Citizens United To Protect The Maurice River - Raise The River 2026 / 7-23 through 7-25-26

Sunset Paddle Raise the River 2022 Paddle

For the sixth year running, the CU Maurice River community is grabbing their paddles to make waves for a wonderful cause. From dynamic new eco-paddles exploring Down Jersey sister-rivers to the highly anticipated grand finale farm-to-table crab dinner, this is a summer weekend you won’t want to miss out on. We sure hope to C.U. on the River.

The annual Raise the River event returns on July 23 - 26 to support CU Maurice River's vital stream conservation and educational programs. This is your chance to help protect Down Jersey’s very own national treasure—the Wild and Scenic Maurice River—while also enjoying four spectacular days on the water.

RAISE THE RIVER PADDLE SCHEDULE 2026

Conservation takes a village!
W&S MANUMUSKIN RIVER
Thurs., July 23 at 5:30 p.m.
Donation: $25 / person

Get an insider look at CU Maurice River's latest habitat restoration initiative. Join Executive Director Karla Rossini, local community scientists, and riverfront property owners for a guided paddle through the Wild and Scenic Manumuskin Wetland Project. Discover firsthand how these dedicated local stewards are working together to protect one of New Jersey’s most biodiverse watersheds for the next generation. The evening will end with a riverside campfire with a strong focus on dessserts!

Explore the Cohansey
SHEPPARD'S MILL POND
Fri. July 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Donation: $25 / person

Discover the hidden wonders of one of the Maurice River's beautiful sister-waterways! Join local experts Renee Brecht and Sal Magnifico from the Cohansey Area Watershed Association for an intimate, up-close look at this ecosystem. As we paddle, Renee and Sal will guide the fleet, sharing their deep knowledge of the unique wildlife, native flora, and history of this former mill pond.If skies are clear, paddlers just might be treated to an iconic Down Jersey sunset.

The One-day "Sojourn"
MENANTICO RIVER AND PONDS
Sat., July 25. Start time TBD
Donation: $40 / person

Kick off your morning with a paddle exploring the pristine Menantico River and Ponds. Our journey begins where the Maurice and the Menantico meet, guiding us along tidal wild rice wetland meadows and through quiet, old-growth forests. We’ll paddle into the sand-wash ponds—a haven for basking turtles, dabbling wood duck, and fishing Osprey or Bald Eagles. This corridor is rich in both natural biodiversity and cultural history. Along the way, we’ll pull ashore for a deli-style lunch provided by CU Maurice River. Estimated end time is 2:00 p.m.

Transportation for Thursday and Saturday Paddles...

CU Maurice River staff will coordinate pick up and drop-off of cars and drivers between the put-in and take-out points. CU Volunteers lend a hand with transportation. Please help coordination efforts by registering as early as possible.

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Date and Time

Thursday Jul 23, 2026 Saturday Jul 25, 2026

Thursday, July 23, 2026 - 5:30 pm
Friday, July 24, 2026 - 6:30 pm
Saturday, July 25, 2026 - morning start time to be determined

Location

July 23 - Wild & Scenic Manumuskin River
July 24 - Sheppard's Mill Pond
July 25 - Menantico River and Ponds

Fees/Admission

July 23 and 24 -- $25 per person
July 25 -- $40 per person
Register at Gift Information

Website

http://CUMauriceRiver.org

Contact Information

1-856-300-5331
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