An award-winning children’s book, A River Runs Wild, has been written about this historic river. It tells how this lush waterway for Indian settlements became totally polluted by factory wastes by the mid 1900’s, and how it was cleaned up to become once again a beautiful, fishable, swimmable river. So a trip to Nashoba Paddler is not only a recreational outing, but an enlightening environmental experience also! See an educational display, look at books and rivers kits, and arrange to see a colorful slide show about the Nashua River at the nearby Nashua River Watershed Associatian. A perfect outing for youth and other groups interested in the environment.
OUR MISSION Our mission is to awaken people to the fragile beauty of rivers. Now in our 9th season, we are dedicated to furthering river education and protecting the environment. In 1997, 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 for the Nashua watershed.”
OUR STAFF Our 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, including paddling tips.
Camp Leaders and Guides
Diane Carson, Director of River Camp, is Nashoba Paddler's Manager,
and a guide for Nashoba Paddler and River Classroom.
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.
Diane has a degree in biology and loves to share the discovery of nature with children.
Alden Chadwick,a veteran science teacher at the
Groton-Dunstable Middle School, has an M.S. degree in science education.
He is a lifeguard and is certified in Basic Wilderness First Aid.
Alden has been with River Camp since its inception in 1997 and knows how to make science fun!
George Moore is a lifelong outdoorsman and a guide for Nashoba
Paddler and River Classroom. He seizes every opportunity to share his
knowledge of the natural world with others. George holds certifications
in CPR and Basic Wilderness First Aid and has been an ACA-certified canoeing instructor since 2002.
Shelley Grove is a preschool teacher at Groton Community
School and an Assistant Manager for Nashoba Paddler. She has a degree
in recreation, is certified in CPR and First Aid, and is an ACA-certified canoeing instructor. Her goal is
to open people’s eyes to the wonder of rivers.
Stacey Chilcoat is the Director of the
Nashua RiverWatershed Association's River Classroom, a canoe-based environmental
field study program for school groups. She began with River
Classroom in 1998 when it was being developed by Nashoba
Paddler. She has remained connected to Nashoba Paddler and
River Camp, leading trips and sharing her knowledge of the
watershed. She has a degree in biology, is an ACA-certified canoeing instructor, and is certified in CPR and Basic Wilderness First Aid.
Lucas Moisson is a graduate of River Camp's very first
program in 1997. He is a whitewater kayaker as well as canoeist
and has worked for Nashoba Paddler since 2001.
Luke holds certifications in lifeguarding, CPR, and First Aid, is
an ACA-certified canoeing instructor and is pursuing Swift Water Rescue training.
A recent graduate of Berklee College of Music, Luke's enthusiasm about everything he does is contagious!
Dana Brennan is a fifth grade teacher in Marblehead, MA.
She was formerly the Environmental Education Programs Coordinator for the Nashua River Watershed Association
and a guide for River Classroom.
Dana combines creativity with a love and knowledge of nature.
Dana has an M.Ed. in elementary education and a B.S. in Animal Science with a minor in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation.
She is certified in CPR and First Aid, and is pursuing Lifeguard Training.
OUR EQUIPMENT We have a variety of
Old Town canoes,
including a giant family canoe, solo and double river kayaks,
comfortable life vests for all ages, and paddles.
For more information or to make reservations, contact:
Nashoba Paddler at 978/448-8699
PO Box 228, West Groton MA 01472
email: Nashoba Paddler
