WORCESTER—The Blackstone River Coalition unveils its latest water quality report at an upcoming summit, shedding light on the health of the historic river that flows from Worcester to Pawtucket.
The event, set for March 29 at the Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center, brings together environmental advocates, scientists, and volunteers who have spent months collecting and analyzing data.
The coalition, a grassroots organization dedicated to restoring the river, has been monitoring water quality for 20 years. In 2024, 85 volunteers sampled 75 sites throughout the watershed, and their findings will be presented as the river’s annual “report card.”
“The Blackstone River has come a long way, but there’s still work to be done,” said Heather Parry, Water Quality Program Coordinator for the coalition, in the event announcement. “This summit is a chance to share the latest data, celebrate our volunteers, and discuss next steps in improving the river’s health.”
The Blackstone River, often called the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, has long struggled with pollution due to its industrial past. While decades of cleanup efforts have led to significant improvements, the coalition continues to advocate for further restoration and conservation.
The summit features a keynote address by William Sobczak, Ph.D., a professor of biology and environmental studies at the College of the Holy Cross. Other speakers include State Rep. Mary Keefe (D-Worcester) and Donna Williams, a board member of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor.
In addition to presenting water quality data, the coalition will recognize volunteers for their contributions. The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon, with the report card results expected to be shared around 10:30 a.m.
Have news, tips, or a story worth telling? A good recipe or a funny joke? Reach Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org—because good stories (and great scoops) deserve to be shared.
