Kayak Tour to Historic Cockenoe Island, Sept. 13

On September 13, from 10:30AM to 1pm, the Westport Historical Society will conduct its 5th annual kayak tour to Cockenoe Island, a 28-acre island one mile off the coast of Westport. The tour will be led by David Park, board member of the Norwalk River Watershed Association and author of the guidebook "Kayaking in and around the Norwalk Islands."

Cockenoe Island is open to the public thanks to the hundreds of Westport residents and town officials who fought against the proposed construction of a nuclear power plant back in 1967. The plan was brought forward by the United Illuminating Company who had purchased the island a year earlier from the Smith family, the owners of the island at the time. After the plan was defeated, the town of Westport purchased the island as open space and it is now enjoyed by all types of recreational users and nature enthusiasts. The acquisition was heralded as a significant conservation victory for the nation by Life Magazine.

The tour group will land on the island for a stroll and hear about how the Saugatuck River watershed effects the water quality of Long Island Sound and wildlife of the Norwalk Islands. Cockenoe Island is of particular interest because of the current conservation efforts and successful nesting colonies of egrets, herons and terns.

Intermediate level kayak ability is required. Copies of "Kayaking in and around the Norwalk Islands" are available for $10 at WHS.

Meet at Longshore Sailing School, Longshore Park, Westport. Kayak rentals are paid directly to Longshore and may be reserved by calling 203-226-4646. The guided tour fee is $15 for non members, $13 for members, and reservations may be made by calling WHS at 203-222-1424. Rain date is Sunday, September 14 at 10:30 am.