The last paddle of the year for Louisa County Conservation has proven to be a popular event. On Saturday, November 5th, they are hosting a Migration Paddle, and according to Naturalist Lana Artz-McComb, the event is already full. Those able to attend will paddle on the Mississippi River from the Port Louisa access to the Toolesboro access, keeping their eyes out for migrating birds. When the paddle was announced a few months ago, they recommended it was for experienced paddlers only. Artz-McComb says that’s for a couple reasons, one of which is the weather. She explains, even if the weather is warm, the water will not be. As such, they wanted to make sure attendees know how to handle being splashed by cold water, which gives them a smaller chance of falling into the river than a novice paddler might have. She clarifies, it won’t necessarily be dangerously cold, but they wanted to make sure everyone was experienced.

They will have other events for beginning paddlers in the spring and summer. Although the Migration Paddle is full, Artz-McComb encourages anyone who still might be interested in joining to call the conservation office in case someone cancels. She was pleased with the turnouts for the other paddling events this season, but is hoping for even bigger numbers next year. The first paddle of 2017 will likely happen in early spring on the Odessa Water Trail.