Pride Paddle & Pull - Massachusetts
June 6, 2026 — 2:00 - 5:00 pm ET
Last day to register: June 4, 2026
Paddle with a purpose AND celebrate pride month together — help the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) and the Friends of Lake Warner remove the invasive water chestnut from our waterways! For this free, 3-hour group paddle event we will be removing this plant together while enjoying each other's company on beautiful Lake Warner. Afterwards, join us for pizza, cider, and connections at Carr’s Cider House from 5:30-7pm!
Water chestnut is a harmful aquatic invasive species, which is known to take over stretches of water. When left unchecked, water chestnut has the potential to decimate ecosystems and eliminate recreational opportunities. Fortunately, it is easily identifiable, and smaller infestations can be managed with trained volunteers hand-pulling the plant. The key to keeping water chestnut from invading new areas is to remove plants before they have a chance to set seed.
This event is a collaboration between Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC), Friends of Lake Warner, Pride Day on the River, and The Venture Out Project. CRC will provide a guided interactive program for participants to learn more about aquatic invasive species, the local watershed and safe paddling instruction for all experience levels. This is a fun, satisfying activity — combining paddling, teamwork, enjoying beautiful scenery and wildlife.
Each participant is required to register and consent to CRC’s liability waiver using the register button.
Bring your own canoe or kayak and personal flotation device (PFD), if you have one. If not, we have a limited number of foldable kayaks and canoe spots with paddles, and PFD's available to borrow on a first come first served basis. Please note that the max paddler height for the kayaks is 6'2" and the max paddler weight is 250 lbs.
We will launch from an access point at Lake Warner in Hadley, MA and there will be a mixture of paddling for short stretches and floating while pulling water chestnut. Instructions on invasive plant removal will be provided. There are also on-land support roles available for those who do not wish to paddle or be in a boat. Event pre-registration is required.
After the pull event, join us for cider and pizza at Carr’s Cider House.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please email kbeerman@ctriver.org or call 802-318-1390.
We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.
GENERAL INFO
Location: Hadley, MA area (Nipmuc and Pocumtuc lands)
Parking: Parking details will be sent 24 hours before the event.
Pets: While we love pets, we ask that furry friends who are not service animals stay at home for this adventure. Tell them we said hi!
Meet: June 6, 2026
Cost: This event is completely free to access! We welcome donations of any amount, which help us continue to provide these programs. We appreciate your support and your contribution!
Bring: A hat, sunscreen, water, an extra layer for chilly weather, clothes that can get wet and dirty (and a change of clothes in the car just in case), and closed-toed shoes or water shoes (no crocs or flip-flops but secured sandals are ok), and a Personal Flotation Device ( Also bring and a Personal Flotation Device (there are some available on site if you don’t have one. Optional to bring are work gloves or gardening gloves!
COVID SAFETY
Masks are not required during this event, however they are welcomed if wearing one allows you to better engage with the group. PLEASE be mindful of your own and group safety. If you or anyone in your household are not feeling well, do not participate in an event.
-
Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.