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Branch River Paddle offers unique nature views, news

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Lorrie Drake and other kayakers and canoeists enter the northern tip of Northeast Pond during a recent Branch River Paddle. (MMRG photo)

Moose Mountains Regional Greenways and Branch Hill Farm/Carl Siemon Family Charitable Trust are teaming up once again to offer canoe and kayak enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy a group paddle of the pristine Branch River in Milton Mills.

The Branch River Paddle goes from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. next Saturday, and features a 4 1/2 mile scenic trip along the conserved banks of the Branch River through lush wetlands to the upper end of Milton Three Ponds. A picnic lunch will be provided at the paddle destination on Branch Hill Farm property.

The day will begin with a brief introduction to aquatic habitat and water quality by John Magee, habitat biologist of the Inland Fisheries Division of New Hampshire Fish & Game. Magee has worked more than 20 years in the field of aquatic ecology and is an expert on stream crossings and stream restoration. His recent work focuses on fish ecology and fish habitat in streams and the effects of aquatic herbicides on native and nonnative plants and water quality.

He conducts in-the-field research on wild brook trout and lake water quality and works with organizations to help protect and conserve New Hampshire's precious aquatic habitats and animals. Magee will talk about aquatic habitat needs of fish and wildlife in the Branch River and its tributaries, and work being done across the state to restoration these habitats and riverine processes, including techniques such as instream wood restoration.

A few paddle stops are also planned en route for participants to learn more about and appreciate these beautiful and precious environs. Magee will point out special ecological features and aspects of wildlife habitat, and MMRG staff member Virginia Long will share observations of songbirds and other birds that inhabit and enliven the stream banks. Paddlers in previous years have enjoyed sightings of orioles and ospreys.

Paddlers should bring their own kayaks or canoes and wear US Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices. Transportation for participants and their boats will be provided back to the parking/boat put-in site. Children should be 12 years or older and accompanied by an adult.

This event is extremely popular, so reservations must be made by Thursday. For more information or to preregister, please contact Kari Lygren, MMRG Education Coordinator, at 603-978-7125 or email info@mmrg.info. Leave your name, phone number, and the number of people who will attend. A $15 per person donation at the gate is suggested. There is no rain date and no pets, please.

Moose Mountains Regional Greenways, a grass-roots land trust serving Brookfield, Farmington, Middleton, Milton, New Durham, Wakefield, and Wolfeboro, has helped conserve more than 4,800 acres in the region. For more information, go to www.mmrg.info. Branch Hill Farm/CSFCT is a private operating foundation whose mission is to conserve land, produce quality timber products, and educate people about sound forestry practices and conservation. For more information, visit www.branchhillfarm.org. MMRG would like to thank its business co-sponsors: Sunshine Acres Campground, Wolfeboro Oil Company, and the Wolfeboro-Tuftonboro Land Bank.

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