DERBY — A paddle on Eagle Point in Derby will take place on June 17, with a rain date of June 18, according to a recent announcement.
Eagle Point Wildlife Management Area, located in Derby, hosts nearly a mile of lakeshore habitat and provides excellent opportunities to see a variety of wetland and marsh species.
Herons, bitterns, snipe, pied-billed grebes, rails, common moorhens, and marsh wrens make up a large portion of the species encountered in the marshes of the WMA and many other wetland and terrestrial species.
The paddle will be led by Paul Hamelin, from the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife.
Participants must have basic paddling skills for flat water and bring their own paddle craft and gear.
Personal flotation devices are required, and it’s recommended to bring a water bottle, hat, and sunscreen.
Registration is limited to 10 boats.
Participants can register for one boat, solo or tandem kayak, or 2-3 people in a canoe, and are asked to drop off their boat before the Halls Creek bridge and relocate their vehicle to the Wetland Overlook parking area on the hill across the bridge.
Parking space is limited, so carpooling is encouraged.
The paddle will begin at 10 a.m., so participants are asked to plan to be on site and readying their craft by 9:30 a.m.
There are no facilities in the area, including bathrooms and drinking water sources.
For those who cannot make it after registering, please notify [email protected] so that your spot can be given to someone on the waiting list.
This event is part of Vermont’s efforts to promote outdoor activities and provide opportunities for people to explore the state’s natural beauty.
