BVO JOURNAL |
Lonsdale Marsh & Central Falls Wetland Cumberland, Central Falls & Lincoln, Rhode Island
We end our outdoor trips for May with a paddle into the Lonsdale Wetland. Although the day was sunny and warm, high winds kept our flotilla in the sheltered lagoon. The land now known as the Lonsdale wetland was once William Blackstone’s farm and later the Lonsdale Drive-In. I remember many a fond night with my family and later with friends watching movies at the drive-in. In 2002 the state of Rhode Island bought the property and returned it to nature. Today we paddled with Troop 310 a Girl Scout group from Cumberland. After they’re safety orientation, the 14 members of the troop passed under the Lonsdale Bridge and into view of the Blackstone Valley Explorer on her maiden voyage of the season. With strong winds blowing the trees on each bank performed the hola. Paddling with care, we entered the man-made lagoon. Surrounded by reintroduced native vegetation this body of water became a safe haven for wildlife and us. Peeking around the small island is a lone mute swan, sun turtles drop into the water as the young yakers pass and a family of Canada geese herd their 6 goslings to shore. It’s hard to believe that twenty years ago 1600 cars would park here each weekend to watch movies on two giant screens. The girls practiced their paddling skills, explored the lagoon, and played paddle volleyball with a found ball as red-winded black birds flew overhead. After paddling a staff member leads the scouts on a nature hike through the preserve. During the walk they check out deer trails and vegetation before walking back to the store on the bike path. Thanks goes out to our new paddling friends and staff for another great outing along the Blackstone. Live the Experience!
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