Master Naturalist Float Trip on the Opequon Creek

Master Naturalist and Master Naturalist Candidates (and their guests) are invited to join with our host, Captain Lou Scavnicky and other Master Naturalists as they explore via kayak (or canoe) the ecology of the Opequon Creek.

This event will consist of a 3-hour +/- float trip with a chance to identify some local wildlife and fauna along the way.  Much wildlife can be seen on the Opequon, including turtles, snakes, blue and green herons, pileated woodpeckers, king fishers, beavers, muskrat, deer, and turkey, plus, the tree and lush plant varieties along the waterway.

This stretch of the creek consists of primarily slow moving, flat water with a few sites where you will navigate between and over exposed rocks. For the most part the water depth is up to 3 feet deep with a visible bottom and an occasional 4- to 6-foot-deep pool.  This is a beginner-level water course.

A picnic lunch will be provided at the take-out site.

Details:

When: Saturday, June 25^th,

Raindate:  Sunday, June 26th

Time: 8:30 – 9:00 am Boat Drop-Off, with a 10:00 am ‘push-off’ onto the creek

Where:  Put in:  Historic Stone Bridge over the Opequon, off Golf Course Road in Martinsburg, WV.  (Google: Historic Stone Bridge over Opequon for map and directions.)

Take Out Location:  Captain Lou’s Property on the Opequon where your cars will be parked.  You will be able to load your boats and depart on your own schedule.  Restrooms available.

Picnic:  1:00pm.  Fried chicken, vegetarian side dishes, beverages.  You may bring your own adult beverage for the picnic; however, no alcoholic beverages allowed on the float trip.

Registration Required: $10 registration fee.  The fee is forfeited for no-shows.  There is a 5-boat minimum, and a 15-boat maximum limit.

Registration Deadline:  Monday, June 20th

Register Below

Contact: Barbara Spicher   bspicher@frontiernet.net

The Potomac Valley Master Naturalists are excitedly sponsoring this event.

Please register so we can identify the number of volunteer vehicles needed to shuttle paddlers from the takeout back to the Historic Stone Bridge   And, we need to know how much food to purchase.

There is a limit of 15 boats (kayaks or canoes), so we can comfortably navigate and get shuttled.

Participants are encouraged to supply their own canoe or kayak and paddles as well as a PFD. Some canoes/kayaks may be able available to use, first come first served, for those that cannot borrow one, rent one, or otherwise do not have access to a boat. Please contact Barbara Spicher (bspicher@frontiernet.net)  if you would like to request use of a boat.    We will try to find a boat, but please try to find or rent one on your own.  Canoes and kayaks can be rented at any of the outfitters in Harpers Ferry and at the Shepherdstown Pedal & Paddle (304-876-3000).  We suggest contacting an outfitter sooner rather than later as rentals go quickly in the summer.

Bring a bottle of water, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellant, and wear closed-toed shoes.

A dry change of clothes could be a consideration as well.  Bring a folding chair for the picnic.