July 24 Paddlers Rendezvous Presentations - Schedule and Descriptions - Northern Forest Canoe Trail

northern forest canoe trail
Northern Forest Canoe Trail


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P.O. Box 565
Waitsfield, VT 05673

Phone 802-496-2285
Fax 802-329-2239

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NFCT Paddlers Rendezvous:  Saturday, July 24

Regional and Paddling-Related Presentations

Where:  Ecopelagicon Nature Store and Haley Pond Park  [Directions]

When:  10 am - 4 pm

SCHEDULE AND DESCRIPTIONS

Ongoing throughout day:


Building a wood strip canoe -Gil Gilpatrick, author and Maine guide
Building a wood canvas canoe - Kevin Slater, Maine Wilderness Guides Organization 


10:50 am: 11:20 am; 11:50 am; 12:20pm; 12:50 pm; 1:20 pm:  Birds of Prey -- New England's Majestic Raptors
Chewonki Traveling Natural History Program

What are birds of prey? How do their survival techniques differ from species to species? This program compares and contrasts the special hunting adaptations of nocturnal and diurnal raptors, including their talons, their sharp, curved beaks, and their different wing and tail shapes. Students have the exciting opportunity to see three of our live, nonreleasable raptors. In addition to viewing these predators of the sky up close, participants also handle and examine feet, wing, and skull specimens to better understand these majestic birds.

11:00 am:  Great Places to Paddle along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail
Kate Williams, Executive Director Northern Forest Canoe Trail

Whether you seek a day trip, a weekend adventure, a weeklong journey, or to paddle the entire 740 miles, the Northern Forest Canoe Trail has something for everyone. With our new "Official Guidebook" as our resource, come discover over 50 outdoor adventures from mild to wild that beckon kayakers and canoeists to the longest inland water trail in the Northeastern United States. Book Signing follows.

11:30 am:  The Traditional Birch Bark Canoe and its Unique Construction
Butch Phillips, Penobscot Nation Tribal Elder

The gathering of and preparation of the natural materials, the tools, and the various steps of construction of the canoe. Two 3 foot canoes will be used to demonstrate the forming of the bark and the early stages of construction.

Noon:  Thinking About Taking the Kids Canoe Camping?
Rob Scharges - Vermont Canoe

Life long memories are the result of little planning and some good packing. Whether it's your first trip or you've been doing it for years, join Rob (father & canoeist) for a discussion on how to plan, where to go, what to pack, and how choose the right gear for a fun filled canoe adventure with the kids. Trip checklists will be handed out and reviewed.

12:30 pm: Paddling Considerations on the NFCT
Chris Stec - American Canoe Association and Al Johnson - U.S. Coast Guard

From clothing to navigation to basic rescues to safety considerations, this is a must see presentation of topics that every paddler should know before pushing away from shore.

1:00 pm:  Kayak Fishing
Scott Phillips - Old Town Canoe and Kayak

Learn all about catching the big 1 from a kayak. Sit-inside or sit-on-top. Inland lake, pond, river or the ocean - get tips on it all. We'll cover some canoes too!

1:30 pm:  Photographing wildlife from a canoe or kayak
Nick Leadley Nature Photographer and Maine Guide

Seeing wildlife from the water can be exciting. Nick will demonstrate techniques for shooting from the water, what equipment works and how to approach wildlife. Book Signing follows.

2:00 pm:  The Maine Birding Trail
Bob Duchesne, Maine Birding Trail founder

There are 82 official sites on the Maine Birding Trail, including several in the Rangeley area. Because the southern hardwood forest begins to change over to the northern boreal forest right around Rangeley, it is a particularly attractive area to birders. Like other nature-based tourism initiatives, there is significant economic potential in promoting Maine's rich outdoors. Here's good news on what this means for western Maine and the entire state. Book Signing follows.

2:30 pm:  Take Me Fishing
Emily Jones - ME Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Teaching your children to fish is a great way to get them involved in a healthy and traditional hobby that can provide them with positive decision-making skills and ethics as well as becoming a life-long hobby for them to enjoy. Fishing can bring families together and is a great way to make wonderful memories. Learn the basics and some great tips on how to get children involved in the sport as well as the opportunities provided by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's Youth and Adult Education Programs.

3:00 pm:  Camping on the NFCT in Maine State Parks and other lands
Rex Turner - Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands; Maine Department of Conservation


Gain appreciation for the diverse Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands managed sites along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. See how you can participate by canoe/kayak in our new state parks passport program while traveling and camping with the ghosts of Maine's northwoods history. This presentation will highlight the rich natural and cultural heritage at specific parks and lands while also providing tips for those interested in visiting these special places.