There is no barge traffic in the conservation area

Tag : caravan shoes
You can canoe or kayak with park naturalist Bett Etenohan in afederally protected wildlife conservation area. You will canoe in acalm area of the Ohio River where no large boats are permitted.

Etenohan will tell you about the natural and cultural history ofthe conservation area during an outing that will last about threehours. You'll get a close-up look at shorebirds and wading birds,such as great blue herons and double-crested cormorants thatcongregate and dine at the fossil beds.

Most people don't know about this safe place to paddle on the Ohiowithin view of Louisville's downtown. There is no barge traffic inthe conservation area. Three islands, a dike that is more than acentury old and a variety of plants and bird life should make itinteresting.

Here's the drill. Meet Etenohan at 9 a.m. at the park'sinterpretive center, 201 W. Riverside Drive, and caravan to a boatramp at the nearby Falls of the Ohio National Wildlife ConservationArea. (Or you can meet the group at the boat ramp on HarrisonAvenue at 9:30.)

It's a good idea to call today — (812) 280-9970 — tomake sure the river level is safe for boating.

In addition to your boat and paddles, bring U.S. Coast Guardapproved life jackets, water to drink and sun protection.

If you don't have a canoe or kayak, the Falls of the Ohio programorganizers have arranged for you to rent one through CanoeKentucky. The number is (888) 226-6359 (CANOEKY). The canoe/kayaktrip will be repeated Sept. 13 and 27 and Oct. 4 and 18.

An alternative to the canoe/kayak outing is to meet with the park'snaturalist-at-heart volunteer Paul Olliges at 9:30 on theinterpretive center's observation deck. He will lead you on astrenuous, three-hour outer fossil bed hike, often in ankle-deepwater. This event is restricted to those 12 and older.

You must wear sturdy shoes that you can get wet, bring plenty ofwater to drink and wear sun protection.

Call today at (812) 280-9970 to make sure the river level is safefor hiking. This hike will be repeated on Sept. 13, Oct. 4 and Oct.11. Pioneer Run/Walk
The 25th annual Pioneer 5-kilometer Run/Walk starts at 8 a.m.tomorrow in Seneca Park at Pee Wee Reese Boulevard and CannonsLane. (Look for the crowd.)

If you want to get involved as a last-minute registrant, arriveabout 7 a.m. Race-day registration closes at 7:45.

The fee is $25. This run is known for its great door prizes,including dinner certificates, and its success at raising money forlocal charities.

In the past 24 years, the run has resulted in $86,450 in donations.For the past nine years, the race has been linked with the Linksfor Life organization that raises money to fight breast cancerthrough education and research.

Call Linda Stahl at (502) 582-4666, fax her at 582-4665 or e-mailher at lstahl@courier-journal.com .