Meet the Yadkin Riverkeeper

If you live in North Carolina, or are able to get to that part of the country this month, you should check out the Yadkin Riverkeeper and the organization’s Tour de Yadkin, an annual month-long river paddling event along 185 miles of the Yadkin River. From April 2 through 30, paddlers can kayak or canoe for a few hours or whole days with one of America’s leading river advocates, Dean Naujoks, leading the way.

(Dean Naujoks)

Each weekend during the month of April, the Riverkeeper will stop along the river for community festivities that celebrate a cleaner river. Billed as, Paddle and Party for a Clean River, Remaining events include:

• April 16 at 8:30 AM: Earth Day River Clean-Up with REI, at Old 421 Park

• April 17 from 9 AM to 3 PM: Picnic on the River. Paddle from Huntsville to Tanglewood Park in Winston-Salem for a picnic on the river

• April 23 at 11:00 AM: Easter on the River at Tamarac Marina on High Rock Lake. Easter egg hunt

• April 30: Final Paddle Day on the Uwharrie River at Morrow Mountain State Park and wrap-up party at Badin Inn

Participation in all events is free. ($5 fee per person for liability coverage for on the water events.)  Paddlers are encouraged to provide their own equipment, but may rent canoes or kayaks directly from Yadkin River Adventures, SuperFly Outdoor Sports or God’s Country Outfitters. Additionally, people can donate $10 to Sponsor a Mile in support of Yadkin Riverkeeper’s efforts to maintain clean water for future generations.

For a list of updated events, general information on the Tour, to locate an outfitter, sponsor a mile, or sign up to paddle, visit yadkinriverkeeper.org or call 336-722-4949.