The Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation is offering a series of paddling programs this summer. From family trips to nature excursions, there are programs from beginner to more experienced kayakers. Register for programs at least one week in advance by calling 804-748-1623. For details, call Mark Battista, 318-8735. All programs meet at the Henricus Visitor Center.
Friday Family Kayak Tours
Children aged 7 and older can experience kayaking and explore nature with their families. Single and tandem sit-on-top kayaks are available. This program will review basic paddling skills and provide a chance to paddle and explore the tidal lagoon. An adult must accompany and participate with child. Paddling time is approximately 2 hours. All programs meet at Henricus Visitor Center. The fee is $13 per person.
Wonderful Wetlands: Paddle to the shallow wetlands to examine the vibrant plants and diverse wildlife that thrive there. Which plant was used to make bread? Why are dragonflies and butterflies attracted to wetlands? Friday, Aug. 2, 1–4 p.m.
Exploring Islands: Which island is home to the herons? Which one is a haven for young deer? Which island is home for osprey? Paddle the Tidal Lagoon to explore the various islands. Friday, Aug. 9, 5–8 p.m.
Graveyard Paddle: Explore and learn how the Tidal Lagoon was formed by padding to the old sunken tugboat and the “skeletons” of wooden barges. Friday, Aug. 23, 5-8 p.m.
Dawn Discoveries
Start your morning at the Dutch Gap Conservation Area and join the naturalist to explore the forest, wetlands, meadows, lagoon, vernal pool, or river. All programs begin at 9 a.m. at the Henricus Visitor Center.
Exploring Dutch Gap by Bike and Boat: Bring a fat-tire or hybrid bike and ride an easy two miles to the peninsula, before hopping in kayaks to explore the lagoon and cool off. Paddle will be about 45 minutes, and total bike trip will be about 4 miles. This program will last about 3 hours. For children 10 –12 years of age. Participants must bring their own bikes, water, bathing suit, towel and snack. Helmets are required. The fee is $13 per person. Tuesday, July 30, 9 a.m.
Butterflies and Dragonflies: Roam the fields and waterways with the naturalist to discover the colorful world of butterflies and dragonflies. Look for eastern tiger and zebra swallowtails, skippers, whitetails and eastern pondhawks. Nets and cages will be provided. This program is for children aged 5-12 years. The fee is $8 per child. Tuesday, Aug. 6, 9 a.m.
Sunset Paddle
Paddle and ride with the high tide to explore the tidal lagoon at the Dutch Gap Conservation Area. Paddle into the Graveyard, through the wetlands, and finally into the Labyrinth. Find out how the lagoon was created, discover where the cypress trees grow, and learn what creatures live there. Minimum age is 10. An adult must accompany children aged 10 -14 years. Paddling time is approximately 2.5 hours. The fee is $18 per person. Saturday, Aug. 10, 5-8:30 p.m.
Tidal Lagoon Paddle
Paddle with the naturalist to explore and discover the Dutch Gap Conservation Area. Paddle to the Graveyard, islands and the Labyrinth. Search for great blues, bald eagles, osprey, and other denizens of the tidal lagoon. Paddling time is approximately two hours. The fee is $18 per person.
Trip 1: Saturday, July 27, 6–9 p.m.
Trip 2: Saturday, Aug. 24, 5–8 p.m.
Wetlands Paddle
Start your trip at the peninsula in the Dutch Gap Conservation Area. Paddle across the tidal lagoon and down the channel. Next, portage your boat an easy 50 feet, and then paddle with the high tide into the tidal marsh. Search for osprey, herons and green tree frogs. Observe pickerelweed, swamp rose and yellow pond-lily. Minimum age is 12. An adult must accompany children aged 12-14. Paddling time is approximately three hours. The fee is $18 per person.
Saturday, Aug. 17, 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
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