Paddle Antrim

10/13/2026

What can you plant over a septic drain field? 🌼

Turf grass needs frequent watering and fertilizer, which can lead to septic failure and nutrient runoff into our lakes. With a Paddle Antrim Ripple Effect Mini Grant, Grass River Natural Area and the Health Department of Northwest Michigan collaborated to turn 1,000 square feet of lawn at GRNA into a Septic-Safe Native Plant Demonstration Garden, complete with signs and plant lists so you can create one at home. Stop by and see it!

Have a project that protects our waterways? Ripple Effect Mini Grant applications are due November 1. Click the link in our profile to apply or share with a group that should!

10/13/2026

Paddle Antrim needs your vote! 🗳️

We’re excited to be in the running for Oryana Community Co-op’s 2027 Groceries for Good program. Each year, the program supports local nonprofits through shopper round-ups and a 2% of sales donation day.

Voting is open October 1–31, and 12 organizations will be selected for 2027. We’d be grateful to have your support!

🧡 Cast your vote for Paddle Antrim: oryana.coop/community/groceries-for-good

10/09/2026

With beautiful weather in the forecast this weekend, we know many of you may be tempted to get out on the water to view some fall colors.

Please keep in mind that warm air temperatures can be deceiving, because our lakes are cold and getting colder every day. Dress for the water temperature, not the air. Water below 70°F is considered cold. A sudden fall into cold water can cause gasping, hypothermia and swimming failure within minutes, even for experienced paddlers.

Dress for the water temperature, not the air.

The single most important thing you can do is ALWAYS wear your life jacket. Make sure it's snug and buckled.

If you do head out:

Wear a wetsuit or drysuit. Skip the cotton.
Protect your hands and feet with paddling gloves and neoprene boots (important for Paddle Boarders especially!)
Carry a whistle and a phone in a dry bag.
Paddle with a partner and share your plan with someone onshore.
Stay close to shore. If you're unsure, stay off the water.

Please help us share this important message!

Learn more about paddling safely: https://www.paddleantrim.com/chain-of-lakes-water-trail/etiquette-and-safety/

10/09/2026

Our October update is now available! Check it out here: https://mailchi.mp/paddleantrim/paddle-antrim-oct2026

10/08/2026

WE DID IT! 🎉

Thanks to you, Paddle Antrim not only met our September $10,000 Match Challenge, we surpassed it!

A huge thank you to the grandparents of Ruby and Rigel, who matched every September gift and inspired our community to double its impact. In their words:

"Supporting Paddle Antrim is our way of investing in the future. We want today's children — and tomorrow's grandchildren — to grow up connected to healthy waterways through adventure, stewardship, and time spent outdoors."

And thank you to every donor, paddler, volunteer, sponsor and friend who gave, shared or cheered us on. Your support helps us expand paddling access, protect our waterways and keep the water trail welcoming for everyone.

10/07/2026

Thanks to several amazing volunteer photographers, spectators, and paddlers who shared their photos with us, we’ve collected hundreds of photos capturing the Paddle Antrim Festival from so many different perspectives.

From the water to the finish lines, the cowbells to the crazy moments in between — these photos really show what makes the Paddle Antrim Festival so special.

A special thank you to Josh, Art, and ShaeMarie Photography for capturing so many incredible moments of our paddlers throughout the weekend!

Take a look through the full collection and see if you can spot yourself, your paddling crew, or a favorite Festival moment.

📷 View the 2026 Paddle Antrim Festival photo album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/paddleantrim/albums/72177720335789652

10/07/2026

Applications are now open for our 2026 Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program! These grants fund projects that protect our local waterways and connect people to them, with a focus on stewardship, education, or increasing access to our lakes and rivers.

If you're a Michigan-based nonprofit or governmental entity with a project in the Elk River Chain of Lakes watershed (or an adjacent watershed that impacts Antrim County), we'd love to hear from you. Applications are due November 1.

Learn more and apply at www.paddleantrim.com/ripple-effect-mini-grants/

10/06/2026

We’re proud to be one of 21 local organizations recently awarded a grant from the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation!

This support will help move our Building Connections to Our Waterways project forward as we explore new ways to connect with youth and schools across our region.

Our goal? To help more young people safely experience, explore, and build a connection to our waterways through paddle sports — creating the next generation of people who care about and protect the places we love.

We’re grateful to the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation for investing in this work and in the future of our communities and waterways!

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation awarded $334,090 in grants to 21 organizations across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. According to a statement, the grants, ranging from $5,000 to $40,000, wer...

10/06/2026

Paddle Antrim is on the ballot for Oryana Community Co-op’s 2027 Groceries for Good program! 🧡

Voting is open October 1–31, and we’d love your support. Cast your vote and help Paddle Antrim earn one of 12 spots in next year’s Groceries for Good program!

🗳️ Vote here: oryana.coop/community/groceries-for-good

10/01/2026

We're excited to offer another two weeks of presale items! 🎉

By popular demand, we're bringing back the Teal Heather Full-Zip Bella+Canvas Sponge Fleece Hoodie. And we're introducing two brand-new items: the amazing Nomadix Festival Blanket and our 5-panel printed trucker hat!

Treat yourself or grab a gift for someone special! The presale ends October 16, so don't wait. Snag yours before they're gone!

https://www.paddleantrim.com/product-category/october-pre-sale-items/