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/