On June 1, 4-H youth kayakers paddled about 3.5 miles through diverse Chenango River waters from the DEC boat launch on Route 32B to the wastewater treatment plant in Oxford. (Photo by Alexis Woodcock)

OXFORD — On June 1, 4-H youth kayakers paddled about 3.5 miles through diverse Chenango River waters from the DEC boat launch on Route 32B to the wastewater treatment plant in Oxford.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Chenango County 4-H Educator Erica Clark and Grow Cook Serve Program Coordinator Alexis Woodcock led the trip and have both paddled the Chenango River before, but Clark said they had not done this section in a few years.

“We always do a pre-paddle to check for hazards, like downed trees etc.,” she said.

“Alexis and I saw many mergansers with babies, wood ducks, and a heron, possibly a tri-colored,” she added. “We also saw a few baby mink, that was a first for me.”

Clark said on the day of the trip, the river was a mix of calm water and quite a few riffles, which are small rapids. The diversity allowed the eight 4-H participants to practice their paddling skills, while navigating around downed trees and rocks.

“A few of the kids said they really enjoyed going through the faster water,” said Clark.