Explorers Wanted! LSRWA Launches the Next Leg of the "Sugar River Corps of Recovery" Expedition
May 25, 2017
Join ecologists, nature lovers, canoeists and kayakers on Saturday, June 17, as they paddle and explore an eight-mile section of the Sugar River, from Attica to Albany. This family-friendly expedition continues the journey members of Lower Sugar River Watershed Association initiated in 2015. Their goal, to paddle the entire length of the navigable channel of the Sugar River from its headwaters to its confluence with the Pecatonica River at Shirland, Illinois, periodically mapping, photo-documenting, and gathering data about the flora and fauna, and general condition and health of the stream channel and riparian corridor. This expedition provides an opportunity to observe and learn about the birds, plants, fish, and invertebrates that populate the habitats of the river corridor, as well as understand how the stream channel and riparian settings vary along the way. More importantly, this trip is simply a great way to enjoy being outdoors on the river with friends and family.
Beginner to moderate paddling skills are recommended to navigate the river safely. Children must be accompanied by adults. Ecologists and naturalists will lead data collection activities; however, you do not have to be a skilled naturalist to participate. Data from the expedition will be shared on the LSRWA website and will help to document existing conditions to compare with data from future expeditions.
Paddlers will gather at the boat landing in Attica at 9:00 a.m., to unload, shuttle cars, and prepare for launch by 10:00 a.m. The Attica boat landing is just east of the bridge over the Sugar River on County Road C. The trip is anticipated to take up to 4.5 hours to reach the take-out point at the boat launch in Albany.
To preregister, contact Meredith Tripp by email at mgtripp@icloud.com. A registration fee of $15.00 per watercraft is required, with checks payable to LSRWA. A map of the route and other details will be provided at the time of registration. Participants will provide your own canoe or kayak, paddles, life jackets, snacks and water, sunscreen, and bug spray.
The Lower Sugar River Watershed Association is a not-for-profit conservation organization based in Brodhead, WI, dedicated to the care and enjoyment of our water resources and to empowering citizens with experience and knowledge to steward land and water resources in the Lower Sugar River Watershed. To learn more about the LSRWA, visit http://www.lsrwa.org.