The 10th Annual Earth Day Paddling Flotilla is set for Saturday, April 23, at Shady Glade Resort in Karnack.
Put in your canoe or kayak for a beautiful morning on one of three paddling trails that leave from Uncertain, Texas, on the shores of Caddo Lake.
The area is known for its exceptional wildlife diversity.
The “lake” is a sprawling maze of bayous and sloughs covering 26,810 acres.
The Caddo Lake area has 10 trails designated as t-shirt good for birding, photography and so much more.
The trails include Johnsons’ Ranch – The Turtle Shell Trail will take paddlers through a well-marked maze of boat roads where they will see a beautiful, mystical, and almost primeval Cypress swamp.
Paddlers will be amazed by the expanse of American Lotus lining this trail. Standing several feet above the water and in some areas hanging over the trail, with their large yellowish/white flowers and “showerhead” seed cones, these plants are some of the most photographed on the lake.
This trail will pass by charming cottages hidden along the shoreline as you return to the put in.
Shady Glade – The Cathedral Trail on Caddo Lake is a turn-around trail.
From the launch, travel along the Boat Road U passing charming residences and B&Bs. Marvel at some of the older trees that stand alone in the water.
The trail is a short, but exhilarating stretch of towering bald cypress trees and inviting sandy rest stops. When the rain is right, the forest floor is covered with a variety of ferns, jack-in-the-pulpits, and lizard’s tail. Don’t forget to look up for Wood Storks and Prothonotary Warblers.
The Point at Goose Prairie (formerly Crip’s Camp) The Old Folks’ Playground Trail starts out in Goose Prairie, an area known for its abundance of white water lilies, their large white flowers open in the mornings and close in the afternoon.
Other areas along this trail have large stands of American Lotus. This plant has large pads that sometimes stand up out of the water more than three feet.
The flowers of this plant can also stand out of the water and the seed pods resemble inverted showerheads. Paddlers will pass by a portion of the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
Food truck, desserts and drinks will be available onsite.
Raffle prize tickets will be drawn for prizes at noon in the Registration tent.
You must be present to win.
There will be a silent auction closing at 12:15 p.m.
You do not have to be present to win silent auction items.
Event sponsors include Cypress Basin Chapter TMN, Caddo Lake Institute, Greater Caddo Lake Association, Shady Glade RV Park and Marina and Texas Tees.
Funds raised will go toward this year’s flotilla expenses.
After those expenses are covered, the remainder will go to maintenance of the paddle trails.
Other projects that benefit recreational development for Caddo lake are always under consideration and review.
Onsite registration for the Flotilla will start at 7:30 a.m.
Pre-registered paddlers may pick up their bags on Friday evening, 5:30 p.m.
Register Online: https://tinyurl.com/2022flotilla
Canoes and kayaks may be available. To reserve one email 22flotilla10@gmail.com
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/CypressBasinChapterTMN.