WESTFIELD-Phil Sousa remembers the pollution that choked the Westfield River when he was growing up off Meadow Street in the 1940’s and 50’s.
“The colors of dye from the old paper mills and the sewage flowing into the river bothered me greatly as a child,” said Sousa on Tuesday afternoon. Under the sweltering heat at 1 p.m., Sousa was overlooking the Westfield River near the Great River Bridge and admiring how pristine the river looked.
Phil Sousa and Brian Conz examine the status of the Westfield River water flow prior to Saturday’s canoe/kayak cruise.
“When I was a kid we fished off the old bridge but the smell was so bad we always released the fish back into the river,” said Sousa.
On June 17, Sousa will once again coordinate the logistics for the annual Westfield River Canoe/Kayak Cruise, sponsored by the Westfield River Watershed Association. Sousa has been a member of the association for “many” years.
“Today’s water flow is 668 cfs (cubic feet per second) which is within the 350 cfs to 750 cfs needed to conduct the event,” said Sousa. Cubic feet per second (cfs) is a measure of the volume of water passing any given point in a river in one second.
Area residents are invited to participate in the scenic six-mile paddle from Westfield to Robinson State Park in Agawam. Participants must bring their own canoe or kayak, paddles and life jackets. Also, participants are urged to bring sunscreen and drinking water. The cost is $10 per person or $25 per family. Light refreshments will be served. Proceeds raised from the event are used for insurance, shuttle service, and refreshments, as well as to help fund the association’s annual educational, stewardship and recreational activities.
“Participating in the cruise is like floating down the river,” said Sousa, adding taking in the sights of the natural features of the riverscape is a plus.
The river is mostly flat water and the cruise takes approximately three hours to complete, according to Sousa.
Brian Conz, vice president of the association and a professor in the Geography and Regional Planning Department at Westfield State University, echoed those sentiments.
“Participating in the event affords you a chance to see important wildlife corridors,” said Conz, noting that educating children about the environment will get them “excited” about science.
“For kids in particular it is important to see plant and animal life up-close,” said Conz. “When one is paddling, there is a new perspective on the world.”
Sousa concurred.
“I’ve seen deer and snapping turtles along the banks,” said Sousa, adding that participants will see the many habitats that abound along the river banks – and not the commercial businesses near the river.
Registration on Saturday begins at 9:30 a.m. in the municipal parking lot off Meadow Street, just east of the Great River Bridge. Following registration which ends at 10:30, boats and gear will be dropped off at the end of Hanover Street. Participants will then drive their cars to the take-out point in Robinson State Park and will be shuttled back to the starting point. Starting at 11 a.m., staggered cruise departures begin at the canoe launch off Hanover Street. Group leaders from the association will lead the cruise departures.
If the event is canceled due to adverse weather or river conditions, visit www.westfieldriver.org or the Westfield River Watershed Association Facebook page. Additionally, to receive a notice if the event is canceled, email [email protected] and put the word Notify in the subject line.
Sousa said the cruise is suitable for individuals with a little paddling experience, adding that spotters are also around the quick-water sections.
“You may be asked to portage around one or two difficult areas on the upper section, depending on the water levels,” said Sousa.
For more information, contact Sousa at (413) 568-3982.
“Come and meet new people,” said Sousa. “You’ll have a great time.”
