Conejohela Flats Birding Tour Water Week 2024

Where does your Water Week adventure lie? Explore by kayak the islands of the Susquehanna known as the Conejohela Flats, one of the most significant inland stopover sites in the eastern United States for tens of thousands of shorebirds.
We often say that life looks different from the water, here's your chance to see what that means as you experience drifting through the natural habitats of native avian species in hidden coves and sandy flats. 

Tour location, dates, meeting place and times:
*please note date, and time of trip when purchasing tickets.

1. We are excited to offer a six tour times:

o   3:30-5:30pm, Tues, June 11

o   6-8pm, Tues, June 11

o   8-10am, Wed, June 12

o   10:30am-12:30pm, Wed, June 12

o   3:30-5:30pm, Thurs, June 13

o   6-8pm, Thurs, June 13

  2. Participants will park and meet at the Blue Rock Heritage Center parking lot. Leaving from the Blue Rock boat ramp, paddlers will explore the Conejohela Flats birding area, guided by conservationist and birder Mike Hudson, with kayak outfitting provided by Terilyn LeDuc, owner of kayakLanCo.

* meet address based on Google Maps information. Contact Todd Roy at todd.roy@conestogariverclub.org or call 717-719-8214 for more information.

As a Conestoga River Club Event, all participants should expect the following policies and procedures:

1. To be prepared to sign two waivers; a standard waiver of liability that covers: release to treat, photo release, standard hold harmless, and an insurance waiver. 
2. To be prepared to follow all PFBC boating safety laws and regulations.
3. To be prepared to wear a US Coast Guard approved PFD while actively engaged on the water or within 10’ of the launch facility.
4. To follow the instructions of the group leader/ trip guide.
5. To arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled launch time. Anyone arriving after the posted launch time may be excluded from that trip.
6. Trips will be held "rain or shine". In the case of unsafe river conditions the event will be rescheduled.

Participants should bring:

1. A refillable water bottle or canteen, single use plastics are discouraged.
2. A wide brimmed hat or sun shade
3. Sunscreen/ sunblock
4. A change of clothing and towel, to be kept in participants vehicle.
5. Suitable footwear in the form of closed toe, full foot water shoes or sneakers with good traction are recommended. Open sandals, flip flops and other "slip on" footwear are not permitted. Your feet will get wet, plan accordingly.

The Conestoga River Club will provide:

1. Kayak, paddle, PFD for each participant.
2. Water bottle refills and heathy snacks.
3. Event guide and safety personnel.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I bring my own Kayak? Unfortunately, no, due to limited trip capacity. 
2. Can I bring my child? Children over 12, that are capable of paddling autonomously are permitted with parental supervision. Children under 12 will be considered on a case by case. Please call Todd Roy at 717-719-8214 to discuss. 
3. Is this event safe for my skill level? We structure our events and the locations we choose to be comfortable for those who have never kayaked before, but recommend that you do a self assessment here. ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria
   

Meet your guides:

kayakLanCo is Lancaster County's mobile outfitter. With a variety of Lancaster County route options from lake to river, clients are sure to find the right adventure for their age and skill level. Whether we are getting 2 or 25 people on the water, our goal is: ADVENTURE SIMPLIFIED. We plan the route, we bring the gear, you have the adventure. For reservations and more information, visit www.kayakLanCo.com

Mike grew up in Baltimore, MD birding and exploring on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay; he fell in love with birds and the natural world at a young age and was leading bird walks professionally by the time he was in high school. He graduated from Washington College with a degree in biology and spent the spring and fall seasons during his time at college working at Foreman’s Branch Bird Observatory as an assistant bird bander. Mike has worked in the fields of education and conservation since graduating from college and has continued a special interest in birds; he has worked for the American Birding Association as a tour guide and the Editor of North American Birds–the American journal of bird status and distribution; the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center as a technician and biologist; and as ecological specialist on construction projects; and as a guide with several private ecotour groups, both in the US and abroad in the American tropics. Mike has also worked with birds extensively in captivity, including at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore and TriState Bird Rescue. Mike currently lives near Harrisburg, PA working as the Pennsylvania Outreach Coordinator and he returns to Baltimore during the spring and fall to oversee the Masonville Cove Migration Bird Banding Station, where he is the bander-in-charge.