with our friends at the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, have come up with a variety of ways for you to celebrate with us and explore and learn more about the Valley. Won’t you join us?
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A Message from Eric Breitkreutz,
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Wow! My first National Park Week/National Volunteer Week in the Valley, and I am impressed. The Heritage Corridor does it up right, even during a pandemic! With all the individual activities around daily themes, the fun and socially distanced Arts in the Parks event, the amazing new interactive map, and the virtual educational programs amassed online, there is literally something for everyone’s interests and abilities this year.
As my staff and I get ready to participate in this year’s activities, we are looking forward to soon hosting public interpretation at our new acquisition, the Old Slater Mill, and starting planning for Slater Mill-based events and other programming during next year’s week-long celebration.
Enjoy National Park Week and National Volunteer Week 2021. Keep up the amazing tradition of volunteering here, and stay tuned as we continue to grow and enhance your local, national historical park in partnership with your local, national heritage corridor.
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Explore Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
with BHC's New Interactive Map
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Saturday, April 17
National Park Prescription (ParkRx) Day
National Park Week kicks off with an invitation to explore nature and find wellness! You're also invited to become a Park Health Ambassador.
The six steps of becoming a Park Health Ambassador are gradual and realistic:
• Start with you;
• Tune into nature and yourself;
• Choose simple activities that are simple and fun for you;
• Don’t get stuck on goals;
• Share your experience with others;
• Now you’re a health ambassador!
RSVP your wellness in nature experience here. Share your amazing park experiences on social media using hashtag #PowerOfParksForHealth and sharing how you feel after giving yourself a park prescription (ParkRx) by using hashtag #BeforeAndAfterParkRx.
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Try This Prescription: Poetry! |
In celebration of National Poetry Month in April, we share this poem by Patti McAlpine, a volunteer with the Blackstone River Valley Volunteers-In-Parks program and marketing associate with the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. Patti wrote this poem while taking
a leisurely walk at the Lonsdale Marsh in Lincoln, RI, along the Blackstone River Bikeway.
We hope this poem inspires you on ParkRx Day to slow down, reflect, and perhaps write some poetry. If you do, please share it with us!
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Nature's Solace
by Patti McAlpine
Walk in a Wetland
winter into spring
water fills the pond
laden with duckweed so green
from surface to depths below.
Wind blows, trees speak
rub against each other, broken
lean on one another.
Five deer pass by
in the weathered meadow.
They sense my presence--
we commune together
linked in nature's solace.
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The Blackstone River Valley is full of beautiful parks, trails, and natural spaces to enjoy Park Rx Day. Use our interactive map to find a spot that resonates with you!
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Volunteer Day - Sunday, April 18 |
Thank you to our VIPs - National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks! Here in the Blackstone River Valley, we are proud of and grateful for the many volunteers who contribute their time and talent to help preserve and promote the historic, natural, cultural, and recreational resources in the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. |
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"Arts in the Parks"
Plein Air Painting
Sunday, April 18
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Blackstone River State Park
1075 Lower River Road
Lincoln, RI
Celebrate National Park Week
& National Volunteer Week
Come paint with us outdoors! Enjoy painting in the media of your choice at Blackstone River State Park with views of the Blackstone River, the Blackstone Canal, the Kelly House Museum and replica barn, and a native pollinator garden.
This will be a non-instructional event with limited space. Current social distancing guidelines will be in place. No restrooms will be available. Pre-registration required.
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Military Monday - April 19 |
Today we give thanks to all who have served our country.
On Military Monday, we invite you to discover the people who have protected our freedom. Learn about the places that shaped our military history and culture. Explore opportunities for active-duty military, veterans, and their families. Click here.
The following is a list of just some of the war monuments and memorial parks in the Blackstone River Valley.
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Thank you for your service, Jay Brunelle! |
Jay Brunelle, Slater Mill Facilities & Maintenance Division staff member, is a U.S. Army (Field Artillery) Veteran.
Thank you for your service to our country!
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Thank you to our Veteran volunteers for serving our country!
