Summer on the River: Riding the Heat Wave with Paddle in Hand

With the approach of August and another school year, we are winding down our summer youth-focused programs and preparing to enjoy the beautiful fall weather later this year. The extreme heat of 2025 has forced the cancellation of all the camp-related paddling activities that we normally support. This fact is particularly disappointing after 2024 had been such an active summer with a record number of events.  

We did have the opportunity to host a new event at Epping Way Lake focused on young adults. Incoming students from the University of Memphis Camp 901 were able to participate in both conservation service work and a paddling experience for the inaugural Camp 901 program.  Along with Sun Studio, the Memphis Zoo, the STAX Museum, Soulsville, and the National Civil Rights Museum, the Wolf River Conservancy was selected by Camp 901 as a special Memphis experience for new students. Some of the students were already interested in conservation; for others, this was a brand new exposure to the outdoors and to the conservation ethic. We hope that many seeds were planted in very young and fertile ground.  

Our First Saturday Paddles continue to attract larger than expected groups of individuals including many first-time adventurers on the Wolf River. The Conservancy is always pleased to welcome members and visitors onto the water to offer them an opportunity to experience the lovely gift that is so close to their daily lives. It is always a pleasure to help them to slow down and take in the relaxing rhythms of the river.  

In spite of the often challenging weather conditions, we were able to successfully host our annual Mother’s Day Paddle in May and one of our scheduled Family Fun paddles, both which were well-attended. This was our ninth Mother’s Day paddle in as many years, and I would like to recognize the Northcutt family, who have honored us with their presence for each one of those 9 years!  It has been such a joy to welcome Courtney, Jason, Alex, and Miles to every Mother’s Day Paddle event, and to watch the twins, Alex and Miles, grow up.  

Besides welcoming paddlers, our River Guides have completed several exploration trips on the Wolf River, and several more focused on removing trash and other obstacles from the channel – all with the intention to enhance your experience.  

Come on out and enjoy “our river” at any opportunity that you can. You will simply be amazed at this shared treasure.