 | |
|
For a complete and detailed listing of events, see our event calendar.
|
 | A Celebration of River Restoration |
 |
|
On Sunday, July 26, numerous groups from the Blackstone Valley gathered at the Blackstone Gorge to celebrate many years of hard work protecting and restoring the Blackstone River.
In 1990 the EPA said the Blackstone River was one of the most polluted rivers in the country. But thanks to the Clean Water Act and years of water quality monitoring and clean-up efforts, the river is coming back to life. How can we tell? In 1972 there were only two species of fish in the river and today there are 23! This is all thanks to the hard work of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor and our partners, including the Blackstone River Coalition, Blackstone River Watershed Association, the Blackstone River Watershed Council/Friends of the Blackstone, Mass Audubon, RI Audubon Society, Save the Bay and many more groups and individuals.
The event last week recognized the campaign for a "Fishable/Swimmable Blackstone River by 2015," which started back in 2003, and allowed us to recognize and offer our gratitude for the efforts and accomplishments to date. Hundreds of people have volunteered their efforts over the years, and those efforts are clearly improving our entire river system.
To learn more about the event, click here for a report by ecoRI News.
Click here to learn about a "Living Lab Cleaning Up the Blackstone Naturally."
|
|
|
Gear Up Your Camera for 2016 Calendar Photo Contest!
|
|
Calling all photography enthusiasts!
Submissions are now being accepted for the
"2016 in the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor" calendar!
Photos must be taken within the 25 communities of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor and reflect the character of the area over the different seasons of the year. Photos may be taken outdoors or inside one of our historical sites. Entries must be your original photography, taken in high resolution (300 dpi), horizontal JPG format. You can submit as many photos as you like. The deadline to enter is Saturday, August 15, 2015.
Please e-mail mail@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org to have an entry form sent to you. Each individual photo for the contest must be submitted with its own entry form. One photo will be selected for the cover and that person will receive 12 free 2016 calendars. Six free calendars will be given to each photographer featured in the individual months.
One of our Volunteers-in-Parks members is interested in starting a photography club with the Blackstone Heritage Corridor.
If you are interested in participating, please contact Bonnie Combs at BCombs@BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org.
August 2015 photo pictured here was taken by Anthony Shepherd of East Providence, RI.
|
| | Volunteer Opportunity! |
|
|
Canal Clean Up: Saturday, August 8 in Northbridge, MA
The Blackstone Canal Conservancy is sponsoring a morning of brush clearing and trash removal along the canal and trails in the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park. All who are interested in preserving the canal are invited to meet at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 8 at the Plummer's Landing west parking area at the canal on Church Street in Northbridge, MA.
Volunteers are requested to bring loppers, bow saws, brush cutters and work gloves. No power tools will be used. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather and getting dirty. This is one of a continuing series of work events to improve the canal, tow path and adjacent trails.
|
| Save the Date! |
|
Tuesday, August 25 - Founder's Day 
Join us to celebrate the birth of the National Park Service!
We will gather at the Roger Williams National Memorial for a celebration honoring the birth of the National Park Service.
We will also to celebrate the establishment of the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park as the 402nd unit of the National Park Service!
Enjoy light refreshments, stroll the beautiful grounds, check out the exhibits at the Visitor Center and learn what's happening in YOUR National Park! Celebration is from 5-7 p.m.
Location: Roger Williams National Memorial
282 North Main Street
Providence, RI
|
| GO! |
|
Get Ready!
Get Set !
GO! for a walk, a tour, a bike ride, a paddle, a boat ride,
a special event or harvest experience - all in the month of September in the wonderful Blackstone River Valley
National Heritage Corridor.
Click on the brochure icon to download a complete listing of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor's 2015 GO! program!
|
| The Greenway Challenge 2015 |
|
An Adventure Race Like No Other!
September 26, 2015
The mission of the Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge is to promote the recreational quality of life in the Blackstone River Valley.
The Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc. works with partner organizations to support clean water campaigns and develop hiking and biking trails, wildlife projects, environmental education programs and greater waterway access.
Each year, the Greenway Challenge athletes run, paddle and bike on
a newly designed course through one of the most beautiful and historic
regions of New England, the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor.
Early Registration Ends Soon!
You can also register online by visiting our webpage:
|
|
Blackstone Valley Paddle Club turns 15!
|
|
 Time flies when you're having fun! The BVPC volunteers have led more than 225 guided tours of the Blackstone River Watershed during their 15 years of operation. With every stroke of the paddle they share their passion for paddling and their knowledge of natural resources.
Paddle Club volunteers give the Blackstone Valley an amazing gift of their time and enthusiasm to promote the river experiences available throughout the Blackstone Heritage Corridor. We thank each and every volunteer for all that they do.
Join these wonderful folks during the Paddle Club's 2015 season and you are sure to have a memorable experience out on the river!
Dates and locations of paddle tours in August listed below:
August 4 - Seekonk River
Pawtucket, RI
August 11 - Ranger Night at Blackstone Gorge
Blackstone, MA
August 18 - Spring Lake Paddle Party
Burrillville, RI
August 25 - Stump Pond
Smithfield, RI
For other paddle dates and for more information, please visit the website:
|
| Blue Star Museum Program 2015! |
|
Are you or a family member active in the Military or National Guard? The Blue Star Museum Program is a nationwide program that allows all active Military and National Guard members free access, with 5 family members, to participating museums around the country.
Numerous museums in the Blackstone Heritage Corridor are participating in this patriotic program, such as the Museum of Work & Culture, the EcoTarium, and Slater Mill, just to name a few. The Blue Star Museum program runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
For more information and a list of participating museums, visit the website:
|
| Partner Events in August |
|
Blackstone Heritage Corridor enjoys the partnership of numerous organizations all working to protect, support and enhance our communities and region. In this section, we list just a sampling of activities and events taking place during the coming month.
August 1 - Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
Dragonflies at Broad Meadow Brook
Learn about odonates - dragonflies and their damselfy cousins - and what makes them the engineering marvels of the natural world. An
indoor presentation will cover odonate FAQs, including dragonfly form and function. We will explore outdoors for skimmers, darners, and meadowhawks, looking for dragonfly behavior. Come take a closer
look at these high-powered eating machines. Presentation and walk is from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location: Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
414 Massasoit Road
Worcester, MA
August 2 - Friends of Hearthside
American Girl Doll Garden Party
Each year the Garden Party for Girls and their American Girl Dolls is a favorite summer activity at Hearthside House for mothers and their daughters. This year's featured girl is the Historical character Samantha who lived with her grandmother in a mansion, similar to Hearthside, in New York in 1904.
This event is for girls ages 5-10 and their dolls, along with an adult. Activities include refreshments of lemonade and cookies, a craft activity, a presentation about Samantha's leisure time, and a chance to try out some turn-of-the-century games. Seatings are at 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Location: Hearthside House Museum
677 Great Road
Lincoln, RI
August 2 - Friends of Adin Ballou
Hopedale's Annual Peace Picnic
In the tradition of the Early Hopedale Community which met each year to celebrate the abolition of slavery in the British empire with speeches and a picnic at Nelsons's Grove. Bring a chair or blanket, food and drinks and join us as we rally to wage peace, seek justice and end war.
Open Mike available for poetry, peace and protest music, and social justice statements. Winning essays from the Adin Ballou Peace Essay Contest will be read aloud. Picnic is from 3-5 p.m.
Location: Adin Ballou Park
Hopedale Street
Hopedale, MA
August 5 - Museum of Work and Culture
Cine Quebec - A Rhode Island International Film Festival 
A screening of new and dynamic films by Quebecois filmmakers entered into the film festival. Vote for your favorite and help decide which films make it to the next round of judging! Admission is $10 and includes a drink and popcorn. Film Festival is from 7-10 p.m.
