4-H youth kayaked the diverse waters of the Chenango River
On June 1, 4-H youth kayakers paddled about 3.5 miles through diverse Chenango River waters from the DEC boat launch on Route 32B to the wastewater treatment plant in Oxford. (Photo by Alexis Woodcock)
OXFORD — On June 1, 4-H youth kayakers paddled about 3.5 miles through diverse Chenango River waters from the DEC boat launch on Route 32B to the wastewater treatment plant in Oxford.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Chenango County 4-H Educator Erica Clark and Grow Cook Serve Program Coordinator Alexis Woodcock led the trip and have both paddled the Chenango River before, but Clark said they had not done this section in a few years.
“We always do a pre-paddle to check for hazards, like downed trees etc.,” she said.
“Alexis and I saw many mergansers with babies, wood ducks, and a heron, possibly a tri-colored,” she added. “We also saw a few baby mink, that was a first for me.”
Clark said on the day of the trip, the river was a mix of calm water and quite a few riffles, which are small rapids. The diversity allowed the eight 4-H participants to practice their paddling skills, while navigating around downed trees and rocks.
“A few of the kids said they really enjoyed going through the faster water,” said Clark.
She said many of the youth made comments about how pretty it was and how nice it smelled.
“There were quite a few wildflowers blooming along the way, and we did see a bald eagle or maybe two as well as baby mergansers,” said Clark. “As we paddled by, the mergansers swam away quickly.”
“We were fortunate to view a mix of wildlife,” Clark said.
She said everyone had fun and made new memories while enjoying the adventure and changing landscapes as they paddled through the river.
“I always enjoy seeing the kids make new friends at programs like this,” said Clark.
She explained registration filled about a week in advance with 11 Chenango County youth. Parents didn’t join them on this trip as they were limited by the trailer and number of kayaks, yet noted 10 to 12 youth is a good number for a trip.
“As always, I'm hoping the exposure to kayaking allowed them to experience the river and nature in a different way and it may be an activity they really enjoy and want to do again,” she added. “Most of our activities have the potential to become life long hobbies.”
She said being outdoors in nature is also good for one's mind and health.
Clark said the kayak trip was made possible by Chenango County 4-H and the Chenango County Youth Bureau and was one of their first joint programs to get youth outdoors and exploring Chenango County.
For more information, go to Chenango 4-H Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/Chenango4H/events
or email Erica Clark at elc97@cornell.edu.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Chenango County 4-H Educator Erica Clark and Grow Cook Serve Program Coordinator Alexis Woodcock led the trip and have both paddled the Chenango River before, but Clark said they had not done this section in a few years.
“We always do a pre-paddle to check for hazards, like downed trees etc.,” she said.
“Alexis and I saw many mergansers with babies, wood ducks, and a heron, possibly a tri-colored,” she added. “We also saw a few baby mink, that was a first for me.”
Clark said on the day of the trip, the river was a mix of calm water and quite a few riffles, which are small rapids. The diversity allowed the eight 4-H participants to practice their paddling skills, while navigating around downed trees and rocks.
“A few of the kids said they really enjoyed going through the faster water,” said Clark.
She said many of the youth made comments about how pretty it was and how nice it smelled.
“There were quite a few wildflowers blooming along the way, and we did see a bald eagle or maybe two as well as baby mergansers,” said Clark. “As we paddled by, the mergansers swam away quickly.”
“We were fortunate to view a mix of wildlife,” Clark said.
She said everyone had fun and made new memories while enjoying the adventure and changing landscapes as they paddled through the river.
“I always enjoy seeing the kids make new friends at programs like this,” said Clark.
She explained registration filled about a week in advance with 11 Chenango County youth. Parents didn’t join them on this trip as they were limited by the trailer and number of kayaks, yet noted 10 to 12 youth is a good number for a trip.
“As always, I'm hoping the exposure to kayaking allowed them to experience the river and nature in a different way and it may be an activity they really enjoy and want to do again,” she added. “Most of our activities have the potential to become life long hobbies.”
She said being outdoors in nature is also good for one's mind and health.
Clark said the kayak trip was made possible by Chenango County 4-H and the Chenango County Youth Bureau and was one of their first joint programs to get youth outdoors and exploring Chenango County.
For more information, go to Chenango 4-H Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/Chenango4H/events
or email Erica Clark at elc97@cornell.edu.
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