Wolli Creek Eco-Paddle on Sunday 1 June
It was a perfect day for our Wolli Creek Eco Paddle on Sunday. One of our paddlers, Valerie, has shared her experience of the day.
The weather had been miserable – grey skies, cold winds, even dust. Quite off-putting. Then today, first day of winter – sunny, calm, clear air, perfect for paddling on the Wolli. Perfect for seeing the Wolli Creek Regional Park from the water. We learnt a little about the estuarine lifestyle of the Gadigal and Bidjigal people pre-colonisation; about how early settlers used this area; mangroves being decimated to make soap; about the SWOOS being a heritage engineering structure; the threats of the M5 being built on top of Wolli Creek; of the plan to scrunch Nanny Goat Hill into gravel for the airport’s new runway to extend into Botany Bay; of market gardens, industries, and more….
I turn 85 next month and I recommend this Eco Paddle as perfect for all ages. My allocated partner was a strong paddler. As well she was quick to spot the kingfisher, the advance guard of the yellow-tailed black cockatoos, cormorants, a white-faced heron… and more.
Back on land in the River Canoe Club on the Cooks there was tasty afternoon tea and info about the WCPS activities like vigilance re threats, bat count, bush care, bird surveys, bat picnic, guided springtime walks and the annual dinner
The WCPS Eco Paddle is fun, sociable and informative for all ages, for newcomers to the Valley and, also, to those who know the area well. Thanks to volunteers from WCPS and River Canoe Club for organising the paddle.
Thank you Valerie for sharing your experience. More eco paddles will be scheduled for later in the year.
