Tag Archives: Blackstone Heritage Corridor

by | September 18, 2019 · 11:28 am

Adaptive Kayaking at Lake Quinsigamond, Worcester

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Launching the first group off into Lake Quinsigamond

The rule, when working with folks with special needs, whether elderly, those with cognitive or physical disabilities, or any other special needs, is to be ready to adapt. The Adaptive Kayaking program the Blackstone Heritage Corridor planned with their partners, All Out Adventures, was scheduled for this fall at Wallum Lake, Douglas. The four sessions planned began in Douglas. Then Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) reared its head and the town of Douglas, along with many other towns in Massachusetts, was considered to be under critical threat of people contracting the serious, even fatal disease. Continue reading →

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by | May 22, 2019 · 8:52 pm

Till Next Time–Wrap up of Adaptive Biking in the Blackstone Valley for 2019

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A perfect day on the Blackstone Greenway

For all the rain we had this spring, somehow every single scheduled date for the Adaptive Biking program in the Blackstone Valley brought, if not bright sunny skies, at least a reprieve from the near constant rain we have experienced of late. The last date, held in Blackstone, brought clear skies, and a festive mood. Continue reading →

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by | May 15, 2019 · 5:13 pm

Adaptive Biking Again? Third Time is a Charm in Worcester

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A parade of bikes sets off from the Worcester Visitor Center

Perhaps you have noticed we’ve been talking a lot about adaptive biking when you check in here. For the month of May, it’s been at the top of my “to do” list.  You see, I am not only a National Park Volunteer with the Blackstone Heritage Corridor (VIP), I am also a participant in these adaptive biking events. There is still time to participate in the last two events, but you must register. To register for the remaining rides in May, call 413-584-2052. Continue reading →

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by | May 9, 2019 · 3:22 pm

Adaptive Biking again–Blackstone in May

Volunteer groupLast year we had one opportunity to participate in an adaptive biking program in the Blackstone Valley. Thanks to the generosity of the MADCR Universal Access Program, which funded these rides, 5 different dates in May 2019 have been made available to area residents who might want to take advantage of getting out on a bike regardless of one’s capabilities. Registration is required. To register for the remaining rides in May, call 413-584-2052. Continue reading →

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by | October 13, 2018 · 4:36 pm

Along the Blackstone River-Woonsocket, RI

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Along the Blackstone River in Woonsocket, near the MA border. On the left is a remnant of the Blackstone Canal

Marjorie Turner Hollman is a writer who loves the outdoors. Link to all Marjorie’s books.

I had heard of a new section of railtrail at Coldspring Park, off Harris Avenue in Woonsocket, but last we looked, it was not obvious where the trail might be. When we stopped by today, it was easy to find the trail, and quite easy to walk alongside the river for about a half mile, all the way to the Massachusetts line. Continue reading →

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by | September 11, 2018 · 2:53 pm

Make Your Own Storybook Hike GO! program, Upton State Forest

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Heading out on the trail

The concept of a Make Your Own Storybook hike is simple–take a walk together, explore along the way, and come back to write or draw about what we experienced. After a summer hiatus, the Make Your Own Storybook hikes have started back up. This past weekend we visited the Upton State Forest, and were joined by several families with young children, some literate, some not, but by the end, it appeared that everyone had a grand time in the outdoors. We were blessed with terrific volunteers, enthusiastic families, inquisitive children, and cool, overcast skies.  Continue reading →

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by | June 7, 2018 · 5:22 pm

Joy on the Bike Path–Adaptive Cycling in Blackstone

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Suzanne was a one-woman cheering squad for riders venturing out on the trail

It was a day of joy as adaptive cycling came to the Blackstone River Greenway in Blackstone for those with special needs of many kinds.  The event was in the planning stages back when snow was on the ground last January. That’s how long it takes to get this many moving parts lined up, making sure everything will run smoothly. And in fact everything did come together. Many of us understand the woman who came back from her ride and said, “My face hurts from smiling!” Indeed, others of us felt the same way from smiling all day. Continue reading →

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by | April 30, 2018 · 5:41 pm

Make Your Own Story–Rain, Rain, Go Away!

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We were prepared for rain! (Photo, Carol Dandrade)

The threatening clouds kept blowing by, allowing for sunshine to sneak through, but we were mostly prepared. Our “Looking for Spring,” Make your own storybook hike at Riverbend farm was on, regardless of the weather. My partner for this event, Kathryn Parent, was well-prepared. “Here are some umbrellas and ponchos,” she said, laying the items on the table in the visitor center classroom. She admitted, “The umbrellas are from our ‘Lost and Found’ box.” As it turned out, they weren’t needed, but we were prepared! Continue reading →

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by | April 26, 2018 · 3:41 pm

History of the Blackstone Gorge

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The Blackstone River rushes through the Gorge after heavy rains

The spring group walk promised to provide some history about the Blackstone Gorge. While I have often visited the gorge over the past thirty years I’ve been aware of it, I have never been well-versed in its past. For indeed, the gorge has a past, not just geologic, but a man-made past as well. Continue reading →

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by | April 20, 2018 · 11:49 am

Joys of Volunteering Part 2

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Heritage Corridor volunteers getting a private historical tour of the grounds near the Kelly house in Lincoln, RI

As though our recent adventure out to Northampton with the Blackstone Heritage Corridor was not enough, Corridor volunteers were treated to a spring Thank you picnic (during Volunteer week–the timing was perfect!) at the Kelly House in Lincoln, RI, along the Blackstone Bikeway. Somehow we ended up with one of the very few bright and sunny days in a week of near monsoon-like weather, which allowed for a trip along the bike trail for the Bike Ambassadors, a personally guided tour of the area surrounding the Kelly house by Ranger Kevin Klyberg, and a delicious outdoor picnic dinner as well. Continue reading →

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