Don't Miss The Rally For The Valley!

Breaking News: Bills Introduced In House & Senate For A New Park

Senator Jack Reed, D-RI, introduced legislation on October 13 to create the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park.  The bill is co-sponsored by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, D-RI, Senator John Kerry, D-MA, and Senator Scott Brown, R-MA.  Senator Reed's office made the announcement on Thursday. "This new national park would provide opportunities for work, opportunities for recreation, and it will be a way to forever memorialize the history of this unique national treasure,” said Senator Reed.

A bill was also introduced in the House of Representatives on October 13.  U.S. Representative David Cicilline (D-RI), along with co-sponsors Richard E. Neal (D-MA), James McGovern (D-MA), and James Langevin (D-RI), introduced legislation to create the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park.

"I am proud to introduce legislation that will create a new national park unit within the Blackstone River Valley, ensuring the protection and promotion of this vital historical, environmental, and educational resource – all while helping to promote our local economies,” said Rep. Cicilline.

A copy of the press release from Senator Reed's office may be found here.  A copy of the release from Representative Cicilline's office may be found here.





'Valley Boys' pull biggest, baddest tire from Lonsdale Marsh:

By ETHAN SHOREY, Valley Breeze Staff Writer (Click on the link below for the full article)

Frank Matta, left, and John Marsland, of the Blackstone River Watershed Council/Friends of the Blackstone, show off the 600-pound aviation tire they helped pull from the Lonsdale Marsh last month. The tire is the last one known to be in the marsh. 

 CUMBERLAND - The Valley Boys saved their most stubborn haul for last. At 600 pounds, the passenger jet tire was such a beast it had to be fished out by six men and a loader. It is thought that the giant aviation tire had been lodged for more than 30 years in the Lonsdale Marsh, a once-polluted zone first targeted for cleanup all the way back in 1972. Several of those who helped hoist it out this summer recalled seeing it as children... FULL STORY
Shorey, E. (2011, August 3)). 'Valley Boys' pull biggest, baddest tire from Lonsdale Marsh. Valley Breeze. Retrieved August 10, 2011, from http://breezepapers.com/2011/08/03/cl/valley-boys-pull-biggest-baddest-tire-from-lonsdale-marsh

What A Wonderful Time Of Year To Be In the Valley!

October and November are busy months here in the Blackstone Valley.  Whether you are looking for something to do with children, a visit to a historic site, a conference relating to the Valley, or a night out, the Heritage Corridor and our partners have a lot in store for you this fall.  Check out our event listing for festivals, conferences, tours, walks, benefit nights, and so much more!

Of special note this season are the following conferences related to topics of importance to us.

Bi-State Blackstone Bikeway Summit
Wednesday, October 26, 9:30am to Noon
Corridor Commission Offices, Woonsocket, RI
For more information or to RSVP, contact Jonathan O'Rourke at Jonathan_O'Rourke@nps.gov or by phone at 401-762-0250 ext. 32.
Sponsored by Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor

Sustainable Tourism Conference - Why The National Park Service Is Your New Tourism Partner
Tuesday, October 18, 8:00am
Slater Mill
Sponsored by Sustainable Tourism Lab
http://www.sustainabletourismlab.com/

Bi-State Conference - Blackstone River Revival
Wednesday, November 16, 3:00pm
Northbridge Town Hall and Alternatives Unlimited
Open to all. RSVP to peter.coffin@zaptheblackstone.com
Sponsored by the Blackstone River Coalition
http://www.zaptheblackstone.org/

Unibank Greenway Challenge Completes its 11th Season

On September 24th, over 400 local athletes once again ran, paddled and cycled through one of the most beautiful and historic sections of New England - the Blackstone River Valley - for the UniBank Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge. The Challenge promotes the recreational quality of life in the Blackstone River Valley while celebrating cultural and historic gems along the race route. The Corridor, and its partners, host the UniBank Greenway Challenge annually to help support clean water campaigns, hiking and biking trails, wildlife projects, environmental education and development of waterway access throughout the Valley.

Each year, the Finish Line Celebration provides an opportunity of athletes, volunteers, and spectators alike to share food, music, photos, and a lot of stories about the day's adventures. The Celebration started at noon, with about 1000 participants, onlookers, and volunteers gathered to celebrate.