Education along the Blackstone River

The Anniversary of Nine Men’s Misery

April 3, 2017

Sunday, March 26 marked the 341st anniversary of the Nine Men’s Misery Monument, which is believed to be the oldest veteran’s memorial in the United States. The monument sits in a wooded area of the Cumberland Monastery Grounds and is surrounded by fine representation of New England stonewalls. The monument is accessible by hiking along gentle rolling woodland hills just off the red trail.

As the lingering snow from the last storm melts and signs of spring begin to awaken peepers and plants, the monastery is a favorite hiking spot in the Blackstone Valley. With a mix of wetland, wooded area and meadow, it a great spot for birders looking for migratory birds returning such as red-winged blackbirds, warblers, vireos, as well as hawks.  Walkers, naturalists, artists and poets will find inspiration along the trail observing a variety of flora and fauna. The easy short trails are also a great place to introduce children to nature.

There is a lovely garden for meditating or reading a book, which you can retrieve, from the Cumberland Public Library located on site.

Deer Sighting at Lonsdale on the Blackstone River

December 22, 2016

Have you taken a walk on the Blackstone Valley Bike Path recently?  A cool, cloudy day is a perfect day for deer sightings along the Blackstone River.  Today while walking the bike path at Lonsdale, river educators from the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Marina and Patti spotted these fine female specimens eating lunch near the John Street Bridge.

How many can you see? There may be one or two camouflaged among the trees.

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