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Explorations with Your Riverkeeper: Shenandoah Snorkeling Paddle w/ Shenandoah Riverkeeper

Friday,

July 17 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Photo Credit: Alan Lehman

Ready to see the Shenandoah River from a whole new perspective? Join Shenandoah Riverkeeper Mark Frondorf for an unforgettable paddle-and-snorkel adventure on the beautiful South Fork of the Shenandoah River.

This isn’t your typical float trip. We’ll paddle a scenic stretch of river with plenty of stops to slip into the water, mask up, and explore what’s happening beneath the surface. The Shenandoah is full of surprises, and snorkeling reveals an entire hidden world of fish, aquatic life, and river-bottom habitats that most people never get to see.

Adding to the adventure, we’ll be joined by Mike Selckmann, Associate Director for Aquatic Habitats at the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB). Mike will help us uncover the fascinating story of freshwater mussels—one of the river’s most important and most overlooked creatures.

These remarkable animals are natural water filters, with a single mussel capable of filtering 5-15 gallons of water every day. Historically, healthy mussel beds helped keep the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers clean and thriving. Today, however, robust mussel populations on the Shenandoah are rare. But efforts are underway to turn that around.

Where did all the mussels go? Mercury contamination? Increased sediment? Rising water temperatures?

Mike Selckmann of ICPRB talks about the mighty mussel to snorkeling attendees while SRK Mark Frondorf listens intently in the background. Photo Credit: Alan Lehman

Those are exactly the kinds of questions we’ll explore together as we snorkel, observe, and learn about the challenges—and hope—for restoring this critical part of the river ecosystem.

Because this trip has a strong community science and exploration component, we ask that participants feel comfortable swimming and spending time in the water so we can focus on discovering mussels and learning about the river’s underwater world.

If you’ve ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of the Shenandoah, this is your chance to find out.

Space is limited, grab your snorkel gear (or use ours) and reserve your spot early. Come join your Riverkeeper for a day of paddling, snorkeling, and river discovery.

We can’t wait to see what we find down there.

REGISTER HERE

TRIP DETAILS

  • Arrival Location:
    Downriver Canoe Company
    884 Indian Hollow Road
    Bentonville, VA 22610
  • Arrival & Check in Time: 10:00 am
  • Shuttle Departs to Put-In: 11:00 am
  • Estimated End Time: 4:00 pm
  • Paddle Level: Intermediate

Included with each registration:

  • Riverkeeper Leader
  • Rental canoe or kayak
  • Paddle insurance
  • Personal flotation device for the day (with rental)
  • Snorkel equipment
  • Shuttle Service (if applicable)
  • SRK Swag Bag

WHAT TO BRING:

  • Packed lunch
  • Reusable water bottle (please no single-use plastic bottles or glass) 
  • Wear proper footwear. NO FLIP-FLOPS. Old gym shoes, sandals with a strap, and water shoes work great
  • Sunscreen, hat and rain gear
  • Snacks and drinking water (no glass bottles)
  • Change of clothes
  • Dry Bag or Waterproof Container (if you bring a phone or a non-waterproof camera, you need a way to protect it)

To do in advance:

  • PRKN Waiver – Participant Waiver
  • Please fill out and return by EMAIL to

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