Enjoy a Staycation in the Ipswich River Watershed

There are so many places to explore in the Ipswich River watershed and something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you walk, bike or ride a horse there are a wealth of trails to explore. Try checking out a new spot this month! Are you a regular of Harold Parker? Head down river to wander beneath the trees and along the river at Bradley Palmer. Have you rambled all over the Boxford State Forest? Try a change of scenery along the Peabody Greenway. 

Joel Hariton, member, volunteer and Topsfield Stream Teamer, likes the peace that comes with getting out on the river.  “I had my annual reunion with a set of college friends over the weekend.  When it is my turn to host, we enjoy a canoe outing and then a barbeque at my house.  Folks get together from 5 states. 

Two years ago we paddled from Riverbend to the Ipswich dam. This year we paddled from the Ipswich River Audubon Sanctuary landing upstream to Rte. 97 and back.  So beautiful,” Joel says. “Folks were so mellowed out during and afterwards. For most of the time we could have been in another time period with all the abundant wildlife and minimal signs of today’s hectic world. When you focus on steering a canoe or kayak, other cares melt away.”

Keith, our current spotlighted volunteer and canoeist extraordinaire says,“ I love the stretch from Riverbend to the dam and back for a quick break to just zen out.  It’s a simple drop your boat (or, for members, pull one of the rack) in at the dock at Riverbend, float down to the Ipswich Dam in the center of town, and paddle back.  Depending on time of day, I get quiet wilderness mixed with urban trains, the occasional sculpture and maybe a beaver (or two). Simple, easy, relaxing, easily accessible – doesn’t get much better for a quick break.”

You can read more accounts of exploring our watershed in these blogs:

Read about our Outreach Manager tubing on the river
Volunteer Lauren Fitzgerald shares her favorite staycation
You Otter Know: Biking the Ipswich River Watershed
The Ipswich River Rope Swing , a favorite river feature
North Shore Community Gardens are a great spot for birding.
Get inspired by a patriotic appreciation of open spaces. 
Perhaps an estuary paddle is in your future?
Looking for a wildlife encounter? The Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to start. 

Along with a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor recreation, there’s lots of local culture, history and food to enjoy. Trails and Sails is coming soon, you can browse the events being offered by local organizations online or swing by Riverbend to pick up a printed guide.  

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