Location: Museum of Work and Culture
42 South Main Street
Woonsocket, RI
August 6- Alternatives
Free Summer Concerts on the Plaza
Bring a lawn chair and enjoy free concerts on the plaza! Refreshments will be available for purchase and in case of inclement weather, concerts will move indoors. Concert is from 6-8 p.m.
Location: Alternatives
50 Douglas Road
Whitinsville, MA
August 6 - City of Worcester and Worcester Cultural Coalition
Out to Lunch Summer Series
Enjoy an afternoon at Worcester Common Oval with a Farmers Market, local vendors and live music from Grupo Fantasia. Event is from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Worcester Common Oval
455 Main Street
Worcester, MA
August 6 - Town of Auburn
Summer in the Park Concert Series
Visit the Riley-Pappas Performance Pavilion and enjoy a show featuring On the Rocks, a classic rock band. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a night out in Auburn. Show is from 6-8 p.m.
Location: 203 Pakachoag Road
Auburn, MA
For more information, visit the website:
August 6 - Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park 
Ranger Walkabout Series
Roger Williams National Memorial
"Pulling Back the Curtain - Understanding Roger Williams 50 Years Later"
In 1965 Roger Williams National Memorial was created by Congress as a place where the concept of "Freedom of Religion" could be discussed along with Roger Williams' words and beliefs that focused on the individual's conscience
as the guide to religious belief, not the state. The Roger Williams National Memorial is now getting a new Visitor Center and Wayside
exhibits as part of its 50th Anniversary Celebration. Come along
to get a sneak peak at a few of the new exhibit panels, and join in a discussion on the exhibit planning process and how the National Park Service has changed the way it tells stories over the past 20 years. Walkabout begins at 6:30 p.m.
Location: 282 North Main Street
Providence, RI
August 7 - Sutton Public Library
Make Your Own Superhero Gear
Visit the Sutton Public Library to make a cool superhero shield and cuffs and get ready to transform yourself into a superhero! Activity begins at 11 a.m.
Location: Sutton Public Library
4 Uxbridge Road
Sutton, MA
August 8 - Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary 
8th Annual Barbara J. Walker Butterfly Festival
Enjoy educational fun for all ages at this butterfly festival where butterflies fly free in their natural habitats. The day's activities include naturalist-led walks and workshops, performances, live caterpillars, butterfly art, face painting, children's activities, butterfly garden tours, butterfly plant sales, delicious food, and much more! Come in costume and get a prize!
Festival is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
414 Massasoit Road
Worcester, MA
August 8 - Town of Lincoln
Free Concert at Chase Park
Come to Chase Park for a free concert featuring Eddy Shoe, an original rock band with roots stemming from a combo of Blues, Jazz and Classic Rock. Refreshments will be provided by the historic Whitman House with proceeds benefiting the 1694 Whitman Homestead. Concert starts at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Chase Park
Great Road
Lincoln, RI
August 8 - Blackstone River Theatre
Matt Molloy, John Carty and Arty McGlynn
The most exciting trad combination of recent times embark on their first ever tour of the United States as a trio. Matt Molloy (traditional Irish Flute), John Carty (fiddle) and Arty McGlynn (guitar) will perform together in this rare and exciting event! Show is from 8-10 p.m.
Location: Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad Street
Cumberland, RI
August 9 - Friends of the Hearthside
Exhibit on 1904 World's Fair and House Tour
Hearthside House Museum will be open for tours where a special exhibit on the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair will be featured. The exhibit includes image galleries and exhibits displayed throughout the historic home that served as the model for the Rhode Island Building at the legendary St. Louis World's Fair. Tours are self-guided, however costumed docents will be on hand to provide information. This is the last public opening of exhibit before it closes. Open house and tour is from 1-4 p.m. (last admittance will be at 3 p.m.)
Location: Hearthside House Museum
677 Great Road
Lincoln, RI
|
|
|
