What we’re about
We are a group of people who enjoy celebrating the natural environment of the Earth.
Meetings: We would like to start by having meet-ups at meetings and events of various local environmental organizations. Many of us have taken Master Naturalist training and we actively support organizations such as Houston Audubon, the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, the Katy Prairie Conservancy, Armand Bayou Nature Center, etc.
You may like this group, if you would like to learn more about our natural environment, sustainability and healthy, green living.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- $$ Fluvial Geomorphology Field Trip: W Fork of San Jacinto River {Kayak & Canoe}Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area, Huntsville, TX
Join us for this easy & beautiful fluvial geomorphology filed trip, paddling on the West Fork of San Jacinto River near Stubblefield Lake.
$199 + tax per person
LOCATAION SIGNIFICANCE
Lake Stubblefield is the northern part of Conroe Lake and is the transition stage between the West Fork of San Jacinto River and the Lake of Conroe. This is an easy paddling ecotour about 4-5 miles long to explore the calm waters of this quiet, green, and beautiful environment, part of the Sam Houston National Forest.
As we paddle along, we will observe natural features specific to deltas. We will discuss about sedimentary processes associated with streams, lakes, floods, wetlands, and the anthropologic impact on the environment, while enjoying many kinds of flowers and wildlife, including birds such as egrets, herons, owls, hawks, and water lilies.
In 1966, the upstream part of West Fork of San Jacinto River (WFSJR) was blocked by an earth dam to form Lake Conroe, as an alternate drinking water reserve for Metropolitan Houston. Conroe Dam is 2 miles long and has 5 gates of 40 ft. wide each. The dam was completed in 3 years and cost $84 million to build.
WFSJR is the main water-sediment supply that feeds into Lake Conroe. Lake Conroe was filled with water in 10 months. Lake Conroe facts: 26 miles long; 6 miles wide at its widest point; 20 ft. average depth; 75 ft. deep in the river channel; 160 miles of shoreline, with normal pool at 201 ft. above main sea level. Lake Conroe water quality is good, water from dam flows across Montgomery County into Lake Houston.
Despite being relatively close to a major metropolitan area, exploring WFSJR by kayak is a unique experience for most people: you will be amazed by its natural beauty and it's a cool learning experience!
LOGISTICS & COSTS
$199 per person (includes premium paddling equipment rental and guiding services).
There are no kayak rentals available at Lake Stubblefield. Kayaks will be delivered by order from Houston, TX.
Registration includes professional guiding services and delivery and rental of a premium quality kayak and canoe equipment, including touring kayak and canoe, lightweight paddle, adjustable lifejacket, bilge pump, paddle float, dry bag, and use of group gear (tow rope, VHS radio, first aid kit).
Family & Friends are welcome to attend.
Minimum 5 participants for trip to go.= = =
CALL 832-686-3231 TO REGSITER!
= = =Undecided? Would like to learn more? Check out our photo album:
Fluvial Geomorphology Photo Album Click HERE!
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WHAT TO BRING?
Bring half a gallon drinking water and a snack. Bring a towel and a complete set of clothing to change into at the end, should that be necessary.
Bring a large brim hat, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and dress in synthetic comfortable outdoor clothing that dries-up quickly. No blue jeans, no cotton shirts. No rainboots, crocs or flipflops. Bring water shoes or old snickers; your feet will get wet. Wear long pants and long sleeves to avoid sun burn and insects.
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HOW TO SIGN UP?
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Constantin
Call/Text: 832-686-3231Geology Professor, Certified ACA L-3 Kayak & Canoe Instructor and Trip Leader, NOLS Wilderness First Aid
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Experienced trip leader. Local expertise. Relaxed pace. Awesome destination. Eye opening experience. Safe adventure. Family & beginners friendly. Premium quality kayaking equipment. Affordable!
Have in mind a different drill, date, or destination? Want to hire us for a corporate team building or family event? Let’s get in touch!
Born to Paddle!
- $$ Texas Colorado River: Columbus Loop | Guided Kayak & Canoe Geo - Eco - TourBeason's Crossing Park, Columbus, TX
$199 per adult | 5 hours stream geomorphology guided kayak field trip on Texas Colorado River around historical town of Columbus, TX | Small group size: minimum 4 | Includes geologic field trip lecture with geology professor, sharing historical facts, use of high-end touring kayaking equipment, certified instruction and pictures.
