River Network would like to extend a special thanks to Lisa Hansen, who provided endless hours - all with a smile (at least, we like to think she was smiling) - organizing our River Rally 2009 Field Trips.

 

Field Trips will take place Friday - Monday. Please note days/times below. To help cover the cost of rentals, transportation, logistics - and in some cases - food, field trips do cost extra. And, because we must reserve certain services in advance, your field trip fees are non-refundable. That means: after May 20th, we can not reimburse any field-trip fees you may have paid. Trust me: it's not because we're pocketing the funds and heading to Cabos; the Grand Canyon, maybe (after all, we are river people)...but definitely not Cabos. 

• Annapolis, CBF Green Building Tour & Kayak the Salt Marsh
  Learn about what Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is doing to save the Bay; tour the green building; kayak on Black Walnut Creek or take an educational boat ride on the Bay. Day/Time: Friday, May 29th (11-4pm) and includes lunch | Cost: $50 (includes lunch)   
  

• Baltimore's Hidden Park Gems
  There are places amongst Baltimore's 1500 acres of parkland (& beyond) you can't imagine exisit in an urban environment. See one of the oldest landscaped public parks in the United States-Druid Hill Park, and its conservatory; the serene lake in Patterson Park; the streams in Herring Run Park; and the wetlands in Armistead Gardens. Day/Time: Friday, May 29th (1-4pm) | Cost: $30
  

• Biking, Boating & Brunch
  Join us as we depart on bicycles from the hotel and follow the Gwynns Falls Trail past the Gwynns Falls to Middle Branch Park on this recreational tour about reclaiming our waterfront.. Once at the park, we will have lunch and explore the area by canoe. See all of the exciting changes that are taking place on this one-of-a-kind tour.  Day/Time: Friday, May 29th (11-5pm) | Cost: $50 (includes lunch)   
  

• Explore Baltimore
  Walk and ride on your own around the harbor and beyond with single day pass for the Baltimore Water Taxi.  Days: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday |  Cost: $8 per ONE day pass per person.   

• Flyfishing on the Gunpowder
  Learn fly how to fly fish on the beautiful Gunpowder River. Beginner to advance level welcome. Learn about insects, flies, geard spot fish and selecting the right fly pattern. Day/Time: Monday, June 1st (9-4pm) | Cost: $185 (includes lunch)   
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• Fort McHenry Wetlands
  Get your hands dirty...Help the National Aquarium (wetlands manager) mulch or plant native plants, learn about critical restoration activities and see Fort McHenry, the site where Frances Scott Key wrote the words to the Star Spangled Banner. Entry fee t the Fort on own. Day/Time: Friday, May 29th (12-5pm) | Cost: $40 and includes lunch
  

• Harbor Tour
  Tour Baltimore from the water! Although the Inner Harbor has been a tourist draw since its inception in 1980, its TMDL is at capacity. See what the tourists don't see such as stormwater outfalls, industrial discharge and more.  Day/Time: Monday, June 1st  (9:30a-11:30am) | Cost: $10
  

• Living Classrooms Skipjack Adventure
  Join us for an afternoon sail on board the Skipjack, Sigsbee to get a unique tour of Baltimore’s Harbor and the Patapsco River.  Learn about the exciting programs that are offered by the Living Classrooms Foundation to the youth and young adults living in the Baltimore metropolitan area.  A partnership tour with Chesapeake Bay Trust. Day/Time: Friday, May 29th (3:30-6:30pm) | Cost: $10
  

• Lower Susquehanna Scenic Paddle
  Join the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper on a trip down the Susquehanna
  River.  Launch near the Conowingo Dam, source of concern for the
  Chesapeake Bay.  Paddle through the rocks of Smith’s Falls where
  Captain John Smith ended his quest to find the Northwest Passage.  Land
  at historic Port Deposit for burgers and beers on own.  Day/Time: Monday, June 1st  (1-6pm) | Cost: $40

• Monocacy Scenic River Canoe Trip
  We’ll cover about 7 miles on the Monocacy River, one of Maryland's Scenic Rivers.  Paddling will consist of mostly flatwater runs with some rock gardens up to Class II.  The tour will travel through a variety of land use types including the Monocacy Historical Battlefield. Day/Time: Friday, May 29th  (9:30-4pm) | Cost: $85 and includes lunch.   

• Serpentine Barrens Stroll
  Located along the largest remaining serpentine barren in the eastern
  United States, Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area (NEA) features
  a unique natural ecosystem. The area supports over 39 rare, threatened
  or endangered plant species, rare insects, rocks and minerals. Hike the
  2.5 mile Serpentine Trail, which has some moderately steep climbs. Day/Time: Monday, June 1st  (9-1pm) | Cost: $40 and includes snack. 

• Turning the Tide with Tom Horton
  Explore the nearby wilds of the Chesapeake via sea kayak with Tom Horton renowned Bay author and Don Baugh, VP Education, Chesapeake Bay Foundation.  Tom and Don have paddled countless miles of bay shoreline, often with leaders from throughout the region and are offering a unique experience that will immerse you in the culture, ecology and politics of the Bay. Day/Time: Friday, May 29th (10-5pm) | Cost: $45
  and includes lunch

• Watershed 263 – An Ultra-Urban Watershed Restoration Project
  Tour one of Baltimore’s 355 man-made watersheds which collect
  stormwater runoff that flows untreated into the city’s open streams or
  directly into the Harbor and eventually the Chesapeake Bay.  Watershed
  263 is a 930-acre area composed of 12 neighborhoods with 75% of the
  area covered with impervious surfaces. The Watershed 263 Pilot
  Demonstration Project focuses on revitalizing communities by using
  urban forestry watershed projects to measurably improve both water
  quality and quality of life. Day/Time: Friday, May 29th (1-5pm) | Cost: $30