http://www.MiWaterwaysStewards.org/

Michigan Waterways Stewards, Okemos, MI (2026)

10/16/2026

KARING FOR THE KZOO26 — FALL EVENT
Creating An Impact is What Broncos Do!
Sunday, October 18, 2026

We are excited about this Sunday’s Karing for the KZOO26, a cleanup of the Kalamazoo River, riverside parks, and the Kalamazoo Valley River Trail. This is another Western Michigan University student-led event and our sixth community-wide effort (comprising fourteen stewardship projects in total since early spring 2023).

To prepare for Sunday’s event, we toured the area on Wednesday to assess needs and determine where we can make the greatest impact. See highlights below.

As with any urban area, daily pressures on our waterways and fragile ecosystems are heavy. The remarkable improvements made regarding litter patrol on and along the Kalamazoo River and the removal of invasive trees and bushes along the Kalamazoo Valley River Trail have been transformative. It is wonderful to see a growing interest in stewarding this area. With each passing season, we see remarkable gains and more people enjoying the views and experiences along the stretch of the Kalamazoo River from Charter Township of Comstock to City of Parchment.

This Sunday’s event—created in collaboration with WMU Community Engaged Learning and WMU 4500 business students—will prove to be another great event and celebration of community. The autumn weather is shaping up wonderfully, with sunny skies and temperatures expected in the mid-50s. We hope to see you there too!
• Event: Karing for the KZOO26
• Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026
• Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• HQ Site: Mayors’ Riverfront Park (located behind the Kalamazoo Growlers baseball stadium)

Everything needed will be provided, including equipment, gloves, snacks, and bottled water. To improve the experience, we encourage volunteers to:
• Bring personal garden or work gloves for extra comfort and a layer of protection
• Wear shoes or boots they don’t mind getting dirty

To learn more about the event, visit our website or connect with us directly. We would love to hear fom you:
E. [email protected]
P. (952) 239-3943

MICHIGAN WATERWAYS STEWARDS. CREATING A COMMUNITY CULTURE OF CARE.
JOIN US. CREATE A LASTING IMPACT. THIS IS OUR LEGACY.

10/16/2026

TROUT UNLIMITED—LANSING
Thank You For Your Conservation Leadership.

This year, we celebrated the remarkable efforts of thousands of volunteers who have helped transform our Capital City’s Grand and Red Cedar Rivers, Sycamore Creek, riverside parks, and adjacent stretches of the Lansing River Trail. Because of their relentless determination, we can now boast about our providing Michigan’s most scenic and enjoyable urban waterway destinations.

At a special event held this summer at Rotary Park—with the Grand River as a beautiful backdrop—Lansing Mayor Andy Schor and Parks and Recreation Director Brett Kaschinske helped us honor many of our most valued partner organizations.

It was our privilege to recognize Trout Unlimited-Lansing (TUL) for their four consecutive years of support. TUL's stewardship covers the Red Cedar River from the MSU campus to the confluence of the Grand River, as well as the Grand River flowing through Lansing’s downtown river district. In addition to their conservation work, TUL has provided engaging fly-fishing exhibitions at our community events.

TUL members have consistently stepped up to help us manage litter patrols and clear woody debris to keep on-river recreation safe and enjoyable. They have also been instrumental in the maintenance and beautification of Kruger’s Landing, where they regularly tackle the difficult—and often dangerous—task of clearing seasonal woody debris and unsightly trash.

On Wednesday, October 14, we were thrilled to personally present TUL with an award for their exceptional conservation efforts at their annual meeting. During the presentation, we asked anyone who had volunteered at a Michigan Waterways Stewardship event to come forward. Nearly the entire room moved to the front of the stage, beautifully demonstrating their shared passion to protect, care for, and improve our treasured waterways and fragile ecosystems.

The physical award, a framed Certificate of Appreciation, was presented to TUL member and volunteer extraordinaire Otto Mullins. Otto is a frequent volunteer who always seeks out the most challenging assignments to create the greatest possible impact. Highlighting their incredible reach, TUL was also recognized at this same meeting by Michigan Trout Unlimited as the top volunteer chapter across the entire state.

Please join us in extending a special thank you to TUL and all of its members for their unwavering commitment to conservation and community.

MICHIGAN WATERWAYS STEWARDS—CREATING A COMMUNITY CULTURE OF CARE
JOIN US • CREATE LASTING IMAPCT • THIS IS OUR LEGACY

10/15/2026

THANK YOU MEIJER
A Capital City Autumn Anew Event Sponsor

We at Michigan Waterways Stewards want to recognize and thank Meijer for its generous financial support of Autumn Anew, our fall Lansing Rivers and River Trail Cleanup. Support like theirs makes our work possible and keeps Michigan’s treasured waterways cleaner and healthier for fish, wildlife, recreation, and sport.

