Spring Nature Excursion:
Canoe at Eden Mill and Explore Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve
The third in our NEW SERIES of Quarterly Adult Day Trips! Spend the day with other nature lovers, traveling together in the Irvine mini-bus to explore some of the Mid-Atlantic’s best wildlife hotspots.
The excursion starts with a tranquil morning of canoeing on the scenic Deer Creek in northern Harford County. We will launch from Eden Mill Nature Center, using their canoes and gear. Two certified canoe instructors will provide a no-stress paddling lesson before we start out and accompany us throughout our two hours on the water. Our guide will be renowned local naturalist Frank Marsden, founder and long-time Director of Eden Mill and an extraordinary nature photographer and popular Eat, Drink, & Learn presenter at Irvine. Nobody knows the Deer Creek like Frank, and every outing with him becomes a memorable and fascinating lesson in natural history, ecology, and ‘becoming one’ with nature.
After lunch, we’ll drive northeast into Pennsylvania to Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve along the Susquehanna river. Known for its stunning variety of spring ephemerals, Shenks Ferry offers one of the most splendid displays of forest wildflowers in the eastern U.S. Tucked away between the eastern bank of the river and the hills of Lancaster County, the 90-acre preserve contains a lovely level hiking path of 1.8 miles round-trip. The trail passes through the shady forest of a stream valley, entire sections of which are blanketed with wildflowers in April and May. Dr. Clare Walker (who teaches spring wildflower identification for the Natural History Field Studies Certificate) will lead the way as we explore the delights of these short-lived blooms. Be sure to bring your camera!
On the return trip, we will enjoy a wonderful evening meal at a relatively new and highly-rated farm restaurant in York County. The Spring Nature Excursion departs from Irvine and participants travel together in the Irvine bus.
For Adults
**Pre-registration required. Must register by noon on Wednesday, May 3. Event will be canceled if minimum registration is not met.**
Date: Saturday, May 6
Time: 8:45 AM-8:45 PM
Location: Meet in Irvine Parking Lot
Cost: $95 (includes $15 fee/donation to Eden Mill) + cost of your dinner
NOTE: Spring canoeing is a fun and unique way to experience nature, but participants need to be aware of cold-weather and cold-water safety risks. If the leaders determine that weather conditions are unsuitable, a guided hike along the creek will be substituted. Participants are required to wear a snugly fitting life jacket. Dressing in layers and wearing synthetics, fleece, or wool instead of cotton is strongly recommended. Canoes rarely capsize, but when they do in cold water (below about 60 degrees) the immediate effects can include temporary panic, hyperventilation, and/or a sudden increase in blood pressure. As a result, participants with underlying health conditions should take that into consideration before registering. If anyone feels unable to participate on the canoeing portion of the trip, an alternative guided walk along the creek looking for spring migratory birds will be available.
Eden Mill will provide all the necessary equipment including canoes, life jackets, and paddles. However, you are welcome to use your own Class Two or Three life jacket or your own paddle if you prefer. The trip will be accompanied by A.C.A. (American Canoe Association) certified instructors who teach and regularly practice canoe rescues, and we'll never be very far from the stream bank and a warm home base, if an accident should happen. However, in case you get wet, a small pack with towel, dry clothes, shoes and socks that can be left on the bus, will keep you comfortable for the rest of the day.
