"We believe in paddling children and adults"
The East Texas River Runners Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation and education, organized and conducted the Neches River Wilderness Canoe Race, a fund raiser for students in need at Trinity Valley Community College, which takes place every year on the first weekend in August on the Neches River near Palestine, Tx. The club is currently transitioning the direction of the race to a new group of individuals which will carry it on into the future, the Neches River Runners. Much of the core group of the old East Texas group will make up the Neches River Runners but will hand leadership to a newer group of officers. Those are Kim Zemer - President, Brad Chaffins - Vice President, Josey Chaffns - Secretary-Treasurer.
In addition to the Neches canoe race fund raiser former Secretary Candice Dillon organized Canoe and Kayak Clinics in the Palestine area which provided instruction in conservation, safety, and basic canoeing and kayaking. These events solicited and encouraged participation from all age groups and were particularly popular among families and the young..." the family that plays together stays together". Along with class instruction we provided food and refreshments and lots of comraderie for participants. We were lucky to have club members Lisa and John Walling, who are certified canoe and kayak instructors, to help us with these events. Lisa and John, who operate Mack Creek Outfitters, also provided canoes and kayaks free for clinic participants.
Working with Texas Parks and Wildlife, in an effort to keep the Big Slough Paddling Trail alive in the Davy Crockett National Forest, East Texas River Runners completed a project of trail marking and clean up of this remote and unique paddling trail. The project was initiated by Noel Kirkwood and completed by club members and volunteers over several days.
John Walling of ETRR and Mack Creek Outfitters gives Kayaking basics at Palestine's Waterworks Lake
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Lisa Walling on Safety
Refreshments all around
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CONSERVATION
Neches Wilderness Canoe Race
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Candice Dillon
THE EAST TEXAS RIVER RUNNERS
