Cruising along the Slocum River, birds and various other species weren't the only ones chattering back and forth.

On Aug. 28, the Lloyd Center for the Environment hosted a ladies night out on the river. From 5:30 to approximately 8 p.m., Education Outreach Director Liz Moniz led a group of women out on a fleet of canoes.

“We’re very lucky,” said Dartmouth resident Jane Scott. “I expect to have a gorgeous evening.”

As an active rower, this wasn't her first time out on the water, but it was her first time participating in the trip.

Bekki Kowalski said she is already looking at the calendar to plan the next trip.

“The trip was very well-planned,” said Kowalski. “Liz answered any questions we had or could have had. There was a lot that was featured.”

Kowalski said that Moniz pointed out tons of fish, and the group even canoed past an osprey nest. Kowalski said that every person had a glow-stick and, as the group headed back through the woods, everyone was given a flashlight.

Moniz also provided paddling instruction. For instance, she explained that the more experienced person should be seated in the back because that person will control most of the steering.

“Rachel and Liz gave us time to practice everything that they taught us,” said Kowalski. “What was nice was on the trip back. It was absolutely beautiful.”

Linda Hamilton agreed that the trip back was the highlight of the excursion.

“The sky was blue and purple with the moon on one side, and the sky was orange with the sun setting on the other,” said Hamilton.

“It was so peaceful that a couple of times we stopped paddling and just sat,” she said. “I’d recommend it to anyone. I’m not an experienced canoer [sic] at all.”

Moniz, who has been a part of the Lloyd Center for 19 years, took over the women’s trip 16 years ago.

“We have ten guests today,” said Moniz. “This isn't a challenging river. I try to time our trip with the moonlight.”

“Our main focus is the research and education,” said Moniz. “We want to reach out to the public.”

The women’s trip begins every year in June and includes a trip a month until October, depending on the weather and other environmental factors.

“It’s a beautiful trip,” said Denise DiMarzio, a Rhode Island resident participating for the second time. “It’s very calming. Last time, the moon was full, and we followed it to the dock. I like being out on the water.”

“The Slocum River is beautiful,” said Executive Director Rachel Stronach. “We are paddling under the full moon, which is great. It’s absolutely breathtaking and one of my favorite trips.”

While some of the women said the trip down the Slocum River was their first canoe trip, the group concurred that it wouldn't be their last.

“We never felt rushed even when we were trying to figure out how to steer the canoe and would drift off into the marsh,” said participant Kerrie Parsons.

“It was so beautiful and really fun to photograph, too,” she said.