David Wicks: An Ohio River Adventure

Donate today to support my 480-mile Ohio River paddle and the work of the Ohio River Way.

This spring, I will paddle 480 miles over 23 days on the Ohio River—from Huntington, West Virginia, to Evansville, Indiana—as part of the 2026 Ohio River Way Challenge.   We have a day off in Louisville to participate in the Mayor's Hike, Bike and Paddle, May 25th, Memorial Day. 

This is an expedition—long days on the water, leaving at dawn each day with a steady rhythm of moving downstream. But it is also something more: a journey that connects adventure, citizen science, and the future of our river communities.

Each mile supports real work:

• Having an adventure
• Documenting wildlife and river conditions
• Working with students through the RESTORE Lab
• Connecting with neighboring river towns

Students are central to this effort. They paddle, research, document, and help tell the story of the river. You can see their impact in the 2025 RESTORE Lab Report in the form of a story map:
https://arcg.is/0efG9X1👉 

This is a 480-mile classroom, laboratory, and shared adventure—bringing together students, citizens, and river communities across generations.

Your support fuels:

• Student field research and participation
• Citizen science and data collection
• Stronger, more connected river towns
• The long-term work of the Ohio River Way

Join this effort—support the paddle, the science, and the river. Donate today.