Kent Narrows at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center

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Paddle the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center at Kent Narrows

RSVP's for this paddle open Thursday, June 20th at 10:30 PM

The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, a hidden jewel within site of the Kent Narrows Bridge on Route 50, is a 510 acre wildlife preserve established in 1979. CBEC will open your eyes, ears, mind, and heart to the wildlife and historic landscapes that characterize Maryland's Eastern Shore.

The actual attendance limit for this paddle is 30 paddlers. 6 spots have been set aside for people who will be renting kayaks. If you are a renter on the waiting list I will move you to the attending list. Those spots not filled by renters 24 hours before the paddle will be filled with members on the waiting list who have paid the voluntary dues. Everyone has the same chance to sign up for the first 24 slots.

Come paddle one of my favorite locations to paddle. The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center offers 4 miles of hiking trails for walkers, joggers, bikers and nature enthusiasts to enjoy a myriad of habitats ranging from freshwater ponds, wetlands, forests to meadows.http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/2/c/e/event_132037582.jpeg

It happens to be one of my favorite places to paddle. We will start off in a protected bay called Prospect Bay surrounded by numerous artificial oyster reefs engineered to help build back up the oyster population. During our day we will paddle through Cabin Creek, Marshy Creek, and the Kent Island Narrows to view wading birds, waterfowl and acres of marsh and restored shoreline. We will stop at secluded beaches for breaks and lunch. Bring your swimsuit, because I plan on swimming at Kimmie Beach!

Important Details: We will meet in the main parking lot at the visitor center by 10 am. We will all need to pay the entrance fee there before we head on to the put in. The fee is $5 per person, unless you are 55+ and then it is only $4. Please make sure to arrive on time so we can make sure everybody gets to the correct put in. Once we are registered, we will move to the put in and unload our boats, and hopefully be on the water by 10:30ish. The center closes at 5:00 pm, so there should be plenty of time to explore the rest of the facility after we are done paddling. I will send out more specific information closer to the actual day.

Directions to the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center

From Annapolis Baltimore and Washington:Cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge (Maryland Route 50 East) to exit 43B (Chester River Beach Road). Turn right on Chester River Beach Road, then left on Route 18. Take the first right onto Perry’s Corner Road. The entrance to Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center is located about ½ mile on the right and is clearly marked with an entrance sign. Turn right at the sign onto a dirt road called Discovery Lane. Follow Discovery Lane until it ends at the Visitor Center parking lot.

Rental kayaks including a paddle and PFD are available for this paddle at the weekend price of $50.00. To reserve a kayak for this paddle please answer the rental questions when you RSVP.