Paddle at Presquile

First Paddle at Presquile, September 25, 2011; An early fall excursion with a group of 11 Richmonders of all ages

By Gabe Silver, JRA's Environmental Educator,  Photography courtesy of Patrick Wamsley

Expecting a September rain shower to descend on us at any moment, we embark across the lower James River near Hopewell by pontoon boat to explore Presquile National Wildlife Refuge in a new way. Under an overcast sky, we motor slowly, pushed along by a strong incoming tide, spotting great blue heron, great white egret, double-breasted cormorant, and bald eagle. We are hoping to see the rare, jolting surprise of the lower James in spring and fall - the Atlantic sturgeon leaping out of the water - but the river surface yields only the ripples of the light breeze.

Arriving at the island, we set off hiking across the upland fields and towards the recently constructed wetland walkway. The goldenrod is blooming, blanketing the wide vistas of old field habitat in yellow. Looking closer at this feast for the eyes, we spot beautiful monarch butterflies making a more literal feast of the pervasive blossom.

Moving from the upland field into the hardwood tidal swamp, we shift worlds. The pulsing call of insects surrounds us while we walk under the canopy of wetland forest. On either side of the boardwalk, dozens of species of plants like arrow arum, pickerelweed and wild rice make up a fall abundance of foliage, flowers and seeds. After a quick break, we launch canoes onto the narrow creek and weave our way towards the river. Finding passage around trees brought down by Hurricane Irene, we paddle down the meandering creek against the faintest hint of an incoming tide.

Soon we are in for a real treat. A barred owl sits just off the creek, perhaps waiting for a noonday meal to come scampering through the swamp. The owl’s camouflage is very good, and despite its size and proximity, it takes some time before the whole party sets eyes on the bird.

Saying goodbye to the owl, we find our way to the mouth of the creek. Back to the broad river, we explore the shoreline and raft the canoes together for a lunch adjacent to a marsh. A leisurely canoe-based meal is always nice, and our dining room can’t be beat, surrounded by wildflowers and water.

Soon it is time to return up the creek, stow the canoes, and hike back to the boat. A canoe full of spiders descending from an overhanging branch into the errant boat of two young fellows doesn’t stop us, and soon we are back on solid ground. We have paddled about 3 miles and hiked for 2 by the time we are back aboard the pontoon boat. The James has one last treat for us, as we watch a mature bald eagle chase a juvenile eagle across the river minutes before we hit the beach and our day is ended.