Outdoor enthusiasts searching for a relaxing fishing or paddling location can find it on the Iroquois. Explore the rock bottom river as it winds casually through Newton County during a free paddling event Sept. 10

This is a free event but organizers are requesting participants RSVP in order to have adequate shuttle service. The link can be found here

The event is coordinated between the Northwest Indiana Paddlers, the Newton County Park Board, Friend of the Iroquois River, the Upper Iroquois Watershed Initiative and NICHES land trust.

This longer float will wind through tranquil farmland and wooded areas. Participants can expect to see swamp milkweed and swamp rose mallow, oak, hickory, walnut, cottonwood, willow and ash. We will also be on the lookout for squirrels, raccoon, chipmunks, ducks and turtles.

Free t-shirts will be available for the first 65 participants, sponsored by Hillcrest Dental. Canoes, kayaks and life jackets are available for free at this event, but you must make a reservation. This is a longer paddling trip, with the expected time on the water to run from 4-6 hours and 15 river miles; please be sure to pack your own lunch, snacks, and beverages. Paddlers will travel from the George Ade home on State Road 16 to the Newton County Fairgrounds access site North of Kentland. The access point is rough and rugged so come prepared with appropriate footwear. This trip may not be appropriate for small children due to the duration of the float.

Drop off your boats between 9 and 10 am CDT at George Ade before heading to the fairgrounds; it is an approximately 20 minute drive from George Ade to the fairgrounds.  The shuttle will only be transporting people and is tentatively set for 10:30 am. A second shuttle time may be utilized if needed.

Reservation can be made online via the following link on the  Newton County Park Board Facebook Page or by calling the Jasper County SWCD office at 219-866-8008 x3. RSVP by September 5 for a boat and/or shuttle service.

The Upper Iroquois Watershed Initiative is dedicated to connecting people for watershed improvement to ensure an ecological and economically healthy Iroquois River watershed for today and generations to come.