One of the most enjoyable programs the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association offers is its Summer Paddle Program. It gives you the opportunity to take a two-hour cruise around Hanover Pond, Harbor Brook or the Quinnipiac River in Meriden, just steps away from the QRWA’s headquarters located at 540 Oregon Road.

This program is in cooperation with the City of Meriden’s Community Development Block Grant program and enables people to explore the Quinnipiac River with an experienced guide. Executive Director Mary Mushinsky has led these summer paddles for 10 years now along with interns who are high school students from the local area.

After a short lecture on safety and how to paddle, life vests are strapped on and the adventure begins. And what an adventure it is. Hanover Pond has quite a variety of wildlife from birds like great blue herons to a pair of bald eagles to mammals like muskrats and even a mink.

In addition to the beginner-friendly calm water trips, there are two scheduled five-mile trips for those who want to experience a bit more of the Quinnipiac River. The course is the same one used for the QRWA’s annual canoe and kayak race held in May. It starts in Southington at the parking lot off the Meriden Waterbury Turnpike near the drive-in movie theater and ends at the QRWA building, just past the historic Red Bridge.

Remaining dates for August are: Saturday, Aug. 7, 9 to 11 a.m., morning paddle; Saturday, Aug. 14, 1 to 5 p.m., river trip, five miles; and Sunday, Aug. 22, 1 to 5 p.m., river trip, five miles

No reservations are needed for the beginner paddles, but call (203) 237-2237 if paddlers have special needs. However, reservations are required for both of the five-mile river trips. Visit the Web site for more information www.qrwa.org.