A Newark Canoeist's Best-Kept Secret

SF Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge might be in Fremont, but this Newark resident is claiming it as Newark’s gem; after all, it’s more accessible to Newark residents than Fremont residents, right? Lol. That’s okay, mama taught me to share.

Newark is endowed with Newark Slough. Alviso Slough, you’re quite lovely, but you ain’t got nothing on our slough. Newark Slough is a bird watcher’s paradise. You’ll see landscapes that most people don’t know exist and get up close to structures that you can only get a glimpse of from the Dumbarton Bridge.

The unmatched serenity is unbelievable and words can’t do this sacred place justice. Believe me, you’ll find God out there, in those stinky marshes, and you’ll crave that sulfurous smell. You’ll see cranes that are breathtaking (keep that in mind when you see plans for housing developments or golf courses in and around our marshlands.) and seals that scare the crap outta ya.

You’ll have to read the tides before you venture out, but that’s no biggie. It’s the muck that you won’t like. Yep, that damn sticky clay in and around the put-in that clings to your vessel and sucks your boots right off ya. But, it’s well worth the hassle.

Canoeing is a great family sport, and my son has been enjoying it since the tender age of 6 months. It’s a sport I discovered while I was pregnant, and no longer able to run, hike, or bike: there wasn’t a whole lot of outdoor recreation for a plump gal in her 3rd trimester who couldn’t see her feet.

If you can borrow a kayak, you’re in business. Or, just look me up and we’ll team up in my Old Town canoe. There’s no fee to put-in and no inspection required. The put-in is at the entrance of the refuge, at the Thornton parking lot. Use the path provided—please don’t step on the vegetation: there’s an endangered saltmarsh mouse out there!

If you time it just right, you can reach the Bay in time to catch the tide back. You won’t want to come back, but you will reluctantly stick to your schedule or get stranded on a levy.

One of these days I hope to help raise money to upgrade the Newark Slough put-in; it’s on my to-do list, my very long before-I-die list, and this adventure should be on yours.

Angela Akridge
Newark Parks Foundation
www.newarkparks.org
info@newarkparks.org