THE OWNERS, a note from Diane. My husband, two daughters, and I have lived in Groton since 1993 and immediately after moving here, fell in love with the beautiful rivers and conservation lands in the area. These places have become such an integral part of our lives and we have grown to know them well over the years. In 2009, after managing Nashoba Paddler for 13 years, I and my husband, Pete, purchased Nashoba Paddler with the hopes of continuing its mission to introduce people to the river and to responsible paddling. We feel so fortunate to be part of this river community and invite you to join us in experiencing the beauty, the peace, and the fun that a day on the river provides.
OUR LOCATION on the NASHUA RIVER. Our riverside rental base is located on a friendly, forested flatwater section of the Nashua River where it's common to see turtles, blue herons, muscrats, beaver, osprey, and an occasional mink, owl, deer, or even bald eagle! The fishing is excellent. You can paddle for hours in either direction enjoying the surrounding conservation land.
A trip to Nashoba Paddler is not only a recreational outing, but an enlightening environmental experience for adults and children as well! Our changing educational display provides information about river creatures and about issues affecting the river. Look though field guides to learn about what you just saw during your trip. Read the award-winning children's book, A River Ran Wild, about the amazing environmental history of the Nashua River as it transitioned from a pristine waterway inhabited by Native Americans to a severely polluted dead river and back to a beautiful fishable and swimmable river.
OUR MISSION. We are a small, family-owned, family-friendly business. Our goals are two-fold; first, to get people out on the river so that they can connect with nature and the river environment and become educated stewards; and second, to promote paddlesports as an activity that can be enjoyed at any age. Now in our 20th season, we are dedicated to furthering river education and protecting the environment. In 2009, owner, Diane Carson was recognized at the Nashua River Watershed Association's 40th Anniversary celebration for representing "the kind of work that has gone on each day over the past 40 years to protect the natural resources of the Nashua River watershed." In 1997, Neal and Gail Menschel, of Nashoba Paddler, received the Nashua River Watershed Association's Greenway Award for "helping people to fall in love with the river and become educated stewards."
OUR HISTORY. Nashoba Paddler, LLC is owned by Diane & Peter Carson. Nashoba Paddler was founded by Neal and Gail Menschel in 1992, offering rentals, tours, and instruction. Diane began managing the business in 1996 and shared their hope for the future of Nashoba Paddler. They had a vision of a business that would introduce people to the beauty of the Nashua River in hopes that they would fall in love with it and become active stewards. It grew beyond just a rental business as the ideas of River Camp and River Classroom were brought to fruition. In 1998 River Classroom was given to the Nashua River Watershed Association to be part of their educational mission and the two organizations have continued to partner to provide watershed education canoeing field trips to hundreds of students and chaperones every year. River Camp continues to be a popular and successful summer experience for youth, ages 6-17, getting kids outside on the water, having fun adventures, and learning about nature.
OUR EQUIPMENT. We have a variety of Old Town canoes and kayaks. Our solo and tandem recreational kayaks are stable and manueverable. Our recreational canoes are also very stable and can accomodate three adults or two adults plus two children. We also have a giant family canoe that holds six people. We provide comfortable life vests and paddles for all ages.
OUR STAFF. Our rental staff is made up of paddling enthusiasts who are committed to the environment. They are known for their friendly, personal service, and are happy to share what they know and love about the Nashua River and about canoeing and kayaking, including safety and paddling tips. Our qualified guides, instructors, and camp leaders possess various paddling and safety certifications and are personable, knowledgeable naturalists that can provide a very enriching paddling experience.
Camp Leaders
 |
Diane Carson, Co-Owner of Nashoba Paddler, LLC and Director of River Camp. She has been an American Canoe Association (ACA)-certified canoeing instructor since 1998 with training in Swift Water Rescue and Adaptive Paddling. She is certified in CPR and Basic Wilderness First Aid and has a degree in biology. You'll find Diane leading River Camp sessions, guiding River Classroom programs, planning trips for clients, and working at the rental stand. She loves having the opportunity to connect children and adults to the river environment by encouraging exploration and discovery. |
 |
George Moore, River Camp leader and guide for Nashoba Paddler and River Classroom. In 2006, George received a Secretary's Award for Excellence in Environmental Education from the state of Massachusetts for his his work with outreach programs at the Nashua River Watershed Association. George holds certifications in CPR and Basic Wilderness First Aid, is trained in Swift Water Rescue and has been an ACA-certified canoeing instructor since 2002. He is a lifelong outdoorsman and seizes every opportunity to share his knowledge of the natural world with others. |
 |
Shelley Grove, Assistant Manager for Nashoba Paddler and River Camp leader. She is a preschool teacher in Groton and believes it is important to get kids outside in nature. She has a degree in recreation, is certified in CPR and First Aid, and has been an ACA-certified canoeing instructor since 2002. Her goal is to open people's eyes to the wonder of rivers. |
 |
Alden Chadwick, River Camp leader. Alden is a veteran science teacher in Groton and has an M.S. degree in science education. He has been with River Camp since its inception in 1997 and really knows how to make science fun! He and is certified in Lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid, and Basic Wilderness First Aid. |
 |
Stacey Chilcoat, River Camp leader and the Nashua River Watershed Association's River Classroom Director. She has been involved with Nashoba Paddler and River Camp since 1998, leading trips and sharing her knowledge of the watershed. She has a degree in biology, has been an ACA-certified canoeing instructor since 1998 with training in Swift Water Rescue, and is certified in CPR and Basic Wilderness First Aid. |
 |
Lucas Moisson, River Camp leader and River Classroom guide. A graduate of River Camp's very first program in 1997, Luke is a whitewater kayaker as well as canoeist and has worked for Nashoba Paddler since 2001. Luke holds certifications in Lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid, Basic Wilderness First Aid, and is an ACA-certified canoeing instructor with Swift Water Rescue training. Luke's enthusiasm about everything he does is contagious! |
 |
Dana Brennan, River Camp leader. Dana is a fifth grade teacher in Marblehead, Mass. and was formerly the Environmental Education Programs Coordinator for the Nashua River Watershed Association and a guide for River Classroom. Dana combines creativity and enthusiasm with a love and knowledge of nature. She has an M.Ed. in elementary education, a B.S. in Animal Science with a minor in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation and is certified in Lifeguarding, CPR, and First Aid. |
The River Classroom Guides
Nashoba Paddler, LLC
978-448-8699
diane@nashobapaddler.com
LOCATION: 398 West Main St. (Rt. 225), Groton, Ma
MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 228, West Groton, Ma 01472
