Mother's Day on the River — May 2026

Mother’s Day on the River   

Saturday, May 10th, 2026 | Register online by noon on May 7 
12:30 – 5:00 (end time approx)   
FREE for WRC members, $25 for non-members (pay when registering)   
     
Surprise Mom, Mother, Meemaw or even Granny with a very special gift this Mother’s Day, a trip down the Wolf River. Our river guides will accompany your loved one on a paddle down one of the most relaxing sections of the suburban Wolf River. Your gift will be a new appreciation for one of the great adventures in the Midsouth.  

River Access Information  

Put-In Point:   Germantown Parkway River Access  

Take-Out Point:  Walnut Grove Road Exit Point 

Boat Options  

Rent a Boat: Contact Mike Dawkins (email or text/call: 901-485-2531) to discuss availability as soon as you register.  

For those equipped with boats:Vehicle shuttles will be arranged both before the paddle and after.  The last pre-float shuttle will leave the Germantown Parkway put-in by 12:30 pm. 

 
Bring a Boat:  Arrive at noon to unload your equipment and participate in the vehicle shuttle to the take-out. Transportation from the take-out back to your car will be provided. You must bring an appropriately sized, US Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each participant. Inflatable belt packs are not approved for use on this paddle.  

What to Wear and Bring  

• Wear quick-dry, non-cotton layers you can remove as needed.  

• Cover skin with clothing or sunscreen and wear a hat.  

• Wear secure shoes—no flip-flops, Crocs, or loose sandals.  

• A USCG-approved life jacket (PFD) must be worn and fastened at all times on the water (provided with boat rentals).  

• Bring at least 1 liter of water per person and snacks. 

• Bring any necessary emergency medications.  

Minor children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. 

For planning purposes, we recommend you register early for the trip. Persons wishing to paddle on this adventure must register by 12pm CT on Thursday, May 7, 2026. 

The Wolf River Conservancy River Guides will ensure you have both a safe and enjoyable adventure. If you have questions about the trip, please contact Jim Gafford (jim.gafford@wolfriver.org) or cell/text 901-573-2353). 

Parking Disclaimer: Both the access and takeout parking areas are relatively safe but are unmonitored. You should be able to leave your vehicle in either of these parking areas. Remember to take precautions to secure or hide any valuables that you may leave in your vehicle. Please note that the Wolf River Conservancy is not responsible for loss of or damage to private property. 

SAFETY and PFD requirement: Participants in Wolf River Conservancy on river programs will be required to wear a US Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while on the river.  Children must wear child size approved PFD’s. If you are renting a craft, the outfitter will provide you with an approved PFD as part of the rental package. There are no exceptions to the PFD requirements. Please note that they must also be properly worn and securely fastened at all times.  Please do not use the “belt type” units that are popular with the SUP community.  These are single discharge units and cannot easily be reloaded once deployed.