Moline, Ill. - As part of the Summer of Paddling 2012 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Corps of Engineers will hold a paddling excursion from 1-4 p.m. Thursday, June 7, at Sylvan Slough on the grounds of the Moline Rowing Club.
Beginning at 1 p.m. speakers from the Department of Interior, Army Corps of Engineers, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Izaak Walton League and River Action will describe their roles in the broad partnership involved with the Summer of Paddling and express their support for paddling as a mode of experiencing America's Great Outdoors.
Following the remarks participants will learn paddling techniques and have the opportunity to take a kayak or canoe in Sylvan Slough, a backwater area of the Mississippi River. Expert river biologists will be on hand to provide riverine interpretation.
Inexperienced paddlers are invited to try paddling with instruction by trip leaders to learn effective paddling techniques.
To register for the event, call Jovita at 309-794-5505 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. or email jovita.a.martin@usace.army.mil
The Summer of Paddling 2012 is a series of events designed to get Americans outside to enjoy the Mississippi River via canoe, kayak or other paddle craft, and take part in a summer full of paddling events on and near the river.
Paddlers of any level can take part in events. Experienced paddlers from a variety of conservation agencies, not-for-profit organizations and adventure guide services will lead participants through the backwaters, bayous and braided streams of the Mississippi River.
All events will be listed on this website. Register for events by contacting the host listed on each event's description.
The Summer of Paddling 2012 is aligned with the Presidential Initiative America's Great Outdoors, encouraging people to be active and get outside to experience nature.
For more information about the Summer of Paddling, call Bob Clevenstine at 309-757-5800 extension 205 or email info@SOP2012.org.
For more information on the Midwest Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service visit http://midwest.fws.gov.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfwmidwest, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwsmidwest, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/.
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