Hundreds Get On the Water this Summer for the First Time
“Look at the river!” shout excited kids as they arrive at Willamette Park on a sunny summer morning. These kids, along with adults and elders from Bridge Meadows neighborhood, came to paddle the Willamette River as part of the Estuary Partnership’s Summer Paddle Program. For many, this was their first experience paddling and they were excited and quite nervous to be out on the water. During the two-hour canoe trip, the children and adults learned how to paddle a canoe, used binoculars to spy a great blue heron, and learned the importance of working together as a team. Smiles and laughter filled the day.
The focus of the Summer Paddle Program is to provide opportunities for people to get out on the water who typically do not have access to paddling programs. Bridge Meadows, is a non-profit housing community for elders and children in foster care and a partner of the Estuary Partnership. Additional summer partners include the Portland Audubon Society Explorador Camp, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Self Enhancement Inc., and Friends of the Children. A goal is to spark a desire in the participants to connect and care for our local waterways.
The Estuary Partnership joined with additional partners this summer for the 2013 Willamette River Paddle Trip and Watershed Tour. In collaboration with North Clackamas Urban Watersheds Council, Willamette Riverkeeper, Tryon Creek Watershed Council, and Johnson Creek Watershed Council, the Estuary Partnership took 60 people on-water to highlight restoration work along the river. The tour covered a six-mile stretch of river and participants learned about the efforts of waterfront homeowners to combat invasive species and create landscaping that is beneficial to both wildlife and the river. JoAnn Herrigel, Director of Parks and Sustainability for the city of Milwaukie reflected, “It is interesting how people have taken lawns and turned them into habitat along the riparian areas, and it is not that hard. We had people in our boat who live and work along the river, and they had aha moments.” The Estuary Partnership and partners plan to continue these types of paddles because of the increased connection created when people view the watershed from an on-water perspective.
The Estuary Partnerships’ Summer Paddle program began in 2008 with the goal of increasing connections to the lower Columbia River by facilitating positive and safe on-water experiences for youth, families and underserved community organizations. Each year the program grows, reaching new audiences and connecting more people to the Columbia River. This summer, the Estuary Partnership organized and led 24 paddle trips, taking nearly 500 youth and adults on-water.
Introducing new audiences to paddling is possible with support from the community. Outdoor Nation provided critical program funding, local retailer REI promoted the free family paddles on their event calendar and corporate partners, including New Season’s Market, distributed flyers to their employees. Together with our partners, we will continue to reach new audiences and provide opportunities for us all to learn about and witness our interconnectedness to our local watersheds.