Celebrating the Legacy of the Conservancy’s River Adventures
For more than a decade, Wild Rivers Conservancy’s multi-day paddle trips have brought together people who share a love for adventure, community, and the wild beauty of the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers. What began as a way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Wild Rivers Conservancy in 2011 has grown into a beloved annual tradition that connects hearts to the river with every stroke.
A Legacy of Leadership and Connection
These paddle trips first launched under the leadership of Deb Ryun, former Executive Director of Wild Rivers Conservancy, who led them until her retirement in 2024. For Deb, the paddles were always more than a trip; they were a way to build community while deepening participants’ relationship with the rivers.
“Each paddle strengthened my abilities and my friendships,” Deb reflected. “Most important to each trip were the rich connections with the river and with each other. Every day brought moments of joy, laughter, and gratitude for the beauty that surrounds us.”
Throughout the years, the paddles have moved from allowing up to 80 people on 6-day camping trips, to now more lovingly referred to as luxury paddles, with a much smaller group staying at local venues such as Lenroot Lodge and Holiday Inn. “The purpose has always been the same: to celebrate the Riverway, bring new people to enjoy it, and help others build a relationship with the Riverway and the Conservancy.” Deb states, “People protect what they love, and the more people who experience it, the more people are committed to its long-term health.”
From evening programs that highlight river ecology and history to the camaraderie forged along the journey, the paddles remain a living expression of the Conservancy’s goal to inspire and empower people to protect the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers.
Faces of the Paddle: Carol Dahl and Tim Tougas
Among the many people who have shaped the spirit of the paddles, Carol Dahl and Tim Tougas stand out as longtime supporters and participants whose dedication has helped these trips thrive year after year. For Carol, who first joined a Conservancy paddle in 2015, the experience was transformative.
“I was brand new to kayaking and nervous,” she shared. “But the team and other paddlers taught me what I needed to know and lifted my spirits when I was insecure. Despite the challenges of rain, wind, and wet camping, I kept coming back year after year.” What keeps her returning? “Fun! Fun! Fun!” Carol shares. “And the friendships. The spirit of the paddle trips is the quietness of the river and the connection with other nature lovers. I hope new paddlers come away with a spiritual connection to the river and a joy that stays with them.”
Carol’s stories of hailstorms, harmonica serenades, and hard-earned miles capture the essence of the paddle experience: a blend of adventure, reflection, and community. Another steady presence on our paddle trips has been Tim Tougas. Often seen gliding along behind the group as our river sweep, Tim ensured that every participant reached their destination safely and with a smile. “Tim has been an anchor of support for our paddle trips over the years. His calm presence, generosity, and love for the river have helped create the sense of community that makes these paddles so special,” shares Wendy Tremblay, Community Engagement Manager. Tim’s generosity flows well beyond the river. He’s also been a trusted hand and mentor in maintaining our fleet of kayaks and trailers, helping keep our paddles running smoothly year after year.
A heartfelt thank you to Carol and Tim for their years of support, leadership, and friendship—both on and off the river.
Carrying the Tradition Forward
As the Conservancy looks ahead to the 2026 paddles, staff are excited to continue building on this incredible legacy. Each year brings new faces, new stories, and new memories that deepen our collective connection to these Wild and Scenic Rivers. Even though our current 3-day Namekagon trips have taken on a drier approach than Carol’s days of wet camping, they still have the same sense of community. Owen Anderson, Outdoor Program Coordinator, shares, “Participants will leave their 3-day paddle feeling a strengthened connection to the Riverway, their newfound community, and themselves. Traveling as a group along the Namekagon for three days provides a meaningful and unique opportunity to build these connections and carry them into your everyday life.”
Whether you’ve been paddling with us for years or are thinking about joining for the first time, we invite you to be part of this ongoing journey.
Next year’s 3-day Namekagon River Paddles promise to carry on that spirit.
Registration opens January 1, 2026, and spots fill fast.
