Description
Canoeing can offer unique views of the natural world, allowing you to join wetland birds in their natural habitat as they look for food, raise their young, and engage in other fascinating midsummer behaviors. Paddle at a leisurely pace, stopping often to explore the rich habitats of the Housatonic Valley Wildlife Management Area. We might see Belted Kingfishers, Tree Swallows, Great Blue Herons, flycatchers, birds of prey, or other birds commonly found in wetlands and forested areas in the Berkshires. This program welcomes beginner birders, beginner paddlers, or those who are new to both hobbies.
This program will cover all of its distance by canoe on a section of the Housatonic River classified as flatwater (little to no perceptible current). We will be canoeing slowly and stopping often, but this program still requires about an hour of continuous use of the abdominal muscles and shoulders. This program may optionally involve carrying your 60-lb canoe with your paddling partner less than 150 feet from a trailer to the boat ramp, but your guide can do this for you if you are not able. Climbing into and out of a canoe requires the ability to bend down and lift your knees up toward your waist. The footing at the boat ramp might be uneven or slippery.
Pre-registration is required. Registration for this program includes a $10 nonrefundable deposit.
When
- Wed, Aug 06, 2025 8:00 am - 10:30 am
Who
Adults
Cost
- Adult Members $55
- Adult Nonmembers $70
Where
Location: Decker Boat Ramp - Lenox, MA
-
Questions? Contact us:
- 413-637-0320 [email protected]
Instructors
-
Nicaela Haig - Public Programs Specialist
Instructions
Parking is limited at the boat ramp itself. Please park at the larger Decker Boat Launch gravel parking area located directly west of the ramp. (Google Maps link to the correct parking area: https://maps.app.goo.gl/k81Mwq5KodVpLCpJ7)
Once you park, walk in the direction of the river and down the mowed path to arrive at the boat ramp.
Items to Bring:
Water bottle, sunscreen,insect repellant,clothing that will keep you comfortable in the forecasted weather, footwear that can get wet, such as water shoes, binoculars (bring your own if you have a way to secure them to your body or the canoe; limited loaner pairs available)
Snacks and dry bag or plastic zip bag for your valuables (optional)
Mass Audubon policy requires that every participant wear a life vest during the program. Borrow one from us or bring your own if you have one.
Your guide will be available to welcome you to the program starting 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
If the weather forecast, high river flow or other conditions could affect your program, your guide will contact you by email, typically at least 24 hours in advance.