Thursday, April 12, 2012

Dr. Stephanie Smith Toothman, Associate Director for Cultural Resources of the National Park Service, To Speak In Valley

The John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor (JHCBRVNHC) and the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission (RIHPHC) present “Heritage in America’s Great Outdoors,” a public presentation at the historic Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket on Saturday, April 21, from 9:00 – 10:45am.  The free event includes an illustrated lecture by Dr. Stephanie Smith Toothman, the Associate Director for Cultural Resources of the National Park Service, as well as opening remarks by Mayor Leo T. Fontaine of Woonsocket, Maia Farish of Roger Williams University, and Edward F. Sanderson of the RIHPHC. 

Dr. Toothman's lecture, “Heritage in America’s Great Outdoors,” will place the Blackstone River Valley park bid in the broader perspective of the National Park Service's century-long commitment to preserving America's cultural and natural heritage.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Registration Is Open For The Greenway Challenge

The mission of the UniBank Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge is to promote the recreational quality of life in the Blackstone River Valley. Working with the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc. and other partner organizations, the UniBank Greenway Challenge supports clean water campaigns, hiking and biking trails, wildlife projects, environmental education and development of waterway access.

Each year, the UniBank 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. This annual race is quickly becoming one of New England's premier adventure races.

To learn more or to register, go the the Greenway Challenge registration page.

Photo by D. Uscilka

Monday, April 9, 2012

Chain Saw Safety Program Well Attended



A Chain Saw Use & Safety Class was recently co-sponsored by the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and Blackstone River Watershed Council/Friends of the Blackstone.  The 32 attendees were volunteers from throughout the Blackstone Valley from both MA and RI.  The instructor was Mike Patenaude from Stihl USA.  Topics included safe cutting techniques, protective equipment, and chain saw maintenance. 

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Registration Open For Preservation Conference To Be Held In Valley


Heritage In America's Great Outdoors
The 27th Annual Rhode Island Statewide Preservation Conference

Each year, the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission sponsors a Statewide Preservation Conference at a different location each year. This year it will be held in the Blackstone Valley. There are many great workshops, including sessions led by Heritage Corridor Staff and Partners highlighting the Valley. Registration is $40 for this information-packed full-day event.  You may learn more about the program as well as download the program catalog and registration form at the website below.

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission 2012 Conference