PLANT & PADDLING
KAYAK ECO TOURS
The Original Plant & Paddling
Kayak Eco Tours
This year marks our 3rd adventure decade of guiding and teaching the original
Plant & Paddling Kayak Eco Tours
Outdoor writer
Mike Svob cited our creative paddling tours and programs in the
top 5
in
Silent Sports Magazine
this past decade. Former President of Perception Kayaks
said
...at Canoecopia years ago that Stafne's
Plant & Paddling Kayak Eco Tours were the only tours of their kind in the United States.
Since then, Stafne and an incredible staff have guided about one thousand people in the pristine waters of the Glacial Lakes and Rivers Region of the Upper Midwest & Lake Superior regions of Wisconsin and Minnesota. Stafne and her kayak businesses (former MIZIZAK KAYAKS and Wild Earth Eco Tours) have received recognition within the tourism and education realms regionally and nationally.
What is a Plant & Paddling Kayak Eco Tour?
- A super fun, supportive introduction to recreational kayaking!
- Mini Paddling Lesson (on-land first, then water; we tailor to your skill level)
- Guided On-Water Tour--select one of the pristine northern 449 lakes, 5 rivers
- Educational Plant ID on the Water--and consider a Bog Walk, Plant ID Hike
- Medicinal, Cultural, Wild Edible & Ecological Plant ID with Naturalist, Master Herbalist & Longtime Guide, Gigi Stafne
- Free Time Kayaking on the Water!
How do I join a tour?
Join one of our regularly scheduled tours below or inquire about a special design for your group: [email protected]
Will you outfit and plan a tour for my group?
We sure will! This is one of our specialties, designing exactly what you desire.
We can plan a 3-hour tour to a weekend event.
Past combos have included Wild Medicine, Wild Edibles, Bog Walks, Plant ID Hikes and of course, Plant & Paddling Kayak Eco Tours!
We're super experienced and love hosting tours & outdoor experiences for schools, businesses and organizations. Our past customers include Ameriprise employees to the Girl Scouts!
Let's start planning now to guarantee your event date: [email protected]
I want to reserve an adventure!
Email to reserve at: [email protected]
Once your reservation is set, send your payment via PayPal: [email protected]
WAIT...there's more! Continue reading about some of our 2024 adventures...
The World of Wetlands
Plant & Paddling Kayak Eco Tours
Morning Meandering Buck Lake Paddle
Buck Lake near Chetek, WI
Register: [email protected]
Group size: 7-10 max Tour: $50 per person (includes kayak, paddle & pfd rental. Add on of herbal medicine workshop-$50.)
Special: Host this introductory kayak paddling with your circle of min. 3 others and you go free!
Speak with Gigi about selecting a special date to do so: [email protected]
Two Summer Wetland Specials...
In Search of the Sacred Sundew
July 14, 2024
Start time: 9:30am (approx end time 3:30pm flex)
Experience the ecology, magic, and medicine of diverse wetlands. Learn first hand why we must protect these fragile habitats.
We'll hike lightly along edges of a northern marsh, wet meadow, Cedar swamp, and Tamarack Sphagnum bog, discovering numerous plants of ecological, cultural, and medicinal significance.
This day is mildly strenuous.
Dress for the weather. Wear water resistant bog boots. Bring a water bottle and pack your lunch.
Pack your camera and plant journal if you want.
Ahhh...don't forget to bring bug goop and possibly a hat with bug net.
Program Tuition: $75/person (early bird by June 1); After that cost is $95
Register early, fills fast. Sorry...this ecotour is now full.
However, reach Gigi directly about arranging a private small group tour.
Plants and Paddling Kayak Eco Tour
Friday, July 19, 2024
Start time: 9:30am (approx end time 3:30pm flex)
Spend a day on the water viewing plants in their ecosystems from the vantage point of a kayak. This is a classic ecotour that Gigi Stafne has been guiding for decades in the north country, in fact it was featured in Silent Sports Magazine. There are so many wetland beauties to identify and learn about! Half-way through our paddling, we visit a floating bog (secure) to identify native orchids and plants that are Arctic Runners, along with unusual carnivorous plants such as the Pitcher Plant and sacred Sundew.
This day is moderately strenuous.
It can be more intense if wind is experienced while kayaking.
Dress for the weather and for kayaking. Wear water resistant bog boots. Bring a water bottle and pack your lunch.
Pack your camera and plant journal if you want.
Kayak, paddle, pfd, and boat shuttle are all included in your program fee.
$20 discount if you bring your own kayak/canoe and gear. Sorry, no shuttle of your private boat.
Program Tuition: $95/person (early bird by June 1); After that cost is $120
Group size limited to 7-8 Registration deadline is July 1, 2024
Plants & Paddling Kayak Eco Tours
OPEN FLEX TOURS: Select a date and reach us for availability:
8:30am-1/2pm
Limited to 12 in each tour
Locations: We rotate these within the Glacial Rivers & Lakes Region of NW Wisconsin--5 rivers and 449 lakes! The premier tour is Lower Long Lake near the National Ice Age Trail Region.
Sign up for one session or several. Something new each tour!
Registration and questions: [email protected]
Group size: 4-12 Tour Fee: $100 per person (includes kayak, paddle, pfd rental and educational tour plus guiding). Tours include inspiring information including: wetland and shoreline plant identification, wild medicines for first aid, medicinal trees, ecological, cultural, native plant stories and more!
