Canoeing the Rio Grande
Rio Grande National Park
This spring break, a group from Highland will travel to Big Bend National
Park in Texas to canoe the Rio Grande River and explore desert ecology.
The trip is open to any student in grades 9-12 regardless of canoeing or
camping experience. The program includes instruction in canoeing and wilderness
travel skills, as well as, minimum impact camping techniques.
The Rio Grande is one of the longest rivers in the United States, arising
from it's headwaters in the snow laden peaks of southwestern Colorado, it
flows 1800 miles to the mouth. Big Bend lies adjacent to Mexico and contains
1100 square miles of the Chihuahuan Desert country. A composite of rugged
mesas; limestone canyons that are 2000 feet deep; mountains nearly 8000
feet in elevation; and broad desert flats covered with cactus, creates the
extraordinary beauty that is Big Bend. Our route will take us through the
middle canyons of the Rio Grande including Mariscal, San Vicente and Boquillas.
This remarkable river trip is contained in Big Bend National Park, Texas,
and is protected by the Wild and Scenic River Act of 1968. It is some of
the most pristine wilderness in America. Adjustments may be made in the
itinerary if river conditions warrant.
The expedition will depart for Texas on March 14 and will return to Warrenton
on March 22. The first day in the park will be devoted to exploring the
desert and mountain ecosystems and preparing supplies for the river trip.
The six-day river section will provide the opportunity for instruction in
whitewater canoeing, as well as, cooking and wilderness travel skills. We
camp along the river and carry all of our food, water, and equipment with
us in our canoes.
The expedition will be lead by Hank Berg, who holds a Masters
Degree in Arid Land Studies from Texas Tech University and has run 15 trips
on the Rio Grande and Peter Dunigan, a professional whitewater
guide with a biology degree from Colorado College. Lynda Hoag,
technology coordinator, and Megan Catalfamo, Director of
Experiential and Service Learning, will also be trip leaders.
Trip departs: March 14, 2008
Returns: March 22, 2008
Cost: $1300 – does not include airfare (@500)
