Once in a Blue Moon: A Moonlight Canoe Trip on the Broad River Greenway

While roaming the region's counties to bring you the inside scoop, I discovered the Broad River Greenway in Cleveland County. There I met Kimberly Duren, its executive director, along with full time Ranger Reed Jolly.

On July 31, the Broad River Greenway will host an annual star-studded spectacular called the Moonlight Canoe Trip. This guided journey will last about 2 ∏ hours and cover more than two miles of the Broad River. This special event begins at sunset and is completed under the evening stars and second full moon of the month - called the Blue Moon. Serving as this year's river guide will be Shelby Fire Chief Roland Hamrick. Hamrick offers over 17 years of experience in white water rescue but don't worry: this river is gentle and has a class rating of +1, according to Hamrick.

Casual dress is recommended and adventurers should be prepared to get wet. After all, you will be paddling on water. The trip begins at 7:00 p.m.; call well in advance to reserve a spot because the number of canoes available for the trip is limited. The BRG will supply both a canoe and life jackets for you and your companions - only two per boat. Parking is available at the Greenway; a shuttle will be provided to take you a mile upriver where you will begin your special adventure. With the night birds chirping, the sounds of nature all around you and the full moon shining so bright and from so high above the gentle ripples of shimmering waters, this promises to again be something special that only happens once in a blue moon, Duren said. Could there be a more unique event to share with your special someone or a more meaningful way to celebrate an engagement, honeymoon or anniversary?

Free and Easy Going

Duren and Jolly were eager to share the brief history of the greenway and talk about current and future plans for the reserve. With public access to large freshwater sites increasingly rare, the greenway becomes an even more inviting place. What about swimming in the river, Duren was asked. "While we don't encourage it, we don't prohibit it either," she said. Consider the possibilities the next time you are thinking of some place new to go. The BRG is a place where you can sample the great outdoors, picnic with a friend or enjoy a good book under open or covered picnic sites.

Do you enjoy swimming and fishing? Or maybe you're just thinking of joining the Moonlight Canoe Trip. If that's not exciting enough, why not head to the BRG just to hike: there are about 12 miles of trails stretching along both sides of the river. Interested in mountain biking, tubing, or horseback riding? The BRG offers short and long trails. And yes, clean restroom facilities are available. The BRG also features trails accessible to the disabled; one of them takes you past Phifer Cabin just around the corner from an herb garden and small playground. The cabin, of German architecture, was built in 1850 and brought to the greenway from Kings Mountain. Minor renovations of the cabin have enabled it to host a variety of special programs throughout the year. "It's free recreation! My job basically consists of three things, primarily maintenance, enforcement and public relations," Ranger Jolly said. "I also have the opportunity to go out and speak to elementary schools, civic groups, clubs and organizations." Duren said the park is publicly owned and privately managed. "We want to be sure to do our part to preserve this natural environment," she said.

Here, you'll find a haven where wood ducks, wild turkeys and other night birds and songbirds dwell. There's a picture of a bald eagle soaring and feeding over the river that Jolly proudly hangs on his wall as a reminder of the area's natural wonders. Catfish, bass, bluegill and other fish thrive in the waters. You may encounter deer, fox and other less common animals.

I spotted a very nice group of large, upright, two-legged land and water creatures as they made their way from the parking lot through the woods down one of the trails and into the water to practice what they do best. Yes, the members of the Shelby, Cleveland and Mooresville fire departments use the river for Emergency Rescue Training (ERT). From the sky, in the water or on land, the BRG offers something for everyone. The BRG attracts a diverse group of people who come in great numbers to enjoy the wildlife who make it their home. Respect for the greenway, nature and those who visit will keep it a clean, safe and beautiful place to come back to time after time.

Area businesses are eager to assist visitors, whether you're interested in riding bikes, riding horses or paddling canoes on the river. You're encouraged to bring your own equipment, too. Shelby offers a variety of places for shopping and dining, as well as opportunities for browsing and relaxing.

Every weekend from April to October and every other weekend from November to March, the BRG hosts different organized events. The 7th annual celebration of the opening of the park will take place this September. Fundraisers, demonstrations by the students from Gardner Webb University, the Big Sweep for the environmentally conscious, storytellers, and special events like the Rubber Ducky Regatta all share in making the BRG a fun, informative, safe and healthy environment for all who visit or volunteer.

Look over the calendar of events and you'll find everything from spring trail rides to celebrations like Cinco de Mayo, where the festivities include music, crafts, food and fun. Then, there is always the easy to moderate nature hike along the banks of the river for those who enjoy a quieter and slower pace. All weekly events are free of charge except when equipment is required. A trip to the Broad River Greenway is most definitely worthwhile.

>From dawn to dusk and on July 31st to "moonlight" - the Broad River Greenway truly offers you a natural high. For more information, contact Kim Duren at (704) 434-2357 or Ranger Reed Jolly at (704) 434-0040 or go to www.broadrivergreenway.com.