Sunday, May 19, 2024
Glenwood Rd, Sussex, NJ 07461,
New Jersey, Central,
NJ United States
A rare north-flowing river, the Wallkill, flows through Sussex County, New Jersey, into Orange County, New York. Paddle Nine Miles from Glenwood Road in Sussex, NJ, to Oil City Road (State Line Road in Pine Island, NY). This river is all flat water with a minimal current. Snags and fallen trees are not always removed, so be prepared to haul your canoe over beaver dams and downed trees. You will experience the great diversity of habitats that make the refuge unique. The paddle takes you through floodplain forests, wet meadows, and tall rock cliffs. The Wallkill River begins in Sparta, New Jersey, flows north through Orange and Ulster Counties in New York, and merges with the Rondout Creek to flow into the Hudson River. The Wallkill River Refuge is one of the few large areas of high-quality waterfowl habitat remaining in northwestern New Jersey. This nine-mile stretch of Sussex County river wetlands north of Hamburg has been a haven for more than 260 species of birds, including 29 species of waterfowl, 22 species of raptors, and 31 species of shorebirds. The diverse mammal population includes bats, beavers, muskrats, river otters, mink, red foxes, gray foxes, coyotes, white-tailed deer, and black bears. Club boats are available with prior arrangements, but everyone will need to bring their own boat and all equipment to Put-In. Paddling is a water sport. We will paddle in light rain but will cancel/postpone if there is over 70% chance of hard rain and/or lighting predicted and the Oil City USGS gauge is over 3.4 feet. A go/no go/ postponement will be decided by 5:00 the day before the planned paddle, and we will update Brian's number voicemail with the status. Please call the night before after 5:00 pm at 908-625-4916 (Brian's phone) to check the trip status and leave a message only if your plans change. Otherwise, we will see you at the river.
Free
Brochure of the Wallkill Refuge
Wallkill River at Oil City Road Near Unionville NY - 01368050
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge
Friends of Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge
Dope sheet with full details will be sent out to those who register one week prior to event.
