Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor |
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Message from Devon Kurtz, Executive Director, Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor |
Happy Spring! It is difficult to believe that we are already in the third week of April. Of course, that means we could still have one more snowstorm. What an amazing week we have coming up – National Volunteer Week, National Park Week, Earth Day, Trails Day, and for many of us, school vacation week.
Have you made any plans? There is so much going on in the Blackstone Valley and so very much to do, from bike rides to museum visits to hiking. Whatever your plans, keep in mind the motto of GearHeads, the Junior Ranger program here in the Corridor: Explore Nature, Discover History, Protect the Environment, and GO on Adventures in the Blackstone Valley! We hope to see you.
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NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
April 17 to April 23
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Happy National Volunteer Week!
Have you ever wanted to volunteer as a tour guide or greeter at a historic site? As a gardener? As a bikeway ambassador? Our team of volunteers does all of this and more. We support our volunteers through Skills Workshops training opportunities and encourage them to become leaders within the program.
I look forward to having you join our team. Come learn how to become Volunteer-In-Parks in the Blackstone Heritage Corridor and the National Historical Park and discover the different opportunities available during our New Volunteer Open House on April 20th.
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New Volunteer Open House
Wednesday, April 20
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Blackstone Heritage Corridor Office
670 Linwood Ave., Whitinsville, MA
Join us during National Volunteer Week and National Park Week to learn about our Volunteers-In-Parks program. Discover exciting volunteer opportunities throughout the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage and with the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. Come share your skills and interests and make new friends. Imagine the possibilities!
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Volunteer Opportunities:
Park Ambassadors Needed at
Old Slater Mill and
Roger Williams National Memorial
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With many historic cemeteries throughout the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor that have fallen into disrepair and experienced neglect, there are many volunteers who have the skills and passion to preserve and protect them.
In addition, Cemetery Conservation Ambassadors in Sutton, MA, have an ongoing restoration project at Sutton Center Cemetery that you can get involved with! If you are interested in learning more about this cemetery conservation project and how you can contribute, contact Molly Cardoza, BHC's Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement, at mcardoza@BlackstoneHeritgeCorridor.org.
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Become a Bikeway Ambassador! |
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Join us on the Blackstone River Bikeway/Greenway
on Saturday, April 23rd!
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10 a.m. to Noon
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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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.
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Birding at Blackstone Gateway Park
Tuesday, May 3
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Meet at Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center, 3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester, MA
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Join us as we are among the first of the season to see what bird species are making their home here along the Middle River, at the northern edge of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. The River Walk includes observation platforms projecting over the water that give a bird's-eye view of this wetland habitat. We welcome new birders and those interested in sharing their bird knowledge on this volunteer-led walk. Grab your binoculars and join us for this exciting walk to experience nature here, right in the city of Worcester.
Binoculars are suggested, but a few extra pairs are available. Walks are generally about a mile and suitable for adults and children ages 10 and up with a parent.
This event is being presented as part of Jane Week - Jane Jacobs in the Woo. For more information, visit PreservationWorcester.org.
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Blackstone Valley Paddle Club Announces 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.
May 17: Quinsigamond River, Grafton, MA
May 24: West River, Upton, MA
May 31: Nipmuc River, Harrisville, RI
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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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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Spring Cleanups Are Here! |
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ZAP the Blackstone:
50th Anniversary
Saturday, August 27: Watershed-Wide Cleanup
Saturday, September 10: 50th Anniversary Celebration at Old Slater Mill
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COMMUNITY CAPTAINS MEETING for ZAP50
Wednesday, April 27 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
on Zoom
The ZAP50 team is looking for volunteer Community Captains to organize cleanups throughout the Blackstone River Watershed on Saturday, August 27. Come to the meeting to learn more about how you can help celebrate the 50th anniversary of ZAP the Blackstone with a day of action cleaning and greening the river and its watershed! Visit ZAPtheBlackstone.com to learn more.
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BRWC/FOB Hosts Premiere of Kittacuck Speaks on Earth Day - April 22 |
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Friday, April 22
7:00 p.m.
Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad St., Cumberland, RI
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Celebrate Earth Day with the Blackstone River Watershed Council/Friends of the Blackstone for the premiere of "Kittacuck Speaks." Learn more.
