See One of Nature’s Rarest Native Plants
on a Raft Trip on the Middle Ocoee River
Sunday, September 8, 2024
2:00 p.m. EDT
Paddle Trip on the Middle Ocoee River (TN)
Wild Ones members and any others who appreciate viewing native plants combined with a rapids adventure along the imperiled Ocoee riverscour ecosystem are welcome to join.
Join Lisa Lemza, past President of Tennessee Valley Wild Ones, expert paddlers Mike Shillinger and Emily Smoot, and many others for a memorable guided raft trip on the Middle Ocoee River to see Ruth’s Golden Aster (Pityopsis ruthii), one of the world’s rarest native plants.
Ruth’s Golden Aster, which grows on just a few boulders in the Middle Ocoee and Hiwassee Gorge, with several in the middle of the river, can only be seen from the water. It will be in bloom at this time. Other floral associates include smallhead blazing star (Liatris microcephala), slender false foxglove (Agalinis tenuifolia), cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), other Lobelia species, Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica), highland doghobble (Leucothoe fontanesiana), swamp doghobble (Eubotrys racemosa), false indigo bush (Amorpha fruticosa), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), and a rare undescribed goldenrod (Solidago sp. nov.). Updated research article on status of Ruth’s golden aster
Any reasonably fit person can do this trip! If you can do moderately heavy gardening, you can do the trip. Paddling–briefly and at times hard– is required, but only occasionally throughout the 2-3 hour river trip. You are NOT paddling the entire trip. You will combine paddling and sitting and just taking it in. You may be called to ‘get down’ quickly on several rapids. If knees are an issue, you can be seated with the guide in the back. You will wear a TYPE 5 life vest and a helmet (provided). Rain suits are also available.
TRIP WILL GO RAIN OR SHINE.
In Lisa’s opinion, the river is more beautiful in the rain.
The Adventure Unlimited’s regularly scheduled 2:00 p.m. Middle River trip will be specifically tailored to accommodate the up-close viewing of the Ruth’s Golden Aster, an extremely rare plant species that is native to the Ocoee River basin. Participants will take a professionally-guided river trip down the Middle Ocoee river where they will get to view and photograph the Ruth’s Golden Aster plants up close from several spots along the river. The Ruth’s Golden Aster grows mainly in rock outcroppings in the riverbed and is only visible from a boat.
River trips typically last approximately 2-3 hours. Lodging, Camping, Food, and Live Music are available at the outpost later that evening to add to your experience.
Register online
Select # of people and enter Promo Code: PROTECT
Price: $54.04/person, almost 25% off the regular middle river trip price.
Price includes taxes, state management river fee and credit card processing fee.
Optional reservation insurance is available.
Add “Golden Aster Paddle” in the comments section.
Or call Adventures Unlimited
423-338-4325
Disclaimer:
Please be advised that this event is not covered under the insurance policy held by Wild Ones — Natural Landscapers, Ltd. Adventures Unlimited is wholly responsible for the safety of all event participants and liable for any insurance claims. As a participant, you are responsible for addressing your own insurance needs relative to this event. By attending this event, you acknowledge and accept that Wild Ones — Natural Landscapers, Ltd. is not liable for any risks, liabilities, or injuries that may occur, and you agree to hold Wild Ones — Natural Landscapers, Ltd. harmless from any claims or demands.