Shown clockwise: Kathy Parlante, George Hadley, Paul Swack, Linda Primel, Joe Nadeau, Angelo Mirable, Paul Milke, Jim Plasse, Roy Henry, and Bob Billington. Not pictured: Linda Lestha.
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Transformation Tuesday - April 20 |
Transformation Tuesday is a new theme day for National Park Week this year. It's shining a light on how national parks and communities they work with are ever-changing, whether in nature, history, opportunities to experience places, and more.
One transformation that stands out in the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park is the native pollinator garden at the Capt. Wilbur Kelly House Transportation Museum in Lincoln, RI.
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Ranger Tyler Transforms the Kelly House Garden |
Ranger Tyler Shepard envisioned turning the old Kelly House garden into a functional habitat for native pollinators. He started the process in 2019 by designing a honeycomb-shaped raised bed garden, and by the end of the season, he had the beds installed and plants chosen but not planted. The arrival of COVID-19 in 2020 delayed his return as a seasonal ranger with Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. With some help from Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and an article in The Valley Breeze, the Rhode Island Wild Plant Society (RIWPS) came forward and sponsored the garden. RIWPS donated all of the plants and brought volunteers to plant them.
Be sure to visit the garden this year to see the transformation. The native pollinator garden is next to the Capt. Wilbur Kelly House Transportation Museum in Blackstone River State Park, 1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI.
Buzz on over to the Blackstone Heritage Corridor's website to learn about efforts to protect our pollinators. Be sure to take the Pollinator Pledge!
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Kelly House Garden - Before |
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Kelly House Garden - After |
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Wayback Wednesday - April 21 |
History happened and memories are made in national parks.
Share your favorite Blackstone Valley memory with us!
#WaybackWednesday #National ParkWeek
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While BHC's Volunteer Coordinator Suzanne Buchanan was cleaning her attic recently, she came across this old newsletter from the 1996 National Park Week celebration. Suzanne was the author of the newsletter and is excited to share it.
"Look how much technology has advanced since then," Suzanne remarked. "This newsletter had to be cut and pasted, copied, folded, mailing labels affixed to envelopes, envelopes needed to be stuffed, and then brought to the Post Office."
"A big shout out to VIP Susan Shea who was the lead volunteer on this project," Suzanne noted. "She still volunteers today at the Museum of Work & Culture in Woonsocket, RI."
Travel back in time and read the newsletter here.
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"Oh, we go way back!"
Check out this throwback picture of Suzanne Buchanan, BHC's volunteer coordinator
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Earth Day - Thursday, April 22 |
Earth Day is a global celebration encouraging education and stewardship of the planet's natural resources. Whether in a backyard, neighborhood green space, or a magnificent national park, the National Park Service provides opportunities for everyone to discover and enjoy the physical and psychological benefits that come with spending time outdoors. |
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Though we are not hosting community cleanups this spring, we still encourage individual efforts to keep the Blackstone River Valley free of litter. Whether it's the street you live on, a natural space you enjoy visiting, or even a storm drain, every little bit counts.
Some helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Have a plan for disposal of the bags before you begin.
- Wear bright-colored clothing or a safety vest to be seen.
- Wear long pants and long sleeves.
- Wear protective gloves.
- Use a litter grabber or stick.
- If not wearing glasses, consider safety glasses when working near brush and trees.
- If cleaning on or near a street, watch for traffic and keep an eye on young family members.
- Never pick up needles or broken glass. You can report discarded needles to your local health department or law enforcement agency.
- After your cleanup, change your clothes, check for ticks, and wash up.
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You can find these tips in our GearHeads Junior Ranger Neighborhood Cleanup Guide.
Here are some additional resources for learning about cleanup and recycling efforts in the greater Blackstone Valley area:
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Did you know that monofilament fishing line is recyclable? While it is not accepted in curbside recycling bins, Berkley Fishing, makers of Trilene, have a recycling program with retailers to collect used fishing line and repurpose it into fish habitats and other products.
Check with your local bait shop or save your used line and contact us. We have a collection bin at the BHC office.
Learn more about Berkley's fishing line recycling program here.
