Now that summer is just around the corner, folks in Saugerties are heading for the Esopus Creek – either to fish, have a picnic, take a swim at the ever-popular Saugerties Lighthouse or just hang out on the dock, watching the world go by. Several homeowners lucky enough to have the Esopus Creek for their backyard are opening up their dock, deck or patio to visitors in the name of a good cause on the afternoon of June 4, in what’s being billed as the “Decks and Docks Tour.” The event, which is in its fourth year, is also a great opportunity to observe the birds, plants, frogs, turtles and other wild inhabitants in the Esopus Bend Nature Preserve, which hugs the eastern side of the Creek.

After launching their kayak, canoe, rowboat or other craft into the Creek from the town beach, visitors can make a pit stop at five designated docks or decks during their exploration. Each of the participating homeowners will be offering scrumptious snacks and cooling drinks in an informal, café-style setting. In between visits, you’ll want to cruise along the edge of Esopus Bend, where student bands from the public schools will be serenading boaters from their creekside location. To work off all that snacking, you can paddle your craft two miles upstream, almost to the PVI Bridge.

There will be a limited selection of kayaks for rent at the beach. Alternatively, you can visit the decks or docks by car, bike or on foot. Tickets for the tour, which are on sale at www.esopuscreekconservancy.org or at local businesses (to be announced; check the website), are $20 for an individual or $50 for a family in advance, $30 for individuals and $65 for families the day of the tour. All proceeds benefit the Esopus Bend Nature Preserve. The rain date is June 5. For more information, call (845) 247-0664.