Paddle with a Purpose

Join us at Big Haynes Creek Nature Center for a Paddle with a Purpose! This hands-on paddle event invites nature lovers, environmental stewards, and curious paddlers to explore the importance of our local wetlands.

🔹 Learn — Discover why wetlands matter in our community through an expert introduction from Mark Wilson, Director of the Yellow River Water Trail. Learn how these ecosystems protect wildlife, prevent flooding, and serve as one of Rockdale County’s five critical drinking water reservoirs.

🔹 Explore — Paddle through the scenic wetlands with binoculars in hand as we search for native birds, spot wildlife, and observe unique plant life. Bring your own binoculars if you have them—limited loaners will be available.

🔹 Protect — Participate in a water quality testing demo and get hands-on with a citizen science project monitoring our beautiful pink lily habitat. We’ll also take a look beneath the lily pads to explore the underwater ecosystem, and share how you can get involved with Georgia’s Adopt-a-Stream program.

Get ready to paddle with a purpose and leave with a deeper understanding of how we can all protect this vital natural resource.

Participants must bring their own kayak or canoe with paddles. PFD's are also required.

This is a FREE event.

Space is limited so advance registration is required to secure a spot.

Map link: https://rb.gy/jk3nc

**We will meet at the kayak launch on the floating dock.

Please note:

-Parents must accompany kids under 12 years old.

-Comfortable water shoes are recommended.

-Pets are not permitted at this event.

**In the event of inclement weather, the scheduled program will not occur, and all registered attendees will be notified.

***Special thanks to Mark Wilson of the Yellow River Water Trail for his partnership.

Please reach out to [email protected] for any additional information.

We look forward to seeing you!

Host or Publisher Big Haynes Creek Nature Center