Co-Sponsored with Mystic Aquarium
Paddlin’ to the Sea is a unique canoe adventure for 12
teens ages 13-16. The staffs of the Mystic Aquarium and the
W. Alton Jones Campus combine their skills and knowledge to
provide an action packed week. With canoes as the vehicles,
participants have the chance to study both freshwater and salt-water
ecosystems as they follow the Pawcatuck River approximately
35 miles to where it empties
into the ocean at Little Narragansett Bay. Participants
paddle downriver to a new backcountry riverside campsite each
night. It is an intense
expedition that covers many skills and challenges combined with
outdoor living and group cooperation. Two trained expedition
leaders will accompany twelve participants for the entire trip.
We will be kayaking along the Pawcatuck River, which is the
primary drainage for the 194,000-acre Pawcatuck Watershed. This
watershed, located in southwestern Rhode Island and portions
of southeastern Connecticut, contains the highest concentration
of rare plant and animal species in Rhode Island. In fact, 71
percent of the rarest species and natural communities in Rhode
Island reside within this watershed. The river is also rich
in Native American and colonial history. The Native American
tradition is reflected in many of the place names such as Shannock
(“Morning Star”), Ashaway (“Fork of the River”),
and Pawcatuck (“At the Falls”). Colonial heritage
is reflected in the 19th century mill villages of Burdickville,
Bradford and Potter Hill, among others, where mills relied on
the river for waterpower. You will see some mills that still
use the power of the river. And as you and the river emerge
into the salt-water bay, you will get a glimpse of the fishing
and recreation industries as well as the organisms that thrive
there. It is an ideal setting for learning about fresh and salt-water
ecology and enjoying river canoeing.
After you arrive at the W. Alton Jones Campus on Sunday, you
will take part in a canoe lesson and swim test at Lake Eisenhower.
The evening will be spent reviewing the program logistics and
packing gear needed for the trip. On Monday morning you will
begin to learn about freshwater ecology by visiting a wetland
on the W. Alton Jones Campus. The rest of the morning will be
spent making final preparations for the trip. On Monday afternoon
your group, canoes and all the gear will be transported to the
river.
After helping to distribute food and gear and some general guidelines
are reviewed, you will begin your river trip. You will
paddle downriver from backcountry campsite to campsite
enjoying the scenery and the wildlife, such as fish, turtles,
osprey and kingfishers.
We will spend five days and four nights exploring the Pawcatuck
River and Little Narragansett Bay. Both W. Alton Jones Campus
and Mystic Aquarium staff will participate as leaders. Some
of the activities will include catching and observing fish,
insects and other wetland organisms plus water testing and
collecting data with comparison of fresh and salt water systems.
In addition to freshwater ecology, you will use a seine net
to explore the sandy beach environment at Sandy Point and
go crabbing and explore the saltmarsh at Barn Island Wildlife
Area in Stonington, Connecticut. One night will be spent sleeping
out on the edge of Little Narragansett Bay. You will be picked
up Friday morning from the Connecticut shore. The rest of
Friday will be spent wrapping up the experience and saying
goodbye. Checkout is in the afternoon.
Participants of the Paddlin’ to the Sea expedition
must be in reasonably good physical condition. You must be
able to canoe for extended periods of time, up to six hours
a day (with adequate rest stops) and be able to swim. If you
are unsure of your physical condition, do some exercising
before the trip. Bike riding, jogging, swimming, and lots
of brisk walking are some good ways to build stamina and get
muscles in shape. All participants are expected to cooperate
with fellow group members and leaders and abide by safety
rules.
Experience is not a requirement, but a positive attitude
and a willingness to have fun while learning are!
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