September 7, 2025

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon on the KY River for our 7th Annual Voyageur Outing celebrating 28 years of Kentucky Watershed Watch! We filled 2 boats with 29 paddlers and launched from the Clifton boat ramp into the Kentucky River in Woodford County.

We were joined by Whitney Stepp-Gay and Tayna Stepp-Givens, who introduced us to Little Jamaica, an important African American safe place where the Clifton boat ramp is now located. The property was sold to Woodford County to ensure public access in perpetuity and in alignment with the community value the space has provided for generations. We learned about the history of the area and its deep connection to the thriving community, which served as a refuge, named in honor of one of the family’s favorite places to travel.   

A new historical marker will be placed at the site soon. The Bowmar-Stepp family says:  "We are proud that the legacy of the Bowmar-Stepp family will continue to echo through this place, reminding future generations of what was built, endured, and cherished on the banks of the Kentucky River."

Kentucky Watershed Watch thanks the Bowmar-Stepp family for sharing their history with us, as well as all the donors and paddlers who helped us raise over $1,000!  A special thanks to River City Paddlesports for providing the voyageur boats and captains again this year.