Canoeing with Kiddies, Smithsonian Institute Research

My rained-out adventure on the Rhode River was rescheduled for today and the weather couldn’t have been more glorious. So was the company. Our canoeing excursion with the Smithsonian Institute Research Center consisted mostly of families with small children, ranging in ages from five to ten. Almost everyone was a novice, so we had the benefit of being taught safety and paddling techniques before we embarked. If you’ve never been canoeing before, this is a wonderful, pressure free way to learn. Even for experienced paddlers, the guided two hour journey offered a delightful peek into a secluded nature preserve, free of motorized vessels, and a good cardiovascular workout.

I accompanied our guide, taking the bow position and doing most of the paddling while he steered from the rear. Good way to learn about the Smithsonian’s programs at the Research Center while reminding myself to tighten the abs.

The guided tours are conducted by volunteers. They take school groups, scout troops, and the regularly scheduled weekly tours to the headwaters of the Rhode River and up Muddy Creek, its main source. While there are sailboats and the inescapable waterskiing power boaters on the Rhode, they can’t maneuver the shallow depths of the aptly named creek. So once we cleared the mouth, the water was still and the air silent.

The Smithsonian now owns about 3,000 acres where Muddy Creek flows into the Rhode. Everything we could see was part of the preserve. Our guide explained how we were in a mud flat where the water was very shallow – sometimes barely passable – but the mud was as much as fifteen feet deep. We passed a few osprey nests, whose occupants were out fishing. They flew overhead and scolded from the nearby trees. Several blue herons were also on the hunt. One was so engrossed he barely looked up as we glided by. The most startling was an enormous bald eagle who swooped by on his way back to his nest at the headwaters.

The trip was so engrossing, and the environment so interesting, that the two hours slipped away. The youngsters switched places about half way through the trip so that everyone had a chance to paddle and no one got tired. I was amazed how well even the little kids did. And no whining! I can only guess they were having such a good time and were so captivated by all they were seeing that they didn’t realize how much exercise they were getting,

(And yes, I loaded up on Motrin just as soon as I got to the car. Otherwise, my fingers wouldn’t be working now)

A lot of countries and regions have realized the appeal of eco-tourism. I just returned from Alaska, where it is a major part of the economy. Along with the benefits of recreation and fitness, outdoor adventure offers something even more important – the chance for families and friends to share an interesting experience. I think I enjoyed watching the moms, dads (and granddad) learning about the wildlife of the river with their children as much as I did seeing the sights myself. Our guide told me it’s one of the reasons he volunteers. It’s gratifying to see youngsters touched by nature.

Maryland is beginning to catch on to eco-tourism, with the abundance of natural recreational assets we enjoy year round. I’m looking forward to seeing more in the coming months, in the mountains and the backwaters of the Eastern Shore. Hiking, biking, kayaking and canoeing are all ways to enjoy the beauty of our state. We are fortunate that the Smithsonian is doing so much to preserve the fragile eco-system of South Anne Arundel County, and share its beauty with those who appreciate it.

Learn about their programs and check out their adventures here: http://www.serc.si.edu/

Canoeing With Critters, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Rhode River (Anne Arundel County) June 20

The June Monsoon

I was really looking forward to my two hour eco-adventure on the Rhode River when I left early this morning. Gray clouds may discourage some, but it’s perfect for this melanoma veteran . The sun glare on water defies even the best sunscreen. Besides, a little misty rain adds atmosphere.

I was the first of the canoe crew to arrive, just as the birdwatching flock was ready to take flight. There seems to be lots of activity at the center. In addition to the canoe trips, the Smithsonian has a full calendar of family-oriented, environmentally focused educational experiences with elements of adventure. http://www.serc.si.edu/public_programs/event_calendar.aspx?year=2009&month=6 Birdwatching is just one of the guided field trips. Others study native flora, wildlife, and archeology. Some programs are geared specifically for parents and children.

They also offer canoe and kayak rentals, and free access to the miles of woodland trails. It’s a clever way to exercise while experiencing nature and enjoying family time. Also very inexpensive, with a nominal $5.00 contribution to the center.

Unfortunately, just as the final canoe party arrived, so did the deluge. Even the birdwatchers flew back to the nest. Our tour guide studied the radar (with its ominous yellow blip over Anne Arundel County) and decided to scrub the excursion for today. I’m disappointed, but will be back next week. I heard the birdwatchers talking about the Owl Prowl and it sounds like a real hoot.

If the weather clears, I’ll head to Quiet Waters for a little kayaking. Just that short visit this morning made me yearn to paddle in a secluded cove. That’s one thing about Maryland – water conditions range from extreme to tranquil, sometimes on the same river. Before the summer is out, we’re going to see them all.

About the Smithsonian Environmental Education Center:

http://www.serc.si.edu/

During Colonial days, the Rhode River was dotted with massive tobacco plantations. John Contee, a naval officer on the USS Constitution, purchased one such estate with his share of the plunder after Old Ironsides captured HMS Java in 1812. In appreciation to his benefactor (and perhaps with a touch of irony) he named his farm “Java” Through the years, as the estate was divided and tobacco gave way to dairy farming, the 300+ acre portion of Java became the property of Robert Lee Forrest, who bequeathed it to the Smithsonian Institute upon his death in 1962.

Instead of selling the property for the Smithsonian’s endowment, incoming Smithsonian Director S. Dillon Ripley, a noted ornithologist, saw its potential as an environmental research center. In 1965, the first center opened.

Through the years, as the center has expanded its scope and gained an international reputation for studying many ecological issues, additional land has been acquired. The original Contee property was purchased and merged into the center complex. Other parcels along the Rhode River have been added as the parcels became available.

Today, SERC encompasses 2800 acres. Its operations include hundreds of researchers, scientists, educators and students who work with field stations all over the world. Best of all, SERC offers the public the opportunity to study the environment first hand through the programs and activities they offer throughout the year. Miles of hiking trails and launching docks for canoes and kayaks offer a look at the amazing Chesapeake ecosystem.