By Deb Patterson, Staff Writer

SYRACUSE — For more than 20 years, experienced Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation guides have been leading canoe trips through the 10 lakes that feed water into Lake Wawasee. The annual WACF canoe trips are great family fun and will begin Friday, June 21, and continue every Friday through Aug. 16.

The trips are from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

Enjoy a leisurely paddle while the guide explains the importance of the wetlands to clear, clean water. It is surprising a canoe trip can change how a person looks at the lakes in the watershed. But WACF volunteers Dan Berkey, Al Campbell, Doug Yoder, John Bearss and Jerid Stoffel can help people see a side of the water and lakes they could not see otherwise. By being on the lakes of the watershed people can see water from a completely different perspective.

It is first class wetlands education. While canoeing see the spring fed lakes and wetlands that help provide good water. See varying flora and fauna and miles of shoreline protected by WACF. Each trip is different.

The trips are open to anyone interested in learning more about the watershed, but pre-registration is required and they fill up early.

Campbell coordinates the scheduling, done primarily by email (preferred method). Campbell’s email is aldotcam@gmail.comor email WACF Executive Director Heather Harwood at info@wacf.com. If a person needs to speak to someone, Campbell’s cellphone number is (513) 543-6997, or Harwood may be reached at (574) 457-4549. Trip leader Berkey is also available at (303) 913-2921.

There is a cost of $5 per person to cover equipment costs. This is cheap entertainment for sure – but an education that won’t be forgotten. Bring your own life jacket and wear it.

In addition to the WACF canoes, some people bring their own kayaks/canoes.