Flooding caused by this week's rain finds Mother Nature storing some of the Oostanaula River's floodwaters in the Burwell Creek basin, which spans Riverside Parkway behind the Olive Garden development. This area is slated to be filled in and paved, and a shopping center built on top of it.

Right now there is an ample-sized floodwater lake over Burwell Creek, creating plenty of room to explore the area via kayak and canoe. If you want to experience firsthand the reason for all the hoopla surrounding this prospective development, meet your tour guides from Coosa River Basin Initiative in the lower parking lot behind Olive Garden for a chilly guided paddle trip of the Burwell Creek flood.

CRBI will have an assortment of canoes and kayaks available to use free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. You are also welcome to BYOB (bring your own boat).

This opportunity only happens every couple of years, when it floods, so take advantage and paddle Burwell Creek!