There are many opportunities to volunteer in the Blackstone Valley River Valley National Heritage Corridor this year. If you would like to get involved with the Volunteers-in-parks program, reach out to Molly Cardoza, director of volunteer and community engagement at [email protected]. On April 19th, during National Volunteer Week, Independent Sector announced that the hourly value of a volunteer increased from $29.95 to $31.80. Learn more at https://independentsector.org/resource/value-of-volunteer-time/.

The (second) First Strike Festival is happening at Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark at 67 Roosevelt Ave. in Pawtucket on Saturday, May 13th from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Nearly two hundred years ago, more than one hundred women weavers launched the first wage workers’ strike in the U.S. To remember this important act of solidarity, the National Park Service will host a free festival each May at Old Slater Mill. Learn a new dance, participate in a community songwriting workshop, pay an old-fashioned game, or enjoy live music.

The Kelly and Ashton Mill Junior Ranger Booklet is a self-guided adventure around the Blackstone River State Park. Aspiring Junior Rangers of all ages are encouraged to pick up a booklet and explore the history and natural beauty of this area. These Junior Ranger activities inspire creativity, reflection, imagination and stewardship. Booklets can be picked up at the Kelly House Museum of Transportation, 1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, Rhode Island, during operation hours. Booklets are also available at Old Slater Mill.

Ranger Walkabouts resume on Thursdays evenings at 6:30 p.m., June 1st through August 31st. Find all the details at https://www.nps.gov/blrv/planyourvisit/calendar.htm.

Join a National Park Ranger for a bike ride along the Blackstone River Bikeway on Wednesdays starting July 5 through September 27 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Each week will feature a different theme. Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/bike-the-blackstone.htm.

Robert Wakeling has joined the BRV National Historical Park as a seasonal park ranger. Mr. Wakeling hails from Mansfield and has worked for the NPS at other park sites including the Adams National Historical Park.

For more on all of the activities and events happening in the Corridor, go to www.BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org.