Paddling and Pinot for Natural Areas Week

On May 7th eleven people experienced the Marys River up close and personal on a magical kayak adventure. Institute for Applied Ecology teamed with Cascadia Expeditions to guide participants on the river while learning about local wildlife and native plants.

Participants practiced birding skills and handled bird study skins as well as learning some bird calls.  Wielding kick nets, people scrapped the bottom of ripples to discover aquatic insects.  Stoneflys, mayflys, sculpin and caddisflys filled the nets showing good stream health.

Participants headed to Harris Bridge Vineyards for some wine tasting and a delicious riverside meal following the river trip. Stacy Moore from IAE helped lead the trip, “It is wonderful partnering with Cascadia Expeditions and everyone on the trip felt safe and had a wonderful time exploring a river in our local backyard.”

Happy Natural Areas Week!