Paddle near Montezuma Wildlife Refuge: Birds and Turtles

Join Lynn and Judy for this Paddle

This kayaking adventure will begin at the NY State Seneca River Fishing Access site, located on Route 20 almost across from the main entrance to the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/66680.html. We will paddle on the Cayuga-Seneca Canal/River north from the fishing access site towards the Montezuma Refuge. Along the way look for a Great Blue Heron and other birds.

We can stop to rest at a beautiful dock area located at about the half-way point. After resting, we will continue down the river and then veer left and paddle down the only navigable channel into the refuge. There we will discover the Montezuma painted turtles, which are in abundance down this channel. Paddling the channel is a bit tricky, so this is likely not a paddle for beginners. 

Please arrive with enough time to unload your gear and be ready to launch at 11 am.

Total time approximately 3 hours. No rentals available in this area.

Bring:

• Kayak/canoe, paddle, LIFE JACKET, whistle (unless you are renting)
• Hat, water shoes, clothes that can get wet (quick dry is best)
• Water for the paddle, food and drink for the picnic lunch
• Recommended: insect repellent, suntan lotion, camera in waterproof container, binoculars, band to secure your glasses or sunglasses
• Mask Optional - but you may want one when close to others, especially when helping/getting help unloading and loading of kayaks.

Please refrain from attending if you have recently been ill or have COVID-like symptoms.

Address will be in your registration confirmation email. 

The automatic confirmation email is the only email you will receive about this event. Be sure and save it or print it out.

COVID-19 Message 

COVID rules are evolving:

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• Attendance may be limited
• You must agree to our new COVID-19 Safety Agreement & Assumption of Risk Statement during the registration process.
• Masks and Physical Distancing: Attendees must mask indoors (including in vehicles) and maintain 6 feet social distancing outdoors.

*** RSVP and Cancellations – IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ ***

Please respect the trip leader and other members and update your RSVP if you sign-up but then are unable to attend. Events may be cancelled due to lack of attendance, as well as changes in weather or other circumstances. If you must cancel at the last minute, call or text the event host/trip leader (see your registration confirmation for contact details) and let her know who it is who is calling/texting. Be sure to copy down the address, directions, and trip leader contact information to bring with you as there might not be good cell service at the event location.

To Cancel: Go to your  Registration List

• Click on this event in your list
• Click on the Already registered link under the REGISTER button.
• At the next page that opens with your registration form, click on the CANCEL REGISTRATION button, and then again click on Cancel Registration on the pop-up form.
• Ignore the link to contact the administrator