Chodikee Lake (photo by Will Dendis)
It has been said that the conservation of natural habitat only means something to people who are familiar with nature. Which means that you’ve got to know it to love it – and to comprehend fully the web of life that supports our existence. To that end, join the Town of Lloyd Environmental Conservation Council (ECC) for a day on Highland’s Black Creek this Saturday morning, June 24 at 10 o’clock.
Craig Chapman of New Paltz Kayaking Tours will supply rental kayaks and canoes at a cost of $10 each, or you can bring your own kayak to join the fleet. Chapman will conduct a brief lesson on the basics of paddling, so previous experience is not necessary. The group will be held to the first 20 people who sign up for a leisurely meander on the waters of Black Creek and the connecting Chodikee Lake.
ECC’s Neil Curri recommends that kids should be at least 8 years old to participate, but explains that some of the vessels accommodate two or more people, so an inexperienced young person will not have to paddle on his or her own. “We want to get people who have never been out on the Creek to experience paddling there,” he says. “We’ll meet at the Chodikee Lake launch. Don’t forget your camera, bug spray, hat and maybe a poncho.” The tour begins at 10 a.m., and participants should arrive at 9:30 to get fitted into a life jacket. “This will be a couple of hours of easy paddling – perfect for beginners.”
It’s one of the ECC’s top priorities to introduce people to the beauty of local natural resources and engage them in the mission of maintaining and extending the Black Creek Water Trail where it moves through the Town of Lloyd. Celebrated by Walt Whitman as a “stream of hurrying amber,” the Water Trail is a site rich with recreational and educational opportunities for young and old.
The Town-appointed Council meets every third Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall to implement ways to maintain the natural heritage and scenic beauty of the region. Check out this clip, http://bit.ly/2rMSr6A, for a look at Black Creek’s glassy waters, beaver dams and rock outcroppings. Then call or e-mail the ECC to reserve a spot in the group and grab a paddle.
Lloyd ECC’s Paddle on Black Creek, Saturday, June 24, 10 a.m., $10 rental, Chodikee Lake, Lloyd; (845) 664-2100, http://bit.ly/2rzs2VE.