For the paddlers among you, there will be a LI PaddleSport Safety Symposium on March 11, 2006 at Connequot High School from noon-6:30pm. I will be giving a presentation (see below) based on some of the information found in my new book: Exploring East End Waters: A Natural History and Paddling Guide. Here are some details about the symposium:

A presentation by Mike Bottini for the LI PaddleSport Safety Symposium Canoes and kayaks, with their shallow draft and quiet means of propulsion, are excellent modes of travel for observing wildlife and exploring waterfront nature preserves. As a user group of Long Island's fresh and estuarine resources, paddlers can have both positive and negative impacts on these natural resources. This presentation discusses paddling conflicts with wildlife, how they can be avoided, and the potential of paddlers as helpful stewards of our waterways. It also includes some interesting natural history notes of commonly encountered species.