History of the St. George River Presentation – Next Day Paddle with the Tide

As part of its ongoing Walks & Talks series to connect people with the land and river, Georges River Land Trust is sponsoring a slide show presentation by local historian, Renny Stackpole. Stackpole will talk about early shipbuilding in the Warren area and other topics related to the activities along the St. George River, specifically along the Thomaston to Warren stretch. This is the first in a three year series of river history presentations designed to illuminate the connections between the area’s cultural history and the landscapes along the full length of the St. George River.  Stackpole is the former director of the Penobscot Marine Museum and serves as an honorary trustee of the Henry Knox Museum. The talk will take place on Friday, July 20 at 6:30 pm. at the Sail, Power & Steam Museum, 75 Mechanic Street, Rockland.

Join the Land Trust for a paddle the following day to explore the beautiful tidal reach of the St. George River between Thomaston and Warren on Saturday, July 21. This stretch of the St. George River is surprisingly undeveloped and bordered by dense woods and marsh lands.Wildlife is plentiful along this section of the river, and sightings of seals, water birds, and birds of prey are typical. Bald eagles and ospreys find good feeding in these rich waters, and eagles nest in the tall pines along the river. At places on the bank, paddlers can catch a glimpse of the right of way for the old trolley line that ran from Rockland to Union. Boaters will pass two of the Land Trust’s conserved properties, a farm on Route 1 and the Oyster River Winegrowers on Route 131.

This trip, led by Georges River Land Trust volunteer Dick Matlack, is suitable for canoes and kayaks. Boaters should bring their boat, personal flotation device, and snack or lunch to the Thomaston Town Landing on Water Street at 9:00 am for a 9:30 am launch in order to take advantage of the incoming tide. From head of tide in Warren, paddlers will return to Thomaston on the outgoing tide. Families are encouraged to participate. A shorter paddle will be planned for those who prefer not to paddle all the way to Warren. Reservations for paddle requested - call GRLT office at 594-5166.

The extraordinary beauty of the river and its value as wildlife habitat is crucial to the mission of the the Georges River Land Trust, celebrating it’s 25th anniversary. Many other GRLT sponsored activities are listed on their webpage, www.grlt.org. For the latest on GRLT activities, visit them on FaceBook or call 594-5166.

Please add to your list of upcoming events:

Calender listing: Join GRLT for talk and a river paddle the following day. “History of the St. George River,” slide presentation by local historian, Renny Stackpole. Friday, July 20, 6:30 pm. at the Sail,Power & Steam Museum, 75 Mechanic Street, Rockland. Next day river paddle from Thomaston to Warren and return, Saturday, July 21, 9:30 am-1 pm. The Georges River Land Trust will lead a paddle up the St. George River, launching from the Thomaston Town Landing at 9:30 a.m., to Warren and back on the outgoing tide. Bring canoe or kayak, personal flotation device, and a snack or lunch. Families welcome. Reservations for paddle call 594-5166.