About the Event

Join TCA at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park on Saturday, August 17, for a fun-filled day of kayaking, canoeing, and hiking! Whether you are an experienced paddler or new to the hobby, come on out and explore the sloughs and lake and see the local flora and fauna. We will be on B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir, which is fed by the Neches River and the Angelina River. The lake provides habitat for native fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and bird species, including American white ibis, herons, egrets, and bald eagles. You may even get a chance to see some alligators, but they tend to avoid large groups. RSVP via TCA is limited to 15 participants; however, anyone who has not signed up through TCA is welcome to attend independently. The hiking trip starts at 2 pm. Come for one or both, but be on time. The guides will not be able to wait for stragglers.

Cost: RSVP'd participants will have all park fees covered by TCA. For those who do not RSVP: The entry fee is $4 for a day pass (12 and under free). Boat rental fees are not included with the day pass or Texas State Park Pass. You may bring your own boat or rent one from the park. Boat rental has an additional cost: Kayaks are $10/hour, and canoes are $14/hour (2-hour minimum for both). Kayaks will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Notes on the Location: If traveling with TCA we will meet at LIFE Farms in Lufkin at 8 am and depart no later than 8:30 am. The paddle trip launches from the Walnut Slough Day Use Area located in the Walnut Ridge Unit of the park. Visitors must first stop at Headquarters, located in the Hen House Ridge Unit of the park to get a vehicle permit and rent boats.

Kayaking Age Restrictions: Must be 18 or older to kayak alone. Children must be in a canoe with a parent or guardian. Limit of two children per canoe. Infants are not allowed in kayaks or canoes.

Additional Info:

•Bring a reusable water bottle, clothes and shoes that can get wet, and a lunch or snack since we will be ending the paddling trip around lunchtime.

•Dress for hot weather, including hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.

•It is best to bring a towel and a change of clothes if you do not want to drive home wet.

•Please arrive about 15 minutes early to ensure all waivers are signed so we can start on time.

•Programs are subject to weather cancellation. If severe weather or winds above 10 mph are expected, we will contact you regarding cancellation the day before.

•Keep in mind that even though these are guided trips, you participate at your own risk. If your kayak tips over, you must be able to get back in by yourself. You can choose to stay with the group or peel off and do your own trip if you wish. If you cannot keep up with the group and fall behind, you can continue at your own pace or return to the launch point.

•All participants will be required to sign TCA’s liability waiver prior to the event: www.tcatexas.org/liability-waiver

Questions - Email jose@tcatexas.org

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