RiverPalooza’s Summer Paddle Events for Clean Water Kick Off June 3rd

WASHINGTON, DC May 19, 2017 – Potomac Riverkeeper Network, in partnership with the National Park Service, is organizing RiverPalooza, a summer series of paddle events along the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers.

The trips last from a few hours to a few days and are handpicked by Riverkeepers, a nationwide group of river advocates who fight against pollution and other threats to public waterways.

The series kicks off June 3rd in Harpers Ferry, with paddle events by day and a BBQ & Bluegrass party at night with Barefoot Movement, called “the future of Tennessee bluegrass” by Rolling Stone. Information and registration is at PotomacRiverkeeperNetwork.org.

By attending RiverPalooza, participants are helping the rivers. “RiverPalooza supports the work we do fighting for our rivers – and the recent rollbacks to clean water laws make this work more important than ever” says Potomac Riverkeeper Dean Naujoks.

RiverPalooza adventures are about having fun, first and foremost, but there are learning opportunities too – Riverkeepers will share their efforts to keep the rivers clean, and National Park Service staff will highlight the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

“There is no better way to build an appreciation for our rivers than experiencing them –that’s why we do this event” says Upper Potomac Riverkeeper, Brent Walls. “From camping and kayaking, tubing and rafting, RiverPalooza has events for all ages and skill levels…we even have a bike trip along the river!”

To make trips as convenient as possible, they are scheduled on weekdays and weekends, from early June to late September, with trips on the upper Potomac, Shenandoah, and lower Potomac. Coordination with area outfitters allows most trips to be enjoyed without the need for participants to own their own gear.

“If you want to enjoy the river, without worrying about equipment or planning, register for RiverPalooza — we’ve taken care of that” says Shenandoah Riverkeeper, Mark Frondorf. “We’ll show you some of the most beautiful stretches of water in the region.”

RiverPalooza is a Waterkeeper Alliance SPLASH Series Event sponsored nationally by TOYOTA, the National Park Service, and Mom’s Organic Market.  A complete list of events and dates follows.

• SATURDAY, JUNE 3 — “MAKE A SPLASH FOR CLEAN WATER” DAY IN HARPERS FERRY, WV
  • Tubing & Kick Off Party at Harpers Ferry Adventure Center (HFAC)
  • Duckie Float, Raft Trip with River Riders and Kick Off Party at HFAC
  • RiverPalooza Kick Off Party– music, food and camping/cabin options at HFAC
• SUNDAY, JUNE 4 — ANTIETAM CREEK FLOAT—A TOUR THROUGH HISTORY
• MONDAY, JUNE 5 — SHENANDOAH RIVER BIRDWATCHING PADDLE
• SATURDAY, JUNE 17 — AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURAL INTERPRETATION PADDLE WITH THE PISCATAWAY CONOY TRIBE ON PISCATAWAY CREEK
• WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21 — SUMMER SOLSTICE PADDLE WITH WASHINGTON CANOE CLUB
• SATURDAY, JUNE 24 — GHOST FLEET PADDLE MALLOWS BAY WITH CHESAPEAKE CONSERVANCY AND REI
• SATURDAY TO SUNDAY, JULY 15-16 — PAW PAW BENDS FLOAT & CAMPING
• FRIDAY, JULY 21 — SHENANDOAH RIVER FISHING TRIP
• FRIDAY, AUGUST 25 — SHENANDOAH RIVER SNORKELING—WITH US FOREST SERVICE
• SUNDAY, AUGUST 27 — NORTH BRANCH POTOMAC WHITEWATER FLOAT
• FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 —DYKE MARSH SUNSET PADDLE—STAND UP PADDLE OPTION
• SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 — WOMEN ON THE WATER—POTOMAC HERITAGE TRAIL
• SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 — PEDAL TO PADDLE ON THE UPPER POTOMAC—POTOMAC HERITAGE TRAIL
• SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 — STAND UP FOR CLEAN WATER CELEBRATIONON WORLD RIVERS DAY

Information and registration is at www.prknetwork.org/riverpalooza-2017

Follow on social media: #RiverPalooza2017 #splashseries

About Potomac & Shenandoah Riverkeeper: Headquartered in Washington, DC, Potomac Riverkeeper Network and its three Riverkeepers; Potomac, Shenandoah, and Upper Potomac, work to protect the public’s right to clean water in our rivers and streams. We stop pollution to promote safe drinking water, protect healthy river habitats, and enhance public use and enjoyment. Over the last decade, our call for clean drinking water has reached millions of residents living in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.