Rivers for Change has found success blending paddle sports with Source to Sea education and awareness. This summer we’re offering a Source to Sea program on the Lamprey river in New Hampshire, a beautiful waterway and federally dedicated Wild & Scenic River that meanders 67 miles to the ocean. This two-part program is meant to connect more people to the Lamprey River and to inspire new river stewards.
The first part of the program kicks off on May 13th when Peter Sawtell of Seven Rivers Paddling and Matt Palmariello of Rivers for Change team up to paddle and explore the Lamprey from its source in Northwood, New Hampshire until it reaches the sea in Newcastle, NH. This part of the trip will be shared via social networks and kicks off our fundraising to support the second part of the program.
From July 8th-12th we’ll return to the Lamprey for the second part of the program to section paddle the river with twelve middle school kids for five days of paddling and experiential education on the banks of the river in our Source To Sea School. We know that if people connect with rivers at an early age that connection will continue into adulthood. Working with our partners Seven Rivers Paddling, The Lamprey River Advisory Committee and the Lamprey River Watershed Association, we hope to inspire a new generation of river stewards with this hands-on program.
Scholarships are available to students for our Source To Sea School from the Judy Jensen Memorial Fund, which was created to provide paddling & learning opportunities to kids. Students can apply for a $275 scholarship that will bring the 5-day program costs down to only $125 per student. In the past, students of this program have gone on to give school presentations, create art projects and connect others to rivers via their experience.
To apply for a scholarship, visit riversforchange.org/lampreyriver
On Saturday July 13th from 8am-11am we’re gathering volunteers to help with a Lamprey River cleanup on a lower section of river in the Newmarket area. Using canoes, kayaks and paddleboards we’ll remove unwanted trash and debris from the river. This event is free to attend and we’ll provide the tools needed. Participants can bring their own canoes, kayaks and standup paddleboards or can contact us to borrow one from Seven Rivers Paddling.
More Lamprey River Cleanup info and signup here
From 2pm-5pm on Saturday July 13th all are welcome to join us for a public paddle day on the Lamprey River. This recreational paddle is suitable for all ages and abilities. We’ll paddle out from downtown Schoppmeyer Park in Newmarket at 2:00pm and paddle upriver towards Packers Falls. A suggested donation of $5-10 will be put towards our Source to Sea School Program. If you need to rent a canoe, kayak or sup through Seven Rivers Paddling, please contact us for special pricing. More Lamprey Public Paddle info and signup here.
Visit riversforchange.org/lampreyriver to learn more and get involved!
Contact Matt Palmariello for questions about the program or to get involved as a media partner or sponsor.