Throughout October, we are managing stewardship events across Lansing, East Lansing, Grand Ledge, South Haven, and Kalamazoo. We have partnered with elementary, middle school, college, and university students, civic and social groups, churches, conservation clubs, and local and state governments.

Our eighth biannual Lansing Rivers and River Trail Cleanup, Autumn Anew, is shaping up wonderfully. It is much more than stewardship—it’s a celebration of community. The event features three distinct components:
1. Stewardship: Cleaning our rivers, creeks, riverside parks, and miles of adjacent river trails.
2. Recreation: Paddling the Grand and Red Cedar rivers to build a deeper connection to our waterways and foster a shared responsibility to protect them.
3. Photography Contest: Capturing the theme “Reimagine • Rediscover • Reconnect” to highlight the beauty of the Capital City Region and honor four years of volunteer dedication.

It has been a remarkable journey. To learn more about Autumn Anew and how you can support our mission, visit the Michigan Waterways Stewards website.

MICHIGAN WATERWAYS STEWARDS. CREATING A COMMUNITY CULTURE OF CARE.
JOIN US. CREATE LASTING IMPACT. THIS IS OUR LEGACY.

10/14/2026

A GRAND LEDGE GRAND RIVER REVIEW

This Saturday, October 18, we are thrilled to partner with Grand Ledge's Willow Ridge Elementary School Environmental Club for a waterways stewardship event. Today, we paddled the 1.4 miles from Jaycee Park to the Grand Ledge dam to enjoy the summer-like day and assess the area.

Grand Ledge provides a perfect setting for young children—a key audience of ours—to discover the wonders of the outdoors. They will also learn an important lesson from our mascot, Hannah the Heron: “Love Our Waterways. It’s a Shared Responsibility.”

During the event, students will discover that Grand Ledge, the Grand River’s most charming and scenic river town, is beautifully maintained. By helping environmental club members build a deep connection to the Grand River, we can teach them how their daily actions make a real difference.

Perhaps more importantly, they will forever remember this weekend’s experience with their peers and parents. The lessons they learn here will empower them to influence others regarding waterway stewardship and other vital environmental matters.

Interest in Saturday’s event is growing rapidly, with over 30 students, parents, and club advisors expected to attend!

MICHIGAN WATERWAYS STEWARDS: CREATING A COMMUNITY CULTURE OF CARE
Join Us. Create a Lasting Impact. This is Our Legacy.

10/11/2026

MICHIGAN WATERWAYS STEWARDS.
Making Michigan 100% Beautiful.

I have been blessed to paddle many of the most scenic rivers and lakes in the Upper Midwest and compete in extreme races across the country. It is difficult to express the sheer joy of being alone in the middle of Lake Michigan, or experiencing the power and fury of Lake Superior during an attempted crossing.

The beauty I have experienced is far greater than I ever imagined. I wish everyone could experience the same, or that I could bottle it up to share. While that is not possible, I want every experience of a Michigan river, creek, or waterway to match that of the headwaters of the St. Croix, Mississippi, Namekagon, Manistee, or Marquette.

With every approaching bend, anticipation builds for a wondrous view. Perhaps it will be a mother and fawn at the river’s edge, a bear bounding off, a Great Blue Heron stalking its prey, or geese running atop the water about to take flight. Often, it is the things you don’t see that make the deepest impression—the sharp slap of a beaver’s tail giving warning, or the crashing of tree limbs as something grand attempts to escape notice.

While each of these headwaters is serene and spectacular, they all share one thing in common: their purity. In each, you can clearly see the sandy, pebbly bottom, small fish, and macroinvertebrates. Each is free from the unsightly evidence of human pressure, like litter and trash.

It is my vision to make all of Michigan’s waterways, and those across all of America, as pure and spectacular as our headwaters—to clear them of all visible litter and trash, making them a joy to experience whether you are on the water or along the banks. I want every view and contact with our treasured waters to be so wondrous and welcoming that you feel compelled to protect and care for them.

Since our start in November 2022, my confidence in achieving this vision grows with each passing week. We have made remarkable strides and transformative gains. There is no denying our momentum, our volunteers' enthusiasm, and our unprecedented results. Our work demonstrates the joy and ease with which we achieve great things when working together.

Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey. You inspire me. Just imagine the gains we will make together over the next two to three years—let alone the next five to ten.

Mike Stout
President and Founder, Michigan Waterways Stewards
- Creating a Community Culture of Care.

10/11/2026

A SOUTH HAVEN—BLACK RIVER EVENT | 10.10.26
The Final 4.5-Mile Leg Is Now Obstruction-Free — Enjoy!

On this beautiful autumn day, we returned to South Haven—this time to clear the South Branch of the Black River of river-wide obstructions to make paddling and fishing safe and enjoyable.

We first learned about this remarkably scenic stretch of river while attending a special event at the Gilmore Car Museum this summer, where I was a special guest of Rotary District 6360 (Southwest Michigan). At this event, I met South Haven Rotarian John Mellein, an avid outdoorsman who boasted about their award-winning Lake Michigan city and scenic river. However, as we talked about the joys of paddling, he expressed frustration regarding their stretch of the South Branch Black River, specifically how difficult it can be to navigate due to many fallen trees.

Coincidentally, I was sitting next to my good friend Marty Overhiser. While Marty lives in Marshall, MI, his family has deep roots in South Haven. In fact, his nephew, Craig Overhiser, owns property right along the Black River.

Eager to visit South Haven and learn more, I met up with Marty and Craig in late August. I launched at South Haven’s Black River Park and made my way up to the Phoenix kayak launch to meet them. Craig was eager to lend a hand to make the river safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Aware of several challenging spots along his property, he generously offered the use of his heavy equipment. The Black River is beautiful, and South Haven is a top Lake Michigan resort town where everyone is friendly and hospitable. After that meeting, I couldn't wait to return and get to work.

On Saturday, October 10, 2026, we met again to begin clearing dangerous woody debris. The timing was perfect: water levels were low, autumn colors were just beginning to show, and the day was beautifully sunny. Helping with the day's efforts were Craig Overhiser, Scott Prais, John Mellein, and Mike Stout. Craig brought in his heavy equipment, making work possible in areas that would have otherwise been unmanageable.

We are pleased to share that as of October 10, the final leg of the Black River—the 4.5-mile stretch from the Phoenix Kayak Launch to downtown South Haven—is now cleared of woody obstructions. You can now paddle and fish without having to portage, jump logs, or struggle under fallen trees spanning the river.

We encourage you to visit South Haven now to explore the South Branch of the Black River during this peak period of brilliant fall colors and abundant wildlife. Also, river conditions can change quickly. Few stretches of river in Michigan are as scenic as this one, especially as it flows directly into an award-winning Lake Michigan city renowned for its beauty and hospitality:
• South Haven, Michigan was named one of the 15 Most Beautiful Towns in America for 2026 by WorldAtlas.
• South Haven’s South Beach was named the Best Beach in Michigan by USA TODAY in 2026.

MICHIGAN WATERWAYS STEWARDS
CREATING A COMMUNITY CULTURE OF CARE.
JOIN US. CREATE LASTING IMPACT. THIS IS OUR LEGACY.

10/09/2026

Could This Dutch Invention Help Tackle Plastic Pollution in America’s Waterways?
A Smithsonian Magazine story authored by freelance writer, Hannah Docter-Loeb.

The Smithsonian Magazine does an excellent job of highlighting the benefits of a developing technology known as the "Bubble Barrier," along with plans for the City of Lansing, to adopt this successful concept from the Netherlands to capture microplastics, litter, and trash.

Hannah Docter-Loeb, freelance writer for the Smithsonian Magazine, explains, “The Netherlands has successfully implemented the Bubble Barrier, which pumps air bubbles from the bottom of a canal or river to direct plastic to the surface. Now, Lansing aims to be the first city in the U.S. to install this technology.”

The Bubble Barrier uses air bubbles to create a barrier that prevents the spread of particles like plastic. Other companies have employed similar methods to contain oil spills, guide fish migration, and even mitigate underwater noise. However, using this type of barrier specifically for plastic is particularly beneficial.

Brett Kaschinske, director of Lansing Parks and Recreation, states, “While catching plastic is the primary goal of the barrier, it also serves as an educational tool. The Bubble Barrier can spark conversations about the importance of clean water, the dangers of plastic pollution, and how this technology can benefit the Grand River waterway.”

Michigan Waterway Stewards shared their insights on this concept. Mike Stout, president and founder, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “It’s a wonderful concept, and I am very excited about its potential. It will improve fishery and wildlife habitats and enhance the appearance of communities downstream. The positive impact will also benefit ecotourism, encouraging more people to recreate on and along our waterways.”

