S8. Down the Blackstone with Mass Audubon - (Cary, Williams)

Course Description: Class participants will be introduced to the many cultural, historical, and natural resources of The John H. Chafee Blackstone River National Heritage Corridor, officially established as a permanent National Park in 2015.  It is a region of nearly 400,000 acres located within Worcester County in central Massachusetts and Providence County in northern Rhode Island. The National Corridor was designated by an Act of Congress on November 10, 1986 to preserve and interpret for present and future generations the unique history and significant value of the Blackstone River Valley. We will travel down the Blackstone to visit several key locations and visitor destinations along the river that are part of the National Heritage Corridor.  We will travel by bus for the day. There will be a fee for the transportation and admission fees of $40.00.  Bring your own packed lunch.  Stops include Slater Mill and Blackstone Valley Visitor Center in Pawtucket, RI; Captain Wilbur Kelly House Museum in Lincoln, RI; and Museum of Work and Culture, Woonsocket, RI, among others. 

Location: Class participants will meet at Assumption College  at the parking garage, alongside the Testa Science Building to pick up the bus.

For the Outing:  Bring a packed lunch.  Water will be provided.

Group Leaders:  Deb Cary is Director of Central Sanctuaries for the Massachusetts Audubon Society.  Donna Williams is on the Blackstone River Heritage Corridor Board of Directors, former Commission Chair, and former member of Mass Audubon Blackstone River Advocacy.

Course fees:  $40.00 + $40.00 for transportation and museum admissions = $80.00 total