BETHEL — The public will have the opportunity to paddle down the Androscoggin River at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, as part of the Natural Resources Council of Maine’s celebration of the end of summer.
NRCM Outreach Coordinator Todd Martin said the NRCM attempts to hold an end-of-summer paddle every year for its members and the general public.
“We always hold events for our members, but this paddle is open to the public,” Martin said. “We only have room for 40 people, and right now, we have 30 people committed to going, which leaves 10 spaces available.”
The NRCM is teaming up with Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground, who will offer their shuttle service to those who wish to paddle to Gilead, where the three- to four-hour trip will begin at 10 a.m.
Martin said the paddle will end at Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground around 2 p.m.
The registration fee is $20, and the money will go toward funding the shuttle service to Gilead.
“Plus, by paying the registration fee, you automatically become a member of the NRCM for a year,” Martin added.
Those participating are welcome to bring their own kayaks or canoes, Martin said. Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground will rent kayaks and canoes for $45 and $60, respectively, for those who do not own a kayak or canoe.
With summer coming to an end, Martin said it’s the perfect time for people to soak in the sun and meet new people.
“The paddle is along a beautiful stretch of the Androscoggin,” Martin said. “We’ve done a lot of work over the years to clean up the river and reduce the amount of pollution from when the paper mills dumped their waste in it. There’s still a lot of work to do, but the river is recovering. We just want people to be able to celebrate the end of summer and meet other environmentally-minded people.”
For more information, call Martin at 207-430-0115.
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