Share the River Gorge paddle and social draws a nice crowd

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN

The Longfellow Community Council (LCC) served up their annual Share the River Gorge Canoe Paddle and Ice Cream Social on July 26 at W. River Pkwy. and 35th St. This year’s event was a gift to the neighborhood, as it is every year. Free Dilly Bars were provided by the East Lake Dairy Queen.

Photo right: Wilderness Inquiry brought four of their historical Voyageur canoes to the Share the River Gorge event. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Gorge Stewards from the Friends of the Mississippi River led hikers on interpretive tours of the nearby Prairie Oak Savanna. This area is under continual restoration by FMR volunteers to keep invasive species at bay.

Ned Phillips of the LCC River Gorge Committee said, “We’re glad so many people came out tonight.” The River Gorge Committee, open to anyone interested in protecting and advancing the cause of the River Gorge, always welcomes new members. The committee meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 6-7:30pm at Lake Hiawatha Recreation Center, 2701 E. 44th St.

Photo left: Volunteer Ann Beane (right) explained to a Longfellow family that more than 40 species of mussels inhabit the Mississippi River. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

A sign that stretched out along the parkway said, “ Want to find your summer bliss? Take a ride upon the Miss.”

On the sand flats below the 34th St. steps, Wilderness Inquiry offered free rides all night in their 24-foot-long, 10-person Voyageur canoes. Canoeists of all ages could enjoy the amazing natural features of the River Gorge, which are part of what makes the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area so special.

National Park Service rangers were down on the sand flats to talk about invasive carp, mussels, and river water quality.

The annual Share the Gorge Canoe Paddle and Ice Cream Social was hosted by the River Gorge Committee of the Longfellow Community Council.

For more information on the Mississippi River National Park and Recreation Area, visit the National Park Service rangers at the St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center.