Paddling with a Purpose: Highlights from CRC’s 2025 Paddle Events
- Amanda Major
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
During the 2025 field season, the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) launched a watershed-wide series of community paddles designed to connect people with the river and inspire stewardship. Across all paddle experiences, CRC brought 167 participants together to paddle on the Connecticut River for experiential fun and education. 42% of participants borrowed kayaks, highlighting the need for increased access to paddling recreation opportunities, equipment, and venues. Each event brought people closer to the water and to one another.
CRC staff were thrilled to engage a range of paddlers at many levels – from beginners learning to kayak for the first time to cultural and historical paddles that deepened our collective understanding of our watershed. We cherished all of our time on the water together during this summer series. Below are some of the highlights from the different paddles.
Connecticut Trails Day
CRC kicked off the season on June 1st with two paddles celebrating Connecticut Trails Day. A Beginner Paddle introduced 12 participants to kayaking fundamentals, from paddle strokes to water safety, while the Intermediate Paddle brought 14 participants together to explore and appreciate Wethersfield Cove from some different viewpoints.
There was a great turnout for both of our Trails Day paddling events despite the threatening skies and rising water on the Connecticut River. The river registered well below flood stage after some persistent spring rains leading to swifter currents. Both groups stayed within Wethersfield Cove for their explorations. The higher water levels presented the groups with a terrific silver-lining opportunity: participants had the ability to paddle into areas not normally accessible, including the flood plain forest along Folly Brook. Both events led to paddlers experiencing the joy of the river and building confidence early in the paddling season.
Community Connections at the Hartford Kayak & Connect
The Hartford Kayak & Connect event was held on a Friday evening, July 18th. A group of intrepid participants joined CRC to learn how to kayak and paddle around Wethersfield Cove. All participants received a paddling skills lesson to build their technical skills before heading out for a scenic sunset paddle.
CRC staff were delighted to have Board of Trustees member and Great Meadows Conservation Trust President, Tim Lewis, join the event as the location expert. Tim shared an overview of Wethersfield Cove’s history along with some information about the flora and fauna in the area. The group reveled in the abundant wildlife and nature viewing opportunities, including beaver, eagles, and osprey sightings. They were also in awe of the Connecticut River’s tidal forces at play with their kayaks. One participant captured the spirit of the event perfectly:
“I love that CRC creates these experiences to get on the water together because they want you to fall in love with the Connecticut River.”
Advocacy & Awareness at Herricks & Roundy’s Coves
The paddling continued north with two memorable Vermont outings. On July 19th, paddlers gathered at Herricks Cove, a designated Important Bird Area, for a morning paddle outing. Eight participants joined CRC staff. Participants shared stories, connected with neighbors, and learned about local conservation work.
Kathy Urffer, CRC’s Director of Policy and Advocacy/Vermont River Steward, and Marilla Harris-Vincent, CRC’s New Hampshire River Steward, detailed CRC’s partnership work petitioning the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources to have the area be considered Outstanding Resource Waters under the Vermont Water Quality Standards. One attendee noted:
“These are really great people doing great work. I appreciate the chance to learn about these important natural resources and the upcoming opportunities to protect them while having fun and meeting neighbors!”
Later in the season, CRC returned to Rockingham for another Community Paddle event on August 16th at Roundy’s Cove. Eleven people came to join CRC staff and Windham Regional Conservation Commission’s Natural Resources Planner, Margo Ghia, for a group paddle upstream to Roundy’s Cove. This paddle provided another opportunity to explore Vermont’s natural beauty while deepening understanding of this area of the Connecticut River as Outstanding Resource Waters. There were also some birthday celebrations and wildlife sightings.
Learn to Kayak in Springfield
CRC hosted several Learn to Kayak sessions in Springfield, MA on July 20th and August 15th for 21 participants. The Learn to Kayak sessions were designed in partnership with Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club and Andy's Kayak Rental to help participants gain comfort and confidence on the water.
CRC staff gave an overview of gear and safety information on land before launching kayaks and facilitating an introduction to key kayak strokes. Once the lesson was complete, staff and participants paddled a section of the Connecticut River in Springfield and spotted Great blue heron, osprey, and multiple short-nosed sturgeon. These sessions were designed to empower new paddlers and foster excitement for continued exploration and recreation along our waterways.
“The instructors were so patient and provided great info for the group. I learned the actual strokes to effectively turn and move the kayak forward and backward. I am so pleased to know these skills.”
Peskeompskut Paddle
The Peskeompskut Paddle brought together Northeastern tribal members, The Nolumbeka Project, Connecticut River Conservancy, and Adventure East to celebrate Indigenous communities with a round-trip mishoonash (dugout canoes), canoe, and kayak paddle on the Connecticut River.
The community paddle drew over 80 participants together for time spent on the water. This powerful event intertwined culture, history, and ecology, and featured Indigenous leaders paddling traditional mishoonash while sharing songs and stories. As one attendee reflected:
“It was moving to witness younger members of the tribal community learning to paddle a mishoon (dug out canoe) as their ancestors did for thousands of years.”
Many attendees continued on after the paddle event to attend the Pocumtuck Homelands Festival for the rest of the weekend.
“It was amazing to see so many people across both native and non-native backgrounds and across multiple generations who care about the river and recognize its cultural and ecological importance. I appreciated the acknowledgement that even if our ancestors came from outside the river valley, it is our responsibility as residents of it now to uplift native voices and interests to keep their cultures and ecological knowledge alive.”
Looking Ahead
These paddles represent more than just recreational outings. They are steps taken along the journey toward a shared vision of a living watershed, where communities, wildlife, and ecosystems can thrive together. CRC will continue to expand river recreation opportunities, build partnerships, and inspire stewardship throughout our Connecticut River watershed.
Join us in 2026 as we continue paddling with the purpose of learning, connecting, and advocating for a vibrant and resilient Connecticut River.
