Paddle, restore and learn from Otsego to William H. Houlton Conservation Area
Register below for this special day-long experience.
Join FMR for a unique opportunity to paddle a beautiful stretch of the Mississippi River, learn about agricultural policy and clean water and take part in habitat restoration at William H. Houlton Conservation Area, one of FMR's largest restoration sites. Twin Cities Kayaking will provide outfitting, a safety orientation and river guiding, all free of charge to participants. Paddling experience is encouraged but not required.
After the paddle, we'll enjoy a picnic lunch at William H. Houlton Conservation Area and hear from FMR's Agricultural Policy Manager Peter LaFontaine about how thoughtful policy can help protect the river. The day wraps up with a hands-on restoration activity planting leadplant, a native prairie species, to support pollinators and wildlife.
Estimated timeline
- 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Park and check in at Elk River City Hall
- 9 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. Shuttle from Elk River to launch site in Otsego
- 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Safety orientation and outfitting
- 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Paddle from Otsego to William H. Houlton Conservation Area in Elk River
- 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. Unload and clean kayaks, portage to trailers, use the restroom
- 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch and learn with FMR Agricultural Policy Manager Peter LaFontaine
- 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Plant native leadplant with guidance and training from FMR staff
- 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Walk 0.6 miles to catch a short shuttle ride back to parked cars
What's provided
- Free use of single-person kayaks, paddles and personal flotation vests
- Professional outfitting, orientation and river guiding
- Free bus shuttle to the launch site from Elk River City Hall and back to Elk River City Hall after the event
- Snacks and drinking water
- Habitat restoration supplies and training
Due to logistics at this site, all participants must use kayaks provided by Twin Cities Kayaking. We cannot accommodate people using their own kayaks.
Lunch options
Participants can either bring their own lunch or order a box lunch from Panera Bread when registering. FMR will provide coolers for those who bring their own meals. Vegan options are available from Panera Bread. To purchase a box lunch, be sure to scroll down on the registration form to see lunch order options.
About William H. Houlton Conservation Area
This 338-acre site was once a family-owned soybean and corn farm. When the land went up for sale in 2014, the family prioritized conservation over development. Since then, FMR, the City of Elk River, the Friends of William H. Houlton Conservation Area and other partners have worked to restore it to native prairie. Today, the site supports milkweed, bergamot, coneflower, lupine leadplant and a variety of wildlife including bumblebees, monarch butterflies, prairie skinks, frogs and grassland birds including dickcissels and Henslow's sparrows. This event offers a rare chance to see this special place from the river and contribute to its restoration.
Accessibility
Participants will ride a school bus shuttle to the launch site and then enter single kayaks from a paved, sloped boat landing. The paddle downstream takes about 2 hours depending on current and group speed.
Disembarking may involve wading through shallow water and walking on uneven ground. Participants may be asked to assist with carrying kayaks. Support is available if needed.
Lunch will be picnic-style, with most seating on picnic blankets on the ground. A limited number of tables and chairs will be available for those who need them.
The restoration activity, planting leadplant plugs, will be lower-impact and can be performed sitting down or kneeling. FMR will provide a limited number of kneeling pads. A short walk (about 0.6 miles) is required at the end of the day to return to the shuttle.
Ready to register?
Please use the form below to register for this event. If you have questions or concerns, you can contact us at volunteer@fmr.org or 651.477.0925.
All participants must be at least 16 years of age. Participants under 18 must attend with a parent or guardian. Parents and guardians of participants who are under 18 must fill out this minor permission form.
Each participant must be registered individually using the registration form so that we can reserve the correct number of seats in kayaks and on the shuttle bus.
Can't make it?
To receive notices of future volunteer events, contact us at volunteer@fmr.org or 651.477.0925. Or, visit our events calendar for our most up-to-date listing of upcoming events. To receive a twice-a-month e-newsletter including all FMR activities and news, sign up for Mississippi Messages.
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, City of Elk River, Friends of William H. Houlton Conservation Area and donors like you!