Second Annual Biodiversity Festival

Offers Hands-on, Educational and Fun Programs

        Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park is hosting its second annual Biodiversity Festival on Saturday, September 16 at the Blackstone River State Park, 1075 Lower River Rd., Lincoln, RI. Explorers of all ages will find plenty to discover at this festival. You can go on a wild mushroom walk, take a 15-minute field trip or learn what happens to water once it goes down your drain. Kicking-off with yoga in the park at 8:00 AM, the festivities, including free walks, games, crafts, and demonstrations, will be in full-swing between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. You won’t want to miss the chance to interact with live animals at the Southwick Zoo’s Zoomobile, which will be with us from 11:00AM-2:00PM. Emma Schlam, who is an Americorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) for Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc. and Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park as well as the Biodiversity Festival Coordinator, explains, “No matter your age or expertise, the Biodiversity Festival offers something for you. All you need to bring is your curiosity to have fun and learn in your national park!”

The Biodiversity Festival is also the launch party for Blackstone Heritage Corridor Inc. and Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park’s new Junior Ranger Program. The Junior Ranger motto is Explore, Discover, Protect, and GO! and the program offers countless opportunities to do just that! Participate in activities that help you take care of our

environment, learn to track animals, and build your own rocket. Come out to the Biodiversity Festival and earn your official Junior Ranger badge.

All festival activities are free and open to the public and parking is available onsite. In case of inclement weather, the Biodiversity Festival will be moved to Sunday, September 17 and notification will be through the park’s facebook page and website. Be on the look-out for a full schedule of events.  

A full listing of all programs can be found on our website, www.nps.gov/blrv or on our Facebook page, www.fb.com/BlackstoneNPS. To learn about the Junior Ranger program, visit the GearHeads page at www.Blackstoneheritagecorridor.org. For other inquiries or additional information, contact Ranger Kevin Klyberg: Kevin_Klyberg@NPS.GOV.