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If you are looking for something to do to celebrate Earth Day this year, consider adopting a storm drain and pledge to keep it clean. As illustrated in the picture above, roadside litter can make its way into a storm drain and end up in local waterways. While taking walks in your neighborhood, consider bringing a bag with you and collect any litter you find along the street, especially nips and other small objects. |
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Friendship Friday - April 23
Where would any of us be without friends? Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park would not exist without friends. It was friends in the Valley and beyond who created us, and it has been our numerous friendly partnerships that have sustained and nurtured the park as we have grown and taken shape since our beginning in 2014.
Our partners at the Old Slater Mill Association and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management have enabled us to acquire key pieces of American history along the Blackstone River, and it will be friends and partners too numerous to mention that will help us become all that we can become as a national historical park in the Valley in the years ahead.
Friendships are crucial for the National Park Service, especially in the Blackstone River Valley, and they are worth celebrating - for the past, for the present, and for the bright future. We at the national historical park celebrate you, our friends, and partners every day, but especially on this day. The fact that we officially get to do so on a Friday: bonus!
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Junior Ranger Day - Saturday, April 24 |
It doesn't matter what age you are—just "explore, learn, and protect" your national parks online and become an official Junior Ranger!
Here in the Blackstone Valley, Junior Rangers are called GearHeads!
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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A Message from the Chief GearHead, Devon Kurtz |
It’s National Park Week. This is a week, every year, that we go on adventures, discover stories of America, and celebrate America’s National Parks! Did you know there are 423 National Parks and 55 National Heritage Areas in the United States? And here in the Blackstone River Valley, we have one of the newest parks (although the National Heritage Area has been here since 1986).
Remember our motto – Explore Nature! Discover History! Protect the Environment! And, Go on Adventures in the Blackstone River Valley!
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Bark Ranger Day - Sunday, April 25 |
National parks are going to the dogs! Our furriest family members can become part of the BARK Ranger pack by modeling these best practices when visiting parks:
- Bag your pet’s waste
- Always leash your pet
- Respect wildlife
- Know where you can go
#Bark Ranger #NationalParkWeek
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BHC's Devon Kurtz and his Bark Ranger Gus, who enjoys his time on the water. |
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Bark Ranger Rocksie is all suited up for a paddle with the Blackstone River Watershed Council/Friends of the Blackstone. Did you know there is a canoe/kayak launch behind their Environmental Center at Sycamore Landing? You can find it at 100 New River Road, Manville (Lincoln), RI. BRWC/FOB's building is just below the Blackstone River Bikeway parking area, and the launch area is down the path on the left side of the building. You can also enjoy a walk along the river on the trail network they created at Sycamore Landing.
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ADAPTIVE CYCLING RETURNS TO THE BLACKSTONE VALLEY
New Programs in Massachusetts and Rhode Island
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Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and All Out Adventures are partnering to bring an adaptive cycling series to the Blackstone River Valley this spring in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. All events are free but require advance registration. See event notices below.
To inquire about volunteer opportunities for the adaptive cycling series, click here.
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Adaptive Cycling for Veterans
Tuesdays: April 13, April 27, May 11, June 1
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
On the Blackstone River Bikeway
at the Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center
3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester, MA
All Out Adventures, in partnership with the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, is pleased to offer adaptive cycling for Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces and their loved ones. This program is funded by the Veterans Adaptive Sports Grant. All ages and abilities welcome.
If you have asked the question, “How can I get exercise despite my injury or disability?” then this program is for you. Try out a recumbent trike and ride around the Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center or go for a longer ride on the adjacent Worcester-to-Millbury segment (2.5 miles) of the Blackstone River Bikeway. Recumbent trikes, tandems, and handcycles are comfortable and easy to ride. Three wheels take the balance out of the equation so you can relax and enjoy exercise.
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.
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Celebrate Trails Day – Adaptive Cycling on the Blackstone River Greenway
Saturday, April 24
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
On the Blackstone River Greenway
Blackstone, MA
In recognition of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's "Celebrate Trails Day," Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and All Out Adventures bring adaptive cycling to the Blackstone River Greenway.
Want to explore the beauty of the Blackstone River Greenway but have physical or cognitive limitations that prevent you from doing so? Perhaps you, or someone you know, would enjoy a ride on adaptive cycling equipment to take in the scenic views. Sign up for a free ride today!
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.
BHC is dedicating this event to the memory of Margaret Carroll, who inspired bringing adaptive recreation to the Blackstone River Bikeway/Greenway.
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Adaptive Cycling on the Blackstone River Bikeway
in Lincoln, RI
Tuesdays: May 4 & 18
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
On the Blackstone River Bikeway
Lincoln, RI
Want to explore the beauty of the Blackstone River Greenway but have physical or cognitive limitations that prevent you from doing so? Perhaps you, or someone you know, would enjoy a ride on adaptive cycling equipment to take in the scenic views. Sign up for a free ride today!
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.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
REINTRODUCING ADAPTIVE CYCLING PROGRAMS
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Inquire about volunteering for one or more of the seven adaptive cycling events we have planned for this spring, supporting people with mobility limitations to enjoy the outdoors from the seat of a bicycle.
Several socially distanced volunteer opportunities each day are needed for the success of the program. If you feel comfortable volunteering, please support these events.
All Out Adventures (AOA) will once again be our fabulous partner. Since late last summer, AOA has been coordinating adaptive programs and has excellent COVID guidelines to follow. Volunteer shifts can be split for a few hours.
Volunteers will not be riding on the same equipment with the guests this year, but it is okay to sign up to chaperone a ride and get exercise.
We plan to stagger guest arrival times to reduce the number of people gathering at one time to sign in and depart for their ride.
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'Opening the doors to the outdoors'
BHC Adaptive Cycling Series returns for all to enjoy the beauty of the Blackstone LINCOLN - The freedom of exploring the Blackstone River Valley by bike is something no one should have to miss out on.
Read more
www.valleybreeze.com
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VOLUNTEERS-IN-PARKS SKILLS WORKSHOP VIDEO |
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Join Abigail Epplett, a Volunteers-In-Parks volunteer, to learn about the life and legacy of Abby Kelley Foster, a 19th-century human rights activist from the Blackstone River Valley.
Born into the Quaker faith and raised with the belief in universal equality, Abby Kelley Foster created the radical, non-violent “Abby Kelleyite” faction within the abolitionist and women’s suffrage movements. Abby Kelley had a monumental role in discovering and advising many other better-remembered activists of this time.
A digital slideshow of the Abby Kelley Foster presentation can be found here.
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Watch the "Revolution in the Air" Winter Lecture Series on YouTube |
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Recordings of the Winter Lecture Series are posted to Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park's YouTube channel. Thanks to all who attended!
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VISITING THE VALLEY UPDATE |
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While many heritage centers and historical sites remain closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, there is still much to explore within the Blackstone River Valley. Our network of outdoor areas, bikeways and greenways, and nature trails are open and ready to welcome you. Be sure to visit our website and view the Get Lost Guide for some great ideas. And don’t miss our GearHeads Junior Ranger page for the kids in your family! When visiting the Valley, be sure to wear your face mask and practice social distancing.
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor office in Whitinsville, MA, and the Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center in Worcester are open by appointment only. We can provide you with maps for the Corridor and the Blackstone River Bikeway and suggest places for outdoor recreation. We can also direct you to any historical sites and events that may have limited access, and you can stamp your National Park passport!
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Become a GearHead Junior Ranger |
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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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Saturday, April 24
It doesn't matter what age you are—just "explore, learn, and protect" your national parks online and become an official Junior Ranger!
Click here to learn more about "Kids in Parks!"
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We're Building a New Interactive Map! |
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We have a new way for you to navigate around the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor! We're building an interactive map to help you find parking areas for the Blackstone River Bikeway/Greenway, places to go walking and hiking at Blackstone Valley parks and trails, museums and historical sites, and more. Coming soon, we'll be featuring places to go paddling and highlighting our heritage centers. |
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From all of us at BHC, we wish you well and look forward to seeing you soon! |
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