On the sparkling day known as Earth Day, April 22nd, thirty three- four- and-five-year-olds from Lincoln School explored Blackstone Park Conservation District, shepherded by their teachers and BPC volunteers, Elena Riverstone, Carrie Drake and Rick Richards. Leading the way was environmental educator April Alix, who helped the children find creatures that make earth: earthworms, a tiny forest cockroach, and a millipede. Magnifying lenses helped everyone see the earth-makers up close while April delighted them with worm facts. Between stops, Education Committee Chair Rick Richards shared stories about the Park and river.
April knows the Park well, having worked there with middle-schoolers for several years as part of an after-school Audubon program. Now she serves as Providence coordinator for an urban education program sponsored by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in collaboration with the Providence Park Department.
The children grew quiet to look at a nesting bluejay and learn about the materials that go into nests – leaves and hair and string and more. For some, it was a first visit to the Park, which borders Lincoln School. In response to signs notifying other park users about the visiting preschoolers, dog owners obligingly leashed their dogs during the tour.
