As the rain cleared on Wednesday evening, a group of almost a dozen people met up at Apponegansett Park to take part in a local land trust’s second post-pandemic event: a sunset kayak.

Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust organized the paddle to visit the newly opened Dike Creek property from the water.

The first event was also a paddle, said the organization’s Development and Outreach Specialist Kendra Murray.

“It’s a great way to jump into socially distant events, because obviously a kayak is six feet long,” she said. “So, it’s easy to keep distance. And people have enjoyed it so far.”

DNRT will bring back its popular walk series this fall, with new rules — namely, requiring masks and limiting group sizes to 12.

“We’re getting back into it, slowly but surely,” Murray said.

The trust’s new “Love a Trail” fundraiser — meant to replace the annual summer Barn Bash event, which was canceled due to Covid — has been going for a couple of months. Out of a $40,000 goal, noted Murray, “We have raised almost $30,000.”

“It’s not the same as the barn bash, but we know that people have been using the trails a lot since Covid happened, and it's a good way to reach out to those who have been using them,” she said, adding that with more trail use, more people have the chance to appreciate what DNRT does.

And appreciate it they did. 

Kayakers paused to take in the salt marsh scenery in the setting sun, watching osprey take fish to their nests and swallows swoop for bugs. 

One kayaker noted that it was her first time boating in the evening. “There are so many more birds this time of day,” she said, as the group stopped for several blue herons.

“I’m excited about seeing this creek,” said Natasha Atkins of Arlington, VA. 

Atkins said that although she comes from Virginia, she has deep roots in the area. “My parents have had a place here since the 50s — and my grandparents, too, since the 30s!”

Dartmouth resident Sandra Sacco said that her first DNRT paddle this year, on the Slocum River a few weeks ago, was “wonderful.” 

“I was going to write them, and say, ‘Can you do a few more of these?’” she said with a smile. “It’s a way to get out and socially distance, and get some physical activity.”

“I’m thrilled that they’re doing it,” she added, noting that the summer was “terribly isolating.” 

“Just to have people to kayak with, it’s really exciting,” she said. “I’m hoping they’re going to continue at least once a month!”