9 people paddled the Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge. We met in the parking lot just north of McDonald's in Marion, AR and drove together to the refuge. The group included Margaret a long time BCCC who recently rejoined and an Vicky a new member.
The pace was leisurely and mostly in the cypress forest. We did not see wildlife so we plan to arrive earlier on our next visit, July 11th. Join us and bring your binoculars.
This waterway was formed 5000 years ago when the Mississippi River changed its course. The lake is surrounded by an old growth bald cypress forest which remains flooded year-round.
It was established as a Wildlife Refuge in 1961 providing habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl. It is the former site of one of the most prestigious hunting clubs in the country (Wapanocca Outing Club) which sold the land to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.