We kicked off National Volunteer Week on Sunday with a guided hike at Castle Hill Farm in Northbridge led by Blackstone Heritage Corridor Trail Ambassador Phil Johansen. The event drew 52 participants! We will end National Volunteer Week on Saturday, April 27, with a Blackstone Canal Hike in Lincoln, RI, led by Trail Ambassador Ernie Germani. Saturday is also Celebrate Trails Day. Come join us! | |
Corridor News - April 23, 2024 | |
Thank you to the Linwood Mill Apartments for hosting us to present the history of the Blackstone River Valley to its residents. If you'd like Devon to bring his presentation to your group, reach out to him at dkurtz@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org. | |
May is National Bike Month | |
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How will you celebrate National Bike Month in May? If you're out riding along the Blackstone River Bikeway and Greenway on National Ride a Bike Day on May 5, you may spot our volunteer Bikeway Ambassadors. They'll be noticeable in their orange shirts. Stop and say hello. Maybe you or someone you know would enjoy participating in the accessible cycling events this month (scroll down to learn more). We hope you'll share your cycling adventures with us by tagging us in your photos with #brvbike.
One of our priorities for the future is to advocate for the completion of the well-traveled, multi-use trail used for biking and hiking between Worcester and Providence. The natural treasures of the corridor are tremendous assets to the quality of life here. Our programs provide cherished experiences for all: families and visitors, including people with disabilities and veterans. To learn more and show your support, visit PreservetheCorridor.org.
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Here is an updated look at the Blackstone River Greenway extension in Blackstone, which will connect with the state line in North Smithfield, Rhode Island, where a short segment already exists that continues to Cold Spring Park in Woonsocket. The project is expected to be completed late fall this year. | |
April is National Volunteer Month | |
We welcome volunteers of all ages to our National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) program. One of our newest volunteers is Zane Stormont from Roots in Nature 4-H Club. He interviewed Molly, our Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement, to learn more about the Corridor and the VIP program. Click to watch. | |
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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 Paddle 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.
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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. The fee is $5.
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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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Explore the Waterways with the
Blackstone Valley Paddle Club
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The Blackstone Valley Paddle Club launches its 24th season with a paddle at the West River in Uxbridge, MA.
Tuesday, May 21
Meet at 6 p.m. for a 6:15 p.m. launch
28 West River Road, Uxbridge, MA
Learn more here.
Photo by Skye Pechie
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REGISTRATION is now open at thebrwa.org/FAMILYFISHING2024.
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, 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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News From Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park | |
Old Slater Mill reopens in April! Click here for visitor information. | |
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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 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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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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RI Historical Cemeteries Awareness and Preservation Weeks Continue | |
Precious Blood Cemetery Tour
Sunday, April 28 | 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Precious Blood Cemetery, Corner of Rathbun Street and Diamond Hill Road, Woonsocket, RI
In conjunction with the Rhode Island Historical Cemeteries Awareness and Preservation Weeks, the Woonsocket Historical Society is conducting a historical tour of the Precious Blood Cemetery
With the establishment of Precious Blood Church in Woonsocket in the 1870s, Rev. Charles Dauray recognized the need for a parish cemetery and purchased the land. Today, this is still an active cemetery; however, since 1954, there have been no longer any plots available for sale. There are a little more than 23,500 burials, of which only a little more than 59% are marked.
According to the organizers, there are many famous Woonsocket people buried at the cemetery and many who are not so famous but who have an interesting story. Come hear their stories.
This is a free tour. Plan on meeting at the corner at the gated entrance. The tour is expected to last 1.5 hours. Plan on wearing comfortable shoes.
In case of inclement weather, a rain date will be held on Sunday, May 26, at 1:00.
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Don’t Miss Ken Warchol’s Final Historic Trolley Tour of Whitinsville
Saturday, May 18
Tours at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m.
Pre-registration required. See below.
Northbridge historian, teacher, and long-time chairperson of the Northbridge Historical Commission, Ken Warchol, will guide you on a leisurely 2-hour trolley tour of Northbridge Center and The Historic District of Whitinsville. Ken began providing historic tours of his hometown in 1977 and has since celebrated and shared Northbridge's history with countless students and community members of all ages. Riders will learn about the vital role Northbridge played in the Industrial Revolution and its growth from a village to a thriving industrial global center under the direction of the entrepreneurial spirit and engineering prominence of the Whitin family. From humble beginnings at the Fletcher Forge to the establishment and growth of Whitin Machine Works into the 1920s, Whitin Machine Shop became the world's most prominent textile machine shop. The tour includes aspects of village life and explores the architectural skeletons and landmarks that remind us of a bygone era. The tour begins at the 1770 Colonel James Fletcher Homestead, the former home to James Fletcher, founder of the Fletcher Forge, and now the home of the Northbridge Historical Society. It continues with a stop at the Town Hall and on to more historical places and scenic views.
There is no charge for the tour, thanks to a generous donation from Unibank. Seating is by registration only, and tours fill up quickly. To request seat(s), email Folloni1908@gmail.com. Include your contact info, number of seats requested, and preferred tour time (not guaranteed). You will receive a confirmation email with details.
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Night Sky Program
River Bend Farm, 287 Oak St., Uxbridge, MA
Gather with local astronomers to view the night sky.
All events are on Friday evenings. Details on what you'll see are on our events calendar. Save these dates:
May 10 at 8:30 p.m.; June 21 at 8:30 p.m.; July 12 at 8:30 p.m.; August 16 at 8 p.m.; September 20 at 7 p.m.; October 25 at 6 p.m.; November 15 at 5:30 p.m.
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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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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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