Moose Mountains Regional Greenways and Branch Hill Farm/Carl Siemon Family Charitable Trust are once again teaming up to offer canoe and kayak enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy a paddle on the pristine Branch River in Milton Mills, NH. An annual favorite, this 4-mile paddle along the scenic and winding Branch River will take place from 10am-2pm on Saturday, May 22. 

This year, participants will be able to enjoy the newly added hike along the beautiful trails of Branch Hill Farm. Kayaks and canoes will be trucked back from the upper end of Milton Three Ponds while participants enjoy the 1-hour leisurely hike, passing through forests and fields back to the launch site. Lunch will be offered to all hike participants to either sit and enjoy, or to take home.

The nesting bald eagle we saw at a past Branch River Paddle!

Bring your binoculars – the paddle route offers excellent bird watching opportunities. The Branch River is home to dozens of bird species  including yellow warblers, Baltimore orioles, Eastern kingbirds, and more. In the past, paddlers have even been fortunate enough to see nesting bald eagles! With the addition of the hike, participants will be even more likely to see wildlife out and about in the busy Spring season.

Like previous years, the paddle will feature an educational guest speaker. This year we are delighted to welcome Katy Lewis, Research Manager with the Tin Mountain Conservation Center in Albany, NH.  Katy is a wildlife biologist with a master’s degree in wildlife conservation from West Virginia University, with a background in bird and wetland ecology. She oversees the long-term avian research and forest monitoring project and the stream restoration and brook trout ecology research projects at the Conservation Center.  Since 2010 Tin Mountain has conducted over 16 miles of stream enhancements in the Mount Washington Valley, monitoring instream habitat and brook trout response to the addition of woody debris. Katy will speak about the value and impact of adding large wood to streams, as well as some of the results of over ten years of stream enhancements and biomonitoring data.  Do not be surprised if she adds a piece or two about birds along the way!  

Paddlers should bring their own kayaks or canoes and wear US Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices. This event is extremely popular and spaces are limited – early registration is highly advised. All reservations must be made by the morning of Thursday, May 20; please register online. A $15 per person donation at the event is suggested. There is no rain date and participants are requested to leave pets at home. MMRG/BHF COVID-19 prevention policies are observed to make this a safe event for all.