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Dip your paddles for summer fun
Published October 30, 2009
Southern Brazoria County has numerous opportunities for paddling — from freshwater rivers, creeks and bayous to the saline waterways along the coast. A warm and sunny day this fall would be a perfect time to knock the mud dauber nests off your canoe or kayak and head to a nearby waterway for a day with nature. Getting on the water can be very relaxing and tranquil. All of us at the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory enjoy birding from the water.
Since much of Oyster Creek has just been cleaned to remove downed trees, getting through no longer is a worry. You can access the creek at Brazosport College or near the mall at the spillway. Another fun paddle is Cedar Lake Creek at the San Bernard Wildlife Refuge, where there is a nice dock. Turn on the road as if you’re going to take the Moccasin Pond auto tour, but rather than turning on to it, just keep going straight. The road will end at the boat ramp and dock. The map at www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/texasmidcoast/acrobat/snbmap.pdf shows that you can paddle either direction from the dock.
The San Bernard River offers options both above and below the Phillips dam. Above the dam, the only public access is at the bridge over the river on FM 1301. Below the dam there is a boat ramp and a dock at Hanson Riverside County Park, just west of West Columbia. Along the creek and rivers it will be easy to see large birds like herons and egrets. Most pass through woods, so keep an eye out for warblers and other colorful woodland birds. Numerous mammals come to drink so you might see deer and smaller critters like rabbits.
The Christmas Bay Paddling Trail is a marked trail that Texas Parks and Wildlife has installed on the west end of Christmas Bay. With options of paddling for 4, 10 or 19 miles, there’s an option to fit just about anyone’s wishes. Check a tide chart so you will know if you will be paddling with the tide or against it. For information, visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails/coastal/christmas_bay/.
There currently is a proposal for a paddling trail on the Brazos River. The only way I know to get down to the Brazos would be from Bryan Beach, the Highway 36 bridge at Freeport or the FM 2004 crossing. This paddle offers the chance to see lots of birds.
Texas law recognizes the public’s right to use navigable streams for canoeing, swimming and fishing. Under Texas law dating from 1837, a waterway is considered navigable (and therefore open to public use) as long as its bed averages at least 30 feet wide from its mouth up. However, when you head out for your paddling adventure, be sure not to trespass and always bring your food and drink containers and packaging back with you. See you on the water.
Carol A. Jones is the Great Texas Birding Classic tournament coordinator for the Gulf Coast Observatory.
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