Duration: 5-7 hours
Paddling Time: 3-4 hours
Paddling Distance: 7 miles
Requires 30 minutes shuttleTHIS TOUR CAN BE RE-SCHEDULED AT A DATE CONVINIENT TO YOU.
PRIVATE EVENT, PREPAID REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
WE TAKE APPOINTMENTS.TOUR SIGNIFICANCE: On this stretch of the Texas Colorado River, we will see a mix of gently-sloping to steep sandy banks, flat flood plains, and tree-lined ridges with mature trees. We will take a couple of stops on gravel bars to look at riverbanks morphology, channel shape and dimensions, analyze bedrock and geomorphologic features associated with stream and floods.
More than 850 miles long, the Texas Colorado River is the longest river to start and end in the same state and is the lifeblood of our state’s economy, our environment, our industry, our agriculture, and especially our lives as Texans.
In addition to kayaking and geology, we will discuss Texas history. Our river float will end at a place where the Texas Army under the leadership of General Sam Houston and the Mexican Army under the leadership of General Santa Ana crossed the Colorado River before their clash at San Jacinto.
This eco-tour is ideal for families with kids and for beginner paddlers that want to take their skills up a notch and experience a grander setting.
Awesome trip for those that enjoy history, geology, nature, serenity and adventures.
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Outstanding geology & history learning opportunity. Experienced trip leader. Awesome destination.
Equipment: We use professional grade kayaks designed for touring. They have sit-inside cockpit seat, with long and narrow hull. We do not use sit-on-top kayaks.
Requirements: Good balance skills and reasonable fitness level is advisable. Our sit-inside cockpit touring kayaks can accommodate paddlers only up to 250 lbs. or less. Best for outdoor enthusiasts without motion or sea sickness, comfortable with vigorous exercise. No previous paddling or swimming experience required - instruction provided!
Itinerary tailored to guests' desire, fitness level, group dynamics, weather conditions, etc.
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Sign up early!!
A RSVP “Yes” on Meetup merely states your interest.
Seats fill up quickly - the tour is cross posted on several platforms.***TO SIGN UP & CONFIRM LOGISTICS CALL 832-686-3231 ***
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GEAR PROVIDED WITH REGISTRATION:
Single seat OR tandem touring kayak
Lightweight paddle
Adjustable life jacket
Small size dry bag for car keys, wallet, phone
Group first aid kit, safety and recue kit (bilge pump, paddle float, tow rope, lights, VHF radio, etc)= = =
WHAT TO BRING/HOW TO DRESS:
Bring 2 water bottles and pack a snack to take with you in the kayak. Bring with you a towel and a set of dry clothing to change at the end for a comfortable ride home.
Dress only with synthetic clothing. Wear outdoor, fast drying, non-cotton/synthetic clothing like hiking pants and shirts. Long sleeve shirts and long pants prevent sunburn and insect bites.
Bring water shoes/closed toed sandals; old sneakers work great. No crocs, no flip-flops, no rain boots. Wear paddling gloves or cycling/ workout gloves to prevent blisters and sunburn on hands.
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UNDECIDED? Check out our photo album:
2019-2023 Texas Colorado River Columbus Loop
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CREDENTIALS: This tour is organized by Constantin Platon, an experienced outdoor educator, geology professor, and happy camper with 25+ years of experience, and the following certifications:
ACA Trip Leader & Eskimo Roll Endorsements
ACA Level-3 Coastal/Sea Kayak Instructor
ACA Level-3 River/Whitewater Kayak Instructor
ACA Level-3 River Canoe Instructor (Solo & Tandem)
Sierra International Wilderness First Aid
NOLS Wilderness First Aid= = =
PLEASE REPLY WITH YOUR PHONE NUMBER!
I am excited to share with you from my expertise, and I look forward to paddling together!
Constantin
[Call/Text: 832-686-3231]LET'S GET SOCIAL!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1022107514968636
Do you have in mind a Different Drill, Date or Destination?
We also run team building events, birthday parties, church functions, historical and geological field trips and eco tours; overnight camping excursions down the river and weekend long adventures at sea along the Gulf Coast; and advanced paddling skills courses.
Born to Paddle!
