CRISFIELD — Janes Island State Park will host Paddlefest on June 6-7, providing opportunities to explore more than 30 miles of water trails through 2,900 acres of salt marsh.
The event includes nine scheduled paddles and activities for non-paddlers. Paddles are open to children accompanied by an adult. A full schedule is available on the Department of Natural Resources website.
Admission is free. Food and concessions will be available for purchase. Participants should bring their own kayak or paddleboard or rent equipment from the park store on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance registration is encouraged. Camping is available at the park, with reservations recommended through parkreservations.maryland.gov or by calling 1-888-432-2267.
The Janes Island Challenge Paddle begins at 8 a.m. Saturday. This 13-mile circumnavigation of the island includes sections on the open waters of Tangier Sound. Participants who complete the paddle receive a challenge coin.
Other Saturday paddles include the Wetland Wings Birding Paddle, the Reel Therapy Fishing Paddle and the Seining the Sound Paddle. The Still Life on Water Art Paddle offers plein air painting from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The day concludes with the Sunset Serenity Paddle or s’mores by the fire.
Non-paddlers can join pontoon boat tours throughout the day. Children can participate in crafts, hands-on learning and games at the Nature Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. A yoga session is scheduled on land at 8:15 a.m. Saturday. Acoustic rock and pop music by Valerie Lankford and Medium Wave Joy will play from 3 to 5 p.m. S’mores will be served at 7 p.m.
Sunday features three morning paddles: the Focus on Feather Birding Paddle at 7 a.m., the Floating Zen SUP/Paddleboard Yoga event at 8 a.m. and the Cast and Kayak Paddle at 10 a.m. Pontoon tours and kids crafts are not offered Sunday.
Janes Island State Park is located in Somerset County near Crisfield. The salt marshes support diverse wildlife and form part of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Visitors are advised to prepare for insects common in marsh environments, including biting flies, ticks and mosquitoes. Recommendations include wearing bug spray or using citronella, using nets and choosing light-colored clothing.
Those unable to attend can paddle at other Maryland state parks with rentals available, including Pocomoke River, Herrington Manor, Seneca Creek and Martinak.
