Time and time again, we see examples of change in our communities led by grassroots organizations and volunteers.

Last year we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day (under the restrictions of a worldwide pandemic, nevertheless) – an example of a movement to make change for the better of our environment. The Blackstone River is also proof of such a movement and that with determination, people can change things for the better.

At one time, the Blackstone River – recognized as the hardest working river in America – was also considered the most polluted river in the country after years of industrial use and abuse. In 1972, an effort to clean rivers and streams converged with the passage of the Clean Water Act. With the passage of this act, a new urgency to clean the Blackstone River took place in Rhode Island from the Massachusetts borders to the mouth of the Blackstone. This effort was known as Project ZAP or Zap the Blackstone. On September 9th, 1972, over 10,000 volunteers came together to clean the Blackstone River marking the largest single-day environmental clean-up in American history.

Young and old alike formed teams, machinery, and landscapers all  came together to begin an effort that has seen fruition in the development of river access for river enthusiasts to be able to enjoy the river. We have seen people continue to come together to continue the efforts, to spearhead the development of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council in 1985, Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor in 1986, the designation of the Blackstone River as an American Heritage River in 1998 and finally the designation of a National Historical Park along the river’s corridor in 2014.

In addition, many restaurants, arts, cultural and historic organizations and museums have come to together to tell or share in the story of the Blackstone Valley with the river as the thread weaving the communities together in a seamless tapestry. During 2022, we plan to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Project Zap and the many cultural and natural resources that have thrived along the river and canal realizing that there is still much to be done.

An initial planning meeting held on February 24th, 2020 came together with river enthusiasts and river activists/partners to begin considering how this milestone anniversary should be marked, and with the development of this website as well as a group page on Facebook, we hope to continue the conversation and sharing of ideas until when we can next meet to continue the planning process.