The Blackstone River winds through the heart of our towns—Blackstone and Millville—and plays a big role in our shared history and natural beauty. Whether you’re kayaking, walking the trails, fishing, or just enjoying the view, the river is a source of local pride. And with warmer weather on the way, many of us will be spending more time down by the water.
To make sure the river stays clean and safe for all of us (and the wildlife that calls it home), the Blackstone River Watershed Association put together a great little guide on what we should—and shouldn’t—do around the river. We’ve pulled out the highlights below, with a few local additions!
✅ DO:
- Take your trash with you. Pack it in, pack it out! Litter left behind can end up in the water and harm fish, birds, and other animals.
- Pick up after your pets. Dog waste isn’t just gross—it can wash into the river and pollute it.
- Use sidewalks, trails, or designated access points when exploring the riverbanks.
- Report suspicious dumping or anything that looks like pollution to the local authorities or the Blackstone River Coalition.
- Volunteer for river cleanups—groups like the Blackstone River Watershed Association host events, and the towns of Blackstone and Millville sometimes participate too.
🚫 DON’T:
- Don’t dump anything in storm drains. What goes down there often flows straight into the river.
- Don’t leave fishing line, plastic bags, or balloon strings behind. These items can entangle wildlife.
- Don’t trespass on private property along the riverbanks—some areas may look public but aren’t.
- Don’t remove natural features like rocks, plants, or animals—let nature do its thing.
- Don’t ignore signs and guidelines posted near river access points—they’re there to protect both you and the environment.
👉 Want the full list straight from the experts?
Click here to view the official Dos and Don’ts guide (PDF)
Why It Matters to Us
The Blackstone River has shaped the towns of Blackstone and Millville for generations. From powering mills during the Industrial Revolution to offering a peaceful retreat in our own backyards today, it’s been at the center of our shared story.
Both towns are part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, and there are several scenic access points nearby—like Millville’s Triad Bridge and Blackstone Gorge—where locals regularly enjoy nature and recreation.
Keeping the river healthy means preserving that connection—for today and for future generations.
This article is part of our mission to inform, inspire, and amplify the stories that matter to the Blackstone community—like the health and future of the Blackstone River. 🌊 Have a favorite river photo or memory? We’d love to feature local stories and snapshots! Email us at editor@smalltownpost.com and tell us how the Blackstone River has played a role in your life.
