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Essex Land Trust Kayak and Canoe Trip into North Cove

The Essex Land Trust hosts an early summer kayak/canoe trip into North Cove and Falls River, accompanied by a naturalist on Tuesday, June 9. See the abundant wildlife and revisit the history of this waterway where many of Essex's colonial ships were built. Participants should bring their own kayaks or canoes and arrive at 4:30 p.m. to register on-site and launch their crafts on the rising tide prior to the 5:00 departure time. The trip departs from the Bushnell Street public boat launch off of North Main Street in Essex. A safety boat will accompany. Bad weather cancels the trip.

North Cove is a 230-acre body of tidal water between the Falls River and the Connecticut River. The cove is formed in part by Great Meadow, a 200-acre "pendant bar" or levee along the Connecticut River. Great Meadow has no public access. North Cove was noted for shipbuilding, and the nearby Williams' yard turned out sloops and schooners for the commercial trade in the 19th century. Empty now, Great Meadow was also a beehive of activity. Cattle were grazed, salt hay was harvested and duck hunting blinds once lined the shore. The bar was also a base for the local fishing industry and its lucrative seasonal shad run.

For more information, call 860-876-0306.