Everybody In! Accessibility of Public Lands: Paddling and Nature Trail at Riverlands

Saturday, April 27, 2024 @ 11:00 AM

Audubon Center at Riverlands, 301 Riverlands Way, West Alton, MO 63386

• Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024 
• Time: 11am-3:15pm  
• Where: Audubon Center at Riverlands, 301 Riverlands Way, West Alton, MO 63386 
• Site Locations: Outdoor Amphitheatre, Accessible Trailway, Kayak Dock, Ellis Bay 

Event Overview 

Join us on April 27th from 11 am to 3:15 pm at the Audubon Center at Riverlands for a day to celebrate accomplishments over the past two years in making public lands more accessible at Riverlands! We're thrilled to welcome "every body", regardless of body type, age, or physical abilities.

Sign up for a guided paddle in Ellis Bay led by certified instructors from the Mississippi River Water Trail Association and Team River Runner, an organization dedicated to providing adaptive paddle sports and outdoor experiences for veterans and active-duty military members. During this event, participants will enjoy the use of a universally accessible kayak launch and explore Riverlands, including our current artist-in-residence installation along the universally accessible nature trail featuring trail storybook stations and bird-watching.

This event is made possible through the National Environmental Education Foundation's "Driving Mobility and Accessibility on Public Lands Grant," which is sponsored by Toyota. The new accessible kayak launch at Riverlands was funded by this grant, as well as USACE funds.

Accessibility- Accessible van parking is available near the launch site and portable accessible restrooms. A short 10-foot patch of flat, gravel trail must be navigated to access the kayak launch. Kayak adaptations are available for our attendees including outfitted kayaks, transfer bench, and tandem kayaks. Please email the contacts below to help us make your event enjoyable. Wheelchair accessible picnic tables are not yet installed, but folding tables will be made available.

Weather- Event will occur in light rain as long as conditions are safe to paddle. Participants will receive email communications ahead of the event should weather be a concern. Please dress accordingly.

Registration Guidelines:

Weight Limits: Our boats are typically limited to 300 lbs. Please contact us if you weigh 260 lbs or above, so that we can accommodate with the appropriate kayak. Email: board@mississippiriverwatertrail.org to inquire more.

Adaptive Paddlers: Please contact board@mississippiriverwatertrail.org if you are an adaptive paddler registrant.

Tandem Kayaks: if you would like to utilize a tandem (2 person) kayak, please email board@mississippiriverwatertrail.org.

Age Limit: 14 years old and up.

*Waivers must be signed day of to participate

Agenda

11am- Participant Check In 

11:15am- Welcome and Introductions 

11:30am-Safety discussion 

12-1:30pm Rotation 1 

1:30-3pm Rotation 2 

3:15pm Farewell 

What to Wear/Bring:

• Closed toe shoes are required
• Reusable water bottle for hydration
• We highly recommend you wear synthetic fabrics only (no cotton)
• We recommend wearing sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat. Paddlers are typically most comfortable dressing in layers.
• Consider bringing a dry change of clothes.