stewardship

Protecting What We Love: Why Local Leadership Matters on the Water

Earth Week invites reflection—a moment to pause and consider how we’re showing up for the places we care about. For those of us who paddle, the answer often starts with the water itself.

We come to the water to reset, to breathe, to explore. It’s where we find rhythm, perspective, and connection. But that connection comes with responsibility. Leadership on the water doesn’t always mean being out front. Sometimes, it’s found in quiet choices—the ones that protect access, promote safety, and set an example for others.

Leadership Isn’t Always Loud

You don’t have to carry a title to make a difference.

Whether you’re helping a new paddler get launched, picking up stray trash on a beach, or choosing to skip a paddle when…

Earth Day Prep: Why Shoreline Cleanups Matter

Each year, Earth Day gives us a moment to pause—to look around and ask ourselves what kind of impact we’re making on the world we live in. For those of us who spend time on the water, that question hits especially close to home. Our rivers, lakes, and shorelines are more than scenic backdrops—they’re places of renewal, adventure, and community.

But they need our help.

In the Tri-Cities, we’re fortunate to have access to incredible paddling spots—from the calm waters at Clover Island to the winding views near Howard Amon Park. These places bring people together, support local wildlife, and offer a unique connection to nature. Yet even here, litter accumulates: bottles stuck in the rocks, cans along the shoreline, fishing…

Leave No Trace: How Paddlers Can Protect Waterways

There’s something extraordinary about paddling across a quiet stretch of water—the way your board glides through the surface, the sound of your paddle dipping in rhythm, and the view of the natural world unfolding around you. For many of us, those moments on the water are where we feel most connected—to ourselves, to the environment, and to something much bigger.

We believe that connection comes with responsibility. As paddleboarders, we’re privileged to explore some of the most beautiful waterways in the Tri-Cities and beyond. But with that privilege comes the important task of protecting those spaces—ensuring they remain clean, accessible, and thriving for the next paddler, the next generation, and the ecosystems that call these places home.

What Does It Mean…

Winter Wildlife in the Tri-Cities: Paddler’s Guide

Winter paddleboarding in the Tri-Cities, WA, offers a front-row seat to the quiet beauty of nature. With fewer people on the waterways, wildlife becomes more visible, making every paddle a rewarding experience. From abundant waterfowl to elusive mammals, winter paddling is an adventure in discovery.

Wildlife You Might Encounter

The winter landscape is alive with activity, and the Columbia River and surrounding waterways host a variety of species. Recent waterfowl surveys from the Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge highlight a mix of common and rarer sightings, making each outing a chance to observe something special.

Mammals Along the Shore

  • Mink – More commonly spotted than river otters, mink are agile hunters along the shoreline,…