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GATESVILLE – It’s as old as the Medieval Period in world history, perhaps even older, and it calls the Roanoke-Chowan area as home.

Did you know that an ancient cypress, estimated to be 700-to-1400 years-old, towers over Lassiter Swamp within Merchants Millpond State Park in Gates County?

And did you know that you can join a group of outdoor enthusiasts to visit this magnificent piece of history.

Merchants Millpond State Park invites the public to participate in a paddle to visit what is known as the “Big Tree.” That event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2.

Those interested are encouraged to arrive at the park’s Visitor Center at 9 a.m. Bring your canoe or you can rent one for $25.

This is an all-day event as it takes two and one-half hours to paddle to the tree. The paddlers will have lunch at the tree and then return to the Visitor Center.

Guests are encouraged to dress for the weather. Sunglasses, sunscreen, a good hat, and lots of snacks and water are strongly recommended.

Registration for the event opens at 9 a.m. on March 24. To sign up, call the Visitor Center at 252-357-1191.

The next day (April 3), there will be a paddle tour of the millpond beginning at 10 a.m. from the Visitor Center.

This is a great time to see the different types of migrating birds, such as Northern Parula and Prothonotary Warblers, as well as many species of dragonflies and damselflies.

The tour will take approximately one hour.

Canoes, life jackets, and paddles will be offered at no charge. Guests are requested to dress for the weather and bring water and sunscreen. A hat and sunglasses are recommended.

There are a limited number of spots available for this tour. Registration begins at 9 a.m. on March 24. To sign up, call the visitor center at 252-357-1191.

Merchants Millpond State Park is also offering a canoe 101 class at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 1 at the Visitor Center. The class will cover the basics of canoeing for those who are unfamiliar or are in need of a refresher. A canoe trip out on the millpond will follow the class.

The class, open to all ages, is expected to last about two hours.

Canoes, life jackets and paddles will be offered at no charge. Guests are requested to dress for the weather and bring water and sunscreen.

To sign up, call the visitor center at 252-357-1191.