AUBURN — As the Source to Sea Trek makes its way to Merrymeeting Bay, it will make a brief layover Thursday in downtown Lewiston-Auburn. 

In partnership with the Great Falls Paddling Society, the canoe and kayak program of the Androscoggin Land Trust is offering two events to get people out on the Androscoggin River. The first will introduce youngsters to paddling, and the second invites adults to paddle a section of the river.

Beginning the morning of Aug. 5, middle school-aged youth taking part in the city of Auburn’s Summer Camp program will be given an opportunity to learn to paddle a canoe in the section of the Androscoggin River between the Lewiston Falls Dam and Deer Rips Dam. 

While the event is being coordinated by ALT and Auburn Parks and Recreation staff, it is being made possible through the generosity of Jeff Parsons, owner of Bethel Outdoor Adventure. Bethel Outdoor Adventure is donating the use of canoes and other gear for the youth as part of its support of getting youth and communities reconnected to the Androscoggin River.

“Right here, in our own backyard, is this amazing recreation resource in the Androscoggin River,” says ALT Executive Director Jonathan P. LaBonte, “if we can grow its use by starting with youth, the next generation will have a stronger sense of ownership of what this can mean to the community.”

When the business day comes to an end, Androscoggin River Watershed Council, sponsor of the 15th annual Source to Sea Trek, and ALT invite paddling enthusiasts to meet behind Festival Plaza in downtown Auburn with their boats for a Paddle After Hours event.

ALT staff and volunteers will lead a guided paddle and share the stories of how an area of the Androscoggin, once dominated by salmon runs and Native American activity, transitioned to a national powerhouse in textiles and shoes through the harnessing of the Androscoggin River and its canals.

With its continued focus on connecting the history of the landscape to land conservation and trails, ALT will soon be moving its offices to the riverfront in downtown Auburn in what has become known as the “Gritty’s Block.” In a welcoming gesture, Gritty’s will be providing complimentary appetizers after the river trip.

For those interested in paddling, but without canoes, Bethel Outdoor Adventure has offered to equip paddlers, up to 18 total, on a first come first-served basis. In lieu of a rental fee, Bethel Outdoor Adventure is asking each paddler to make a donation directly to ALT when calling to reserve, with proceeds helping the organization to advance its mission.

For those seeking more information or to request access to a canoe, calls can be made to the Androscoggin Land Trust at (207) 782-2302.  Online registrations for the Paddle After Hours are requested and can be done at http://androscogginwatershed.org/trekform.html or by calling the Androscoggin River Watershed Council at (207) 754-8158