Thursday, March 28, 2024

Guided canoe tours offered during Cache River Days

Don’t miss the 20th Annual Cache River Days in Ullin. The event will take place September 6-7, 2014.

The weekend event includes food, music, exhibits and a variety of family activities including guided canoe tours through the Cache River Wetlands.

The half-million acre Cache River Watershed, with its forested hills and ancient cypress swamps, looks more like the far South than Illinois.

The wetlands support cypress trees that range from 500 to more than 1,000 years old, some of the oldest living things east of the Mississippi River.  It shelters over 100 Illinois state threatened and endangered species, including river otters, bobcats, and little blue herons; and it has been designated a Wetland of International Importance, putting it is the same ecological league as Okefenokee Swamp and the Everglades.

Cache River Days provides opportunities for visitors to experience the Cache River Wetlands through guided canoe tours that are scheduled throughout Saturday, Sept. 6. Participants will get a close-up view of ancient bald cypress trees while experiencing the sights and sounds of one of the largest remaining wetland resources in Illinois.

This unique area harbors 250 species, from birds and river otters to turtles and frogs, providing great opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Because the Cache River meanders slowly through the swamp, it provides an enjoyable trip for both the beginning and experienced canoeist.

There is no charge for guided tours, however, space is limited; individuals may call Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge at (618-634-2231) to reserve a space.

Canoe tours will depart from the Lower Cache River Access at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. The access is located off the Perks Road east of the town of Perks.

For more information, please contact the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge at (618) 634-2231.