Final Family Paddle and Purple Martin Presentations on July 21st
Events take place in Community Park; reservations required for paddling – walk ups encouraged for Purple Martin talk
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Individuals and families with a curiosity for the outdoors are encouraged to explore two up-coming activities in Belleville's Community Park. Thanks to two unique Village partnerships, there are opportunities to canoe or kayak on Lake Belle View, learn about a special bird, Purple Martins, or both, on Wednesday evening, July 21, 2021.
"We were surprised when the Purple Martins began nesting this season," explains Russ Hefty, Chair of the Village Wildlife Committee. This past Spring, Hefty, along with other committee members and friendly volunteers, installed a bird house specific for the needs of Purple Martins in Community Park.
Historically, natural tree cavities were used for nesting. Now, due to a variety of factors, humans provide nearly all nesting sites used by Purple Martins. Just a few weeks after installation, Hefty returned and was greeted with a surprise.
"There were Purple Martins coming and going, as well as a few other bird species. Then I noticed one of the Purple Martins removing green leaves from a nearby tree, and I knew they were nesting."
Hefty adds that unlike other birds that use dried material, they make their nests almost exclusively from green leaf material. With a little luck, July 21st will be the right time to catch a glimpse of young birds recently hatched.
Community Park is ideal for this largest member of the North American Swallow family. According to the WI DNR Website, Purple Martins are generally found in open habitats near water and quite often, humans.
"Interestingly enough, beginning kayakers often like the same conditions," smiles Becky Olson, Economic Development and Marketing Specialist with the Village of Belleville. Olson encourages the use of Lake Belle View for anyone new to canoeing or kayaking or simply trying out new gear before heading to more rigorous waters.
"It's a great place to paddle around and test the limits of your gear and the tolerance of yourself and your children before committing to an all-day excursion on bigger water elsewhere," Olson adds.
Olson continues to note there are many local dining options throughout Belleville. Many restaurants will provide delivery to Community Park, or are only a quick walk over the downtown footbridge. It's a nice reward after a short, but beautiful, paddling adventure or a visit to view the Purple Martins.
Thanks to a reduced cost offered to the community by Sugar River Outfitters, combined with financial support from the Village of Belleville Economic Development Commission, tickets are just $10.00 per adult and children under 12 years of age are free with a participating adult. (Additional Eventbrite order fees may apply). Participants should expect to get wet no matter what the conditions and are also encouraged to dress for the weather; paddling happens rain or shine! Sugar River Outfitters cancellation policy may be found on their "What to Expect" page of their Website: https://sugarriveroutfitterswi.com/.
Reservations are required for the guided paddling excursions. Excursions begin at 5:00 p.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Links to make reservations or find more information related to the paddling events may be found on the Village of Belleville Economic Development Recreation Page, https://www.developbelleville.com/residents/recreation_information.php. You may purchase Tickets available via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-paddling-nights-in-community-park-tickets-155833497185?aff=ebdssbeac.
Belleville Public Library is facilitating the open-house style Purple Martin Presentations: more information may be found at https://www.bellevillelibrary-wi.org/. Those wishing to learn more about the Wildlife Committee's Purple Martin Project are encouraged to stop by Shelter #2 in Community Park any time from 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Hefty will be at the site to explain points of interest and answer your questions. Binoculars are encouraged, but not required. To learn more about the Wildlife Committee, including their meeting schedule, visit the Village Government Website Agendas and Minutes page: https://www.villageofbelleville.com/departments/village_board_of_trustees/agendas___minutes/index.php.