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Learn the Untold Story of Franco-Americans Working in the Textile Industry |
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Sutton Historical Society Hosts Presentation by David Vermette, Author, A Distinct Alien Race
Tuesday, April 26
7:00 p.m. to 8:00
Manchaug Mills, Blaxton Hall
9 Main Street, Sutton, MA 01590
David Vermette, Author, A Distinct Alien Race – The Untold Story of Franco-Americans, will present his research about the impact of a million French-Canadians crossing the border between 1840 and the 1930s, seeking work in New England’s burgeoning textile industry. Read more.
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BRWA Annual Meeting and Screening of "Pakachoag: Where the River Bends" |
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Annual Meeting and Screening of "Pakachoag: Where the River Bends"
Wednesday, May 18
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Grafton Public Library
35 Grafton Common, Grafton, MA
Save the date of Saturday, June 4 for Family Fun Fishing Day at River Bend Farm!
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News from Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park |
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National Park Week - Saturday, April 16 to Sunday, April 24
2022 Theme: sPark Connections
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A Message from Ranger Allison |
National Park Week is one of my favorite times of year. Springtime flowers are bursting to life, the birds are singing a new song, and visitors are starting to arrive, ready and eager for tours.
This year, National Park Week runs from April 16-24. If you're hitting the road, know that all National Park Service sites are waiving their entrance fees on Saturday, April 16, 2022. If you're staying closer to home, we'd love to see you at Roger Williams National Memorial (Providence, RI) or at one of the six sites that make up Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park (both parks are always free to visit and enjoy). You can also stay in touch by following us on social media, where we'll be sharing exciting updates on what to expect this spring and summer.
Whether you want to take a hike, volunteer a few hours of your time, or learn something new about local history, I wish you a bright start to spring. Now more than ever, there are plenty of ways to sPark connections to your national park.
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Old Slater Mill Reopens for Tours:
Fridays: April 22, April 29, May 6, May 13
Saturday, April 23, April 30, May 7, May 14
10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
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.
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Volunteers Needed for Spring Cleanup at Old Slater Mill
Saturday, April 23
9 a.m. to Noon
67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI
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Celebrate National Volunteer Week and National Park Week by volunteering to prepare the Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark 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 cleanup will take place rain or shine.
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Eagle Scout Project at Old Slater Mill
On Saturday, April 30th, local Boy Scout Eddie McClung will be finishing his Eagle Scout Project. Eddie has been fundraising and working on building new picnic tables and flower barrels for Old Slater Mill in Pawtucket, RI.
We are thrilled to see Eddie striving for his Eagle Scout Award. Join us in cheering him on toward the finish line!
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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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Roger Williams National Memorial Hosts
Roger Williams's Letters Virtual Series
Wednesday, April 20
6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - on Zoom
A lot can be gleaned from seeing an original manuscript. A manuscript is the author's hand putting pen to paper. Thoughts, to hand, to paper, and down to us through the ages. It is very different from the printed word. You can see the intensity, style, emotions as the words are being written.
April 18, 2019.
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Saturday, April 23
Spring Cleanup at
Roger Williams National Memorial
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
282 N. Main St., Providence, RI
Celebrate National Park Week (April 16, 2022 - April 24, 2022), by helping the staff at Roger Williams National Memorial clear away the debris from this past winter. Rake leaves, trim bushes, prepare flower beds, and complete a variety of other projects.
The memorial will provide disposable gloves, rakes, and other supplies needed. It’s recommended that you wear comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for working outside.
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Saturday, May 21
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park's First Strike Festival will commemorate the first industrial labor strike in America, which was at Slater Mill in 1824.
The First Strike Festival will honor this historical event with performances, local artists, walking tours, live music and dance, rest, and community. Acts include Caperverdean American Community Development, Mark Cutler, RI Black Storytellers, Eastern Medicine Singers, and more. For more info, visit https://www.nps.gov/blrv.
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Join Us for Blackstone Valley Day at Polar Park- Tuesday, June 14 |
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Join the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor for "Blackstone Valley Day" at Polar Park!
Tickets are $25 and include a $10 loaded value
for concessions, beverages, and the team fan shop too!.
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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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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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Navigate & Explore the Blackstone River Valley
With Our Interactive Map!
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670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 01588
(508) 234-4242
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