Paddle with a Purpose | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Individual sitting in kayak on a lake on a bright sunny day

Paddle a canoe while giving back to your community! Sign up to join staff of Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge for free introductory paddling and stewardship program. Learn the basics of paddling a canoe and explore our local waterways. Staff will provide instruction for paddling and lead the group in a water-based trash clean-up. Youth attending must be greater than 90 pounds.

Date and Time: Saturday, August 10th from 10:00am – 12:00pm (this program rescheduled from August 3rd)

Location: Powderhorn Park Fishing Pier - 3400 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Registration Information: Registration required on SignUp. This program is capped at 12 participants.

Activity Level: Moderate-intensity, some upper body strength will be used.

Meet Us: Powderhorn Park Fishing Pier, located behind the Recreation Center

What to Bring: Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toed shoes, bring warm layer/rain jacket, hat, sunscreen, water bottle and snacks. All paddling and trash clean up equipment will be provided.

Accessibility: All ages and skill levels are welcome. Introduction will take place on grassy soft terrain and then transition into canoes. Some participants may need to sit in the middle of the canoe with no seat, and the canoes do not have back support. Youth participating in the event must be greater than 90lbs. This event will be held entirely outdoors. Dress for the weather.

Program Leader: This event will happen rain or shine. Minnesota Valley reserves the right to cancel the program in the event of inclement weather (lightning/thunder, combined air and water temps below 120 degrees, wind speeds greater than 15 mph). For more information, contact Christopher Dunham at christopher_dunham@fws.gov.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs at least ten business days before the event to Oscar Hernandez at oscar_hernandez@fws.gov.