The Middle Nolichucky Watershed Alliance (MNWA) conducted a float trip on Saturday down about 10 miles of the Nolichucky River.

Participants of a wide range of ages showed up at the meeting location, a gravel parking area under Kinser Bridge.

With canoes and kayaks in the group, the group of about 20 set off down the Nolichucky following a group picture.

Will Nissley, the Americorps volunteer with MNWA, organized and helped promote the trip.

The purpose of the outing, according to Nissley, was to raise awareness of the presence of the MNWA and let people know there is an organization committed to preserving the water for future generations.

Nissley also believes that a greater awareness goes beyond preservation.

He reasons that, as the Nolichucky River becomes more of a tourist destination, the money generated will help the region as a whole.

He also noted that the Nolichucky River is the primary drinking water source for Greene County.

Even beyond the practical and prudent, the river is beautiful and a great place for fishing, canoeing, and swimming. Wildlife is also frequently sighted along the river.

The float trip group left the river at the Joe Johnson Recreation Area beside Bird's Bridge on the Old Asheville Highway.

The participants seemed to agree that it was a fun escapade.

Tanner Hulsey, 6, of Greeneville, said the most fun part was stopping to swim at a sandbar in the river.

Angie Taylor, also of Greeneville, enjoyed the event and said it was "good family fun" for her and two of her children.

Her son Lincoln Taylor, a 17-year-old soon-to-be senior at Greeneville High School, agreed with his mother.

"It was awesome," he said, "quite the adventure."

He noted that he saw some wild turkeys, fish jumping, and great blue herons along the route.

To find out more about the MNWA, visit their facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Middle-Nolichucky-Watershed-Alliance/195038473783.