05/21/2026
Seven intrepid educators braved the threat of rain last Saturday, May 9, to participate in this year’s “Urban Oasis”themed Writing Marathon. In the Valley neighborhood of Providence, we walked along the Woonasquatucket Greenway, pausing to reflect on the nature of oases, urban rivers, the arts, and community. Once a post-industrial wasteland, Valley is now a thriving arts community and resource for fresh food and job training. We started our walk at Farm Fresh RI, then followed the river and across Valley Street to the site of a fish ladder monitored by volunteers for the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council. Along the way were sculpture and murals as well as signage addressing environmental remediation — trash filters, native plantings — that fed into our writing. It was the perfect blend of people, nature, reflection, and writing. Hope to see you all at the next RIWP gathering!
