Canoeing can offer unique views of the natural world, allowing you to join wetland birds in their natural habitat as they look for food, raise their young, and engage in other fascinating midsummer behaviors. Join Mass Audubon to paddle at a leisurely pace, stopping often to explore the rich habitats of the Housatonic Valley Wildlife Management Area. You might see Belted Kingfishers, Tree Swallows, Great Blue Herons, flycatchers, birds of prey, or other birds commonly found in wetlands and forested areas in the Berkshires. This program welcomes beginner birders, beginner paddlers, or those who are new to both hobbies.

This program will cover all of its distance by canoe on a section of the Housatonic River classified as flatwater (little to no perceptible current). Birders will be canoeing slowly and stopping often, but this program still requires about an hour of continuous use of the abdominal muscles and shoulders. This program may optionally involve carrying your 60-lb canoe with your paddling partner less than 150 feet from a trailer to the boat ramp, but your guide can do this for you if you are not able. Climbing into and out of a canoe requires the ability to bend down and lift your knees up toward your waist. The footing at the boat ramp might be uneven or slippery.

Pre-registration is required. $55 Members, $70 Nonmembers

DATE: Tuesday, August 12

TIME: 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM

LOCATION: Decker Boat Launch, 298 New Lenox Rd, Lenox