Go kayaking and canoeing along Black Creek and Chodikee Lake this Saturday, thanks to the Lloyd Environmental Conservation Council (ECC).

The Lloyd ECC is hosting the event in coordination with New Paltz Kayak Tours. The price for admission and renting is $10. The price is lower than a normal kayak tour because the Lloyd ECC pays a portion of the fee to rent equipment from New Paltz Kayak Tours, which lowers the price for attendees.

“The aim is to get new users out onto the creek who may not have been on it before, and don’t have their own equipment,” Neil Curri, Chairperson of the Lloyd ECC, said.

One of Lloyd ECC’s main priorities is the maintenance of the Black Creek Water Trail along Lloyd’s portion of the waterway. The Water Trail makes it possible to canoe and kayak along the river, and has ecological programs for students.

Since one of the Lloyd ECC’s main concerns is the Black Creek this kayaking event makes it possible to have fun while also promoting the protection of our waterways.

“The purpose is to get more residents of Lloyd and the surrounding communities aware of and interested and invested in the well-being of the creek,” Curri said.

The kayaking and canoeing gives attendees a chance to awe over the Hudson Valley scenery and the wildlife that live in and near Black Creek.

“We frequently see birds like Great Blue Heron and lots of Red Winged Blackbirds, and other songbirds, turtles, and beaver.” Curri said.

The tour lasts 1-2 hours depending on weather conditions and how attendees are responding to the tour. The goal of the tour is to reach the first set of falls north fo Chodikee Lake, and then turn around.
Lloyd ECC volunteers will be leading the tours, with all equipment and instruction provided by New Paltz Kayaking Tours, attendees can also bring their own equipment if they have it. The tour takes an easy and gentle path, starting at Chodikee Lake and proceeding down into Black Creek.

Register by emailing ecc@townoflloyd.com. Arrive by 9 a.m. for lifejacket fitting and paddling basics.