Sometimes a local college will send new freshmen to volunteer in the Blackstone parks. In September nearly 40 new RISD students arrived in two groups to figure out how to take materials found in the riverside park and build temporary enclosures that could be knocked down and later reassembled—sort of like stage sets. The Education Committee project led by Chair Chair Rick Richards and Coordinator Elena Riverstone wanted temporary circles where children could gather for nature stories and songs.
There may have been a little trepidation on both parts. The Blackstone Parks Conservancy (BPC) had not worked with RISD before. Could they find an assignment for these talented artists that would fully engage them? Would it be a good enough experience that they would want to return?
The RISD student leaders, on the other hand, were unfamiliar with the Conservation District and had no idea what its rules are. And, not knowing the BPC volunteers, they might well have wondered: ‘Who ARE these people?!’
Complicating the project was the fact that it had to be compatible with the mission of the Conservancy to protect and maintain the Conservation District. People can’t just go around pulling up plants, not even noxious plants, except under the guidance of a URI-certified invasive plants manager, of which the BPC has two. If they are removed improperly, these plants can spread even faster than they otherwise would.
Nor can anybody just build things in the woodland, which is under the aegis of the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) and the Providence Department of Parks and Recreation. Fencing erected in recent years to protect plants is intended to be temporary.
Nevertheless, certain invasive plants such as Japanese knotweed could be carefully removed under the guidance of the certified managers and used for the project. Knotweed stalks look and feel much like bamboo, and grow vigorously in the ravine behind York Pond.
Not surprisingly considering the effort that went into planning the project and the creativity and dedication of everyone involved, the results were stunning. They can be seen this fall in the Park, and in photographs on the BPC website (see below).
An even more inspiring result was the enthusiastic engagement of the students during the several hours they spent in the Park on one of the hottest and most humid days of the summer. As the BPC had hoped, their leaders are keen to return next year with new groups of freshmen.
The Conservancy invited the RISD students to come back during the semester in this highly competitive school and unwind—turn off their cell phones and devices and soak up what the Conservation District offers to all who visit, a few calming moments. Evidence shows that even an hour in such an environment as this can lower blood pressure.
On Blackstone Boulevard
Under the attentive guidance of the founder and leader of the summer concerts, Gale Aronson, the BPC wrapped up its latest season with hundreds of enthusiastic listeners. The community and the BPC owe a huge debt to Gale for the way the Boulevard looks and sounds.
Jane Peterson