To learn more about this innovative technology, its extensive ecological benefits, and the perspectives of industry leaders, visit: https://shorturl.at/2Pb03

MICHIGAN WATERWAY STEWARDS. CREATING A COMMUNITY CULTURE OF CARE.
JOIN US. CREATE LASTING IMPACT. THIS IS OUR LEGACY.

10/08/2026

KARING FOR THE KZOO26-THE FALL EVENT
Join Us At Mayors’ Riverfront on Sunday, October 18, 2026 for a Day of Stewardship and Community Celebration.

Since our first Kalamazoo project in the early spring of 2024, we have managed 14 waterway stewardship projects in the area, ranging from pop-up cleanups and team-building activities to biannual, community-wide events:

• March 2024: We led the largest volunteer-run stewardship project in Kalamazoo’s history. On a chilly spring morning, hundreds of volunteers from across the state came together to clear thousands of pounds of litter and trash from the Kalamazoo River, stretching from Comstock to Parchment.

• Spring 2026: We completed a massive, two-year initiative—the largest volunteer effort of its type in the region. Volunteers eradicated invasive flora along a 1.5-mile stretch of the river, restoring the natural beauty of Mayors' Riverfront Park, Red Arrow Golf Course, and Verburg Park.

This fall, during peak autumn color, we are returning for our sixth Kalamazoo Area community-wide waterway stewardship event. Our focus will be removing litter and debris from the Kalamazoo River and its banks.

Event Details:
• Headquarters: Mayors' Riverfront Park (located behind the Kalamazoo Growlers baseball stadium).
• Our Partner: Western Michigan University and its students have played a massive role in our success. This event is hosted in partnership with WMU Community Engaged Learning, connecting academic coursework with real-world service to address community needs.

This will be another fun, high-impact stewardship event you won't want to miss! Bring your family, friends, or neighbors—or sign up as a team-building activity for your school, workplace, or place of worship. You will leave with an incredible sense of pride knowing you helped make the Kalamazoo River, its parks, and its adjacent trails cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful for everyone.

To learn more and sign up:
W. Visit: www.LoveOurWaterways.org
E. [email protected]
C. (952) 239.3943

LOVE OUR WATERWAYS. IT’S A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY.
JOIN US. CREATE LASTING IMPACT. THIS IS OUR LEGACY.

10/07/2026

A RED CEDAR RIVER TOUR
Exploring America’s Most Beautiful Campus and More

On a beautiful early autumn day—October 6, 2026—a team of waterway stewards set out on the Red Cedar River to admire the brilliant changing colors. The group included volunteer extraordinaire Alexis Linder, River Town Adventures co-owner Paul Brogan, and Mike Stout, the president and founder of Michigan Waterways Stewards.

The team launched just east of Hagadorn Road and paddled 4.25 miles downriver, concluding at Lansing’s Kruger’s Landing. While their primary mission was to hand-retrieve all visible litter in and along the river, they also had a personal motivation: to enjoy the remarkable beauty of this treasured waterway.

The highlight of the trip was the three-mile stretch flowing through the heart of Michigan State University’s campus—the longest continuous stretch of river running through any campus in America and quite possibly the world. Its varied beauty is stunning, and many believe the MSU stretch of the Red Cedar River has never looked cleaner, healthier, or more accessible, offering an incredible array of recreational amenities.

Much of this success can be credited to the formation of MSU’s new Red Cedar River Stewardship and Recreation Committee, alongside the award-winning efforts of MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities. A special shout-out is also due to MSU Landscape Services.

REIMAGINE. REDISCOVER. RECONNECT.
We have so much to celebrate here in our Capital City Region—not least of which is our status as Michigan’s most scenic and enjoyable urban waterway destination. With our current momentum and the many plans for continued improvement, imagine the wondrous beauty of our area’s Grand River, Red Cedar River, and Sycamore Creek just two or three years from now!

Below, in the order they were taken, are photos from yesterday’s Red Cedar Tour.

We encourage you to explore and enjoy our capital city’s waterways, whether from the seat of a kayak or canoe, or along our prized River Trail while hiking, jogging, or walking. Better yet, bring a friend or family member along for the adventure. To start, leave a Like, Comment, or Share to help tell the story of our area’s unmatched scenic beauty.

LOVE OUR WATERWAYS. IT’S A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY.
JOIN US • CREATE LASTING IMPACT • THIS IS OUR LEGACY

10/05/2026

MSU CREW CLUB – ANOTHER GRAