Showing posts with label state parks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label state parks. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Kayaks vs. Canoes at North Bend State Park WV

At North Bend State Park in West Virginia, beginning paddlers can choose a kayak, canoe, or both as part of the Quest program.

The Park's Quest program will continue offering kayak or canoe adventures on North Bend Lake into September.

“The Quest program caught the attention of many people this summer,” said North Bend State Park Supt. Steve Jones. “By far, the most requested activity was learning how to use a kayak or a canoe.”

Quest rates have been reduced to encourage mid-week fall bookings. Two people can stay overnight at North Bend Lodge Sunday through Thursday and have use of a kayak or canoe with instruction.

The 305-acre North Bend Lake is quiet and a perfect setting to enjoy a September getaway, according to Park officials.

The park also features an October mid-week reduced lodge rate for travelers “leaf peeping” in the Ritchie county area.

To learn more about North Bend State Park and its Quest program, visit www.northbendsp.com or call 304-643-2931.

source: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (www.wvdnr.gov)

Monday, June 16, 2014

Maryland Park Quest 2014

Around 1,000 teams are expected to participate in Park Quest 2014, a family-based outdoor recreational program of kayaking, hiking, biking and historical adventures in 24 of Maryland’s State Parks.

Park Quest 2014 is one of several events held during Great Outdoors Month in Maryland. For more information, visit http://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2014/06/02/june-is-great-outdoors-month/

source: MD DNR

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Bloede Dam - Patapsco Valley State Park

Patapsco River kayakers could have improved access in the future, if a third dam is removed from the river. Bloede Dam, which is owned by DNR is located in Patapsco Valley State Park.

The possible removal of Bloede Dam is part of a larger, more comprehensive effort to restore 43 miles of stream habitat for migratory and resident fish. The Patapsco River restoration project started with the removal of Union Dam in September 2009.

The Patapsco River once supported runs of shad, herring, and American eels, but multiple dams on the river have blocked fish migrations. According to biologists, a number of species have returned to the upper river following the removal of Union and Simkins Dams.

DNR is accepting input online at dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/bloededam/index.asp

Comments or suggestions are due by August 31, 2012.

A complete copy of the draft and more information is available at dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/bloededam/index.asp

source: MD DNR

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Where to Catch Shad in Maryland

Throughout Maryland, shad migrate up rivers, creeks, and streams each spring. Hickory shad begin arriving in February or early March and usually peak in April. American shad begin appearing in March, usually reaching their peak in May.


The following areas in Maryland are famous for their spring shad runs:

In the Susquehanna River, the area below the Conowingo Dam is considered to be one of the top spots in the state for catching American and hickory shad.

Deer Creek, located within the Susquehanna State Park, is a good area for catching hickory shad by kayak or small boat from Susquehanna State Park down to its confluence with the Susquehanna River.

Hickory shad runs occur in the Gunpowder River, from US Route 40 north to the fall line. The river can be  accessed through Gunpowder State Park.

Hickory shad runs occur on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in the Elk, Wye, Chester, Choptank, Nanticoke, Wicomico, and Pocomoke rivers. Shad are also caught in Tuckahoe Creek, Marshyhope Creek and other Eastern Shore tributaries.

Hickory and American shad can be caught in the Patuxent River from Queen Anne's Bridge to Wayson's Corner.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Wye-Tri Adventure Race

The Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area (NRMA) in Queen Anne’s County is registering participants for the inaugural Wye-Tri Adventure Race on May 7.

The event is sponsored by the Maryland Park Service (MPS). The Wye-Tri Adventure Race has been designed in a triathlon format and will consist of three segments: running, kayaking and biking.

The first leg is a 2.5-mile run over wooded and open field trails along Dividing Creek, followed by a 0.75-mile paddle on the Wye River and Granary Creek, and finally a 4.5-mile bicycle course along Wye Island Road and back onto the island’s trail system.

The Wye-Tri Adventure Race is open to anyone 14 or older in good physical health and costs $15 per person. Each participant will receive a souvenir event shirt.

Kayaks of all sizes will be permitted and a limited number of vessels will be available for rental the day of the race (for an additional $5). Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are mandatory for those under 16 years of age and strongly encouraged for all participants.

Wye Island NRMA is a State Park located in the tidal recesses of the Chesapeake Bay between the Wye River and the Wye East River and is managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for resource management, nature-based recreation and agriculture. A major emphasis at Wye Island is providing quality habitat for wintering waterfowl populations and other native wildlife.

For more information or to register for the Wye-Tri Adventure Race, contact the Wye Island NRMA office at 410-827-7577 or the Tuckahoe State Park office at 410-820-1668. Visit the Wye Island park website at dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/eastern/wyeisland.asp

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Janes Island State Park Open House Kayaking

Janes Island State Park recently announced that the public is invited to attend its open house from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m on Saturday April 23. This scenic state park lies along the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay, near Crisfield Md.

Planned activities include a hayride through the park, kite making, crabbing and/or fishing on the Daugherty Creek Canal, canoeing or kayaking at the marina, a live animal display, Geocaching and other family activities.

For saltwater kayakers, this is a great way to scout out summer fishing areas in the nearby Chesapeake Bay marshes and creeks. There is no cost to attend and free refreshments will be provided.

For more information, contact Beth Shafer at the Janes Island Park Office at (410)968-1565.