Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Paddle Through Secret Waterways on UW Botanical Gardens Kayak Trip This Week

The University of Washington Botanical Gardens, located in Laurelhurst, sent us this informaion about special upcoming kayak trips this week:



Thanks to the generosity of the Agua Verde Paddle Club, we are pleased to offer guided kayak tours of our Foster Island Wetlands to the public for the third consecutive summer. Tours are approximately 90 minutes in length and push off from “Duck Bay” at the north end of the Washington Park Arboretum.

The UWBG is unique among other botanic gardens in the country in that our “grounds” include quite a bit of water. Owing to our location around Lake Washington, our approximately 300 acres include the longest stretch of freshwater marsh in Washington State. There is no better way to enjoy this wetland ecosystem than by kayak.

There's nothing else like it - paddling around Foster Island, past beaver lodges and ducks, entering waterways that feel almost magical they are so unexpected. You're within a stone's throw of the 520 bridge, for crying out loud, in a huge urban area, and it's possible to have an experience like this? At the Washington Park Arboretum, it is.

During the tour you will learn a little about the history of the area and have a chance to meet some of our plant and animal residents.

No experience necessary. Double kayaks, safety equipment and a brief training session will be provided by our team of experienced and knowledgeable Garden Guides. Youth & children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

This month only, 90-minute guided paddles start from Duck Bay at the north end of the Arboretum:
  • August 17th & 18th: 3pm & 6pm
  • August 19th “Early Birders Tour”: 7am
  • August 24th & 25th: 3pm & 6pm
  • August 26th “Early Birders Tour”: 7am
Cost is $25/person and all proceeds go to support the School Fieldtrip Scholarship fund.

Space is limited. Register in advance. Email uwbgeduc@u.washington.edu, call 206-543-8801 or visit our website.

(photo courtesy of UWBG website)

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