Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point offers guided canoe tours of the 840-acre Charles Wheeler Salt Marsh at Milford Point.
Canoeists embark on a wilderness adventure, gliding through the marsh while a Connecticut Audubon Society expert birder and naturalist points out a variety of bird and wildlife species.
These guided canoe tours are an ideal activity for birders and wildlife enthusiasts, providing views of an osprey nest, a variety of marsh birds, and local wildlife. There is even a visit to “Cat Island,” the site of the last Bald Eagle nest found in the marsh.
Interspersed among the scenery is an abundance of state-listed “endangered” and “threatened” bird species including the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Great and Snowy Egrets, Saltmarsh Sparrows, Willet, Glossy Ibis, Great Blue Heron, and American Oystercatchers.
The tour guides also provide a wealth of information on the history and origins of Charles Wheeler Salt Marsh, from its use by the Native Americans, to its present-day use by local oystermen.
Canoeing instruction and equipment is provided.
Pre-registration and payment is required; call Louise at 203-878-7440.
The tour schedule is as follows:
Saturday, July 12, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Sunday, July 13, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, July 26, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 2, 3 to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 9, 9:30 a.m. to noon; Saturday, Sept. 13, 2 to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 14, 3 to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 21, 8:45 to 11:30 a.m.; Sunday, Sept. 28, 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Using Coastal Center canoes, the fee is $27 per person or $69 per canoe (up to three people) for members; $35 per person or $95 per canoe for non-members.
Using your own canoe or kayak, the fee is $20 per person for members, and $30 per person for non-members.