Kayak with Shedd Aquarium to Come Closer to Celebrity Animals and See the Second City’s Second Shoreline

Shedd Aquarium’sKayak for Conservation program kicks off for the summer this week, giving participants a chance to paddle the Chicago River with a guided tour by a nature expert. From June 6 to September 27, each weekend is an opportunity to paddle by floating wetlands, see the skyline, enjoy exercise and come closer to nature. Perhaps even get a glimpse at internet-famous animals like ‘Chonkosaurus’ the snapping turtle or ‘Ida Beav Wells’ the beaver along the way, but certainly spot wading birds, blooming plants and sun-basking turtles. As kayakers recreate on the river, guides share about innovative efforts to revitalize, research and restore the critical freshwater ecosystem.

“Chicagoans have created celebrities out of ordinary wildlife that call the river home, celebrating how beavers and snapping turtles have returned and searching to spot them, and the ongoing work by the aquarium and partners to restore the river is part of the reason for biodiversity booming here,” said Maggie Cooper, manager of conservation action at Shedd Aquarium. “Now, there’s an opportunity to get closer to those a-list aquatic animals in their native habitats and support the ongoing efforts to research and restore the river with our summer kayak program.”

The paddle program is offered for beginner to advanced kayakers, with two program offerings. There is also a private group tour available. Signing up supports Shedd’s ongoing efforts for the river and aquatic life near and far.

River Discovery Tour: Beginner
The perfect introductory paddling experience focuses on the past, present and future of the Chicago River’s ecology. Participants explore the importance of the Chicago River, especially as wildlife habitat by helping Shedd guides monitor turtles, waterfowl, and fish and learn how to maintain this freshwater ecosystem. Optional litter cleanup.

• Dates: Every Friday and Saturday
• Length: 30 minutes on-land introduction and 1.5 hours paddling (Total of 2 hours)
• Distance: Up to 1.5 miles
• Price: $65 for general admission, $52 for Shedd members
• Ages: Must be at least 12 years old (anyone ages 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult)
• Private Group: $415 groups up to 8 or $775 groups of 9-15 (anyone ages 6-12 can kayak in tandem with adult, 6-17 must be accompanied by an adult)

River Exploration Tour: Intermediate
Learn about plans to develop the Chicago River as a blue-green corridor of accessible, public space that benefits people and wildlife with a tour around the entirety of Goose Island. Walk away with a deepened understanding of the river’s ecology and how to be an advocate for its revival. The tour also includes fish monitoring and optional litter cleanup. While this paddle is not strenuous, the distance may be difficult for beginner paddlers.

• Dates: Every other Saturday
• Length: 30 minutes on-land introduction and 2.5 hours paddling (Total of 3 hours)
  Distance: Up to 3 miles
  Price: $65 for general admission, $52 for Shedd members
  Ages: Must be at least 14 years old (anyone ages 14-17 must be accompanied by an adult)

To learn more about the program and sign up to participate, please visit the aquarium’s website: sheddaquarium.org/kayak.

BACKGROUND: Kayak for Conservation is made possible through a partnership with Kayak Chicago. Additionally, Shedd Aquarium has supported fundraising efforts to contribute to Urban Rivers’ efforts to install floating wetlands as part of the “Wild Mile” project — the first mile-long floating eco-park on the Chicago River. The paddle program provides an up-close connection to this new habitat and deeper appreciation of how it is benefiting native wildlife and the local ecosystem.

VISUALS: Find high-resolution photos here: https://personal.filesanywhere.com/guest/fs?v=8e70668b5e6271bbaea1&C=50.
Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium