The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge partnered with the City of Chesapeake, Va.; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and the North Carolina Department of Transportation to conduct a canoe and kayak tour of the Dismal Swamp Canal on May 1. The primary purpose of the event was to highlight the natural resources of the Great Dismal Swamp and the potential to promote nature-based tourism along the Dismal Swamp Canal.

Over 150 people traveled the canal in canoes and kayaks to launch the event, called Paddle for the Border. The canal, a part of the Atlantic Intra-coastal Waterway, forms the eastern boundary of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and is operated by the Corps of Engineers. The inaugural event was originally scheduled for September 20, but Hurricane Isabel devastated the area on September 18, forcing the postponement.

Several dignitaries were among the participants. U.S. Rep. Randy Forbes, Virginia Delegate John Cosgrove, State Senator Harry Blevins, Chesapeake City Councilwoman Debbie Ritter and Chesapeake Mayor William Ward attended the trek along the refuge. Representatives for U.S. Rep. Walter Jones and Sen. Elizabeth Dole were also among the participants.

Paddle for the Border proved to be so popular that registration had to be closed days before the event.

Participants were provided shuttle service between the launching point on Route 17 and the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center. A hot dog lunch was provided at the conclusion of the trek, and all registrants were provided a commemorative T-shirt.

NORTHEAST REGION, U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE -- Conserving the Nature of the Northeast