April 4, 2009
Time: 10am to 2pm

Program: canoe trip
Host: Tamara Smith

Location: ANCIENT BALD CYPRESS-WATERTUPELO STAND Southampton Virginia.

Contact: Questions, email tamsmith47@gmail.com.

Join canoe outfitter/botanist Garrie Rouse and champion tree hunter Byron Carmean on a canoe excursion to explore one of the oldest, remnant virgin forest stands in Virginia.
During this 2-3 hour trip, (10 am until 2 pm, approximately) participants will have the opportunity to experience up close this exceptional, old-growth, Bald Cypress/Water Tupelo swamp forest discovered along the Nottoway River in Southeast Virginia. Through the efforts of Byron Carmean and the Virginia Division of Natural Heritage, 6 new State and National "champs" have been documented and the largest known tree in Virginia (a Bald Cypress titled "Big Mama") resides here.
Sampling indicates that, on average, each acre of this ancient swamp contains over 20 trees with diameters greater than 5 feet. Some of the larger Bald Cypress have diameters of between 10-12 feet and are estimated to be well over 1000 years old. This excursion will require moderately strenuous paddling, not suited for a beginning paddler.
Please keep in mind that if water or weather conditions are unfavorable another venue may be chosen as substitute. The fee to be part of this extraordinary adventure is $30 per person (FOJG member), $35 non member, payable to”Sierra Club” and mailed to Tamara Smith at 5314 Dorchester Road, Richmond VA 23225. Fee includes use of canoe, paddles, flotation devices. You will be required to sign a waiver before embarking into the swamp.

Directions will be provided upon reservation, carpooling from Richmond can be arranged. Your reservation will be acknowledged by email, so please include it with your check.