Kayak to Cockenoe Island

On Saturday, August 29 from 10 a.m. to noon join the Westport Historical Society for their annual kayak tour to Cockenoe Island, a 28 acre island one mile off the coast of Westport.

The tour will be led by David Park, board member of the Norwalk River Watershed Association and author of the guidebook "Kayaking in and around the Norwalk Islands". " I love leading this event each year that is both fun and educational. The participants have always been enthusiastic about kayaking out to the Westport island, walking along the shore and hearing about the history of the island and the many migratory bird stories that nest on parts of the island. My favorite part of the discussion is talking about how the stewardship of property by residents within the Saugatuck River watershed can effect the water quality of Long Island Sound and wildlife around the Norwalk Islands"

Cockenoe Island is open to the public thanks to the hundreds of Westport residents and town officials who fought against the proposed construction of a nuclear power plant back in 1967. The plan was brought forward by the United Illuminating Company who had purchased the island a year earlier from the Smith family, the owners of the island at the time. After the plan was defeated, the town of Westport purchased the island as open space and it is now enjoyed by all types of recreational users and nature enthusiasts. The acquisition was heralded as a significant conservation victory for the nation by Life Magazine.

The tour group will land on the island for a stroll and hear about how the Saugatuck River watershed effects the water quality of Long Island Sound and wildlife of the Norwalk Islands. Cockenoe Island is of particular interest because of the current conservation efforts and successful nesting colonies of egrets, herons and terns.

$20 fee per boat, Members: $15 , Rain date: August 30 Meet at: Longshore Sailing School, Longshore Park, Westport
Kayak rentals available from Longshore Sailing School, Call 203-226-4646 (single and double Kayaks are available). Intermediate level kayak ability is required.

Copies of "Kayaking in and around the Norwalk Islands" are available for $10 in the Gift Shop at WHS. Registration is required, limited number of boats. Please call us at 203-222-1424 to register.

For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com