Forest 44 Canoe Rental - near St Louis Missouri

The Green Way to Enjoy the Greenway

ben — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 06:32:31 +0000

More people are looking for “green” activities when choosing family recreation. Green activities emit less CO2 and have a smaller impact on natural resources. Floating down the Meramec Greenway (also called the lower Meramec) is definitely a green activity. Since we’re so much closer to the city, you use less gas to get here, reducing your carbon footprint.

We think everyone should get out and enjoy our rivers and streams more often. Like many rivers, the Meramec is shared between paddle crafts and motor boats. Paddling is naturally a green activity. By choosing to take a canoe, kayak, or raft, you can enjoy the river AND leave no trace. Compare that to motorized boats, which have a high environmental impact. Motors have their place when used responsibly; newer 4-stroke motors use less fuel and leak less into the water. But if you really want to be green, paddling is definitely the way to go!

Paddling a canoe, kayak, or raft:

Moderate paddling burns 400-600 calories per hour source

So silent that you can enjoy bird calls

Leaves little trace

Doesn’t create user conflicts

Operating a 2-stroke 50HP outboard motor at cruising speed:

Consumes about five gallons of fuel per hour source

Produces noise levels of up to 100 decibels source

Can dump up to 30% of its fuel directly into the water source

Creates wake and turbidity that can damage the shoreline and aquatic life source

Can result in user conflicts when operated improperly, at high speed, or under the influence

Paddling a canoe, kayak, or raft is the green way to enjoy the Meramec Greenway!!

Guess what it is!

steve — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 01:30:43 +0000

Here’s something interesting we recently spotted on land close to the river. Don’t worry, it’s harmless!

Can you guess what it is and what is happening? The first person to submit a comment to this post with the correct answers will receive a free gift certificate for one kayak rental.

UPDATE: Open the comments to view the answer!

Roadside Poetry – part 2

ben — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 01:45:16 +0000

Enjoy some more roadside poetry from Forest 44. More popping up on a road near you…
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Welcome!

steve — Tue, 25 May 2010 18:00:06 +0000

Another float season has arrived. We at Forest 44 Canoe are looking forward to helping you to make this summer a memorable one. We have made a lot of friends over the past three seasons, and look forward to seeing you all again this summer, as well as making many new acquaintances. The section of the Meramec Greenway that we outfit is growing in popularity because of it’s close proximity to St. Louis and it’s beautiful scenery. You’ll be glad you floated with us this summer; we’ll treat you right. For reservations, call Steve at (314) 255 – 7091 or email us.

We’re a 35-minute drive from the center of St. Louis. “Float with us and you can be home in time for dinner!”

Steve and Ben Hoffmann, father and son team

P.S. be sure to come back and leave us your stories and experiences here.

Mussel of the month 1: Pink Heel Splitter

steve — Tue, 25 May 2010 08:54:50 +0000

Today we’re starting a series of occasional posts where we’ll profile a species of freshwater mussel found in the Meramec River. Just like clams and oysters, mussels are bivalves; they all have two siphons to stick out of their shell, one to intake water and the other to release. The Meramec is home to a very large population of mussels, over the years we’ve identified over 30 species in the river. You can easily spot lots of mussel shells along the banks of the river, which are the remains of mussels that have been eaten by critters like raccoons. Live mussels typically bury themselves in the river bottom, but you may see some laying on the riverbed in slow and shallow water. Its OK to pick up live mussels and carefully look at them; be careful not to stick your finger inside a big open mussel, or you may not keep your finger very long. If you have a Missouri fishing license, you’re allowed to harvest a total of 5 live mussels or dead shells per day (you can take an unlimited number of the invasive Asiatic Clams). There are several mussel species that are endangered, which are illegal to take. Endangered species are listed in the Missouri state conservation regulations. If you’re unsure, better just to leave it. But the Pink Heel Splitter is not endangered, and here it is:

It’s is very easy to identify: 1.)It’s one of several species that have a square wing that protrudes from the back of the shell near the fin. 2.) The exterior of the shell is medium greenish-brown, and 3.)the interior is purplish-pink. Identify all three of those features and you’ve found a Pink Heel Splitter.

The Pink Heel Splitter is one of the largest mussels in the Meramec, growing up to 8 inches long, so its an impressive shell to find. Why is it called a heel splitter? Well, just imagine what one of those wings could do to your foot if you chance to step on it buried in the river bottom. That’s one of the reasons we recommend wearing old sneakers or water shoes when you’re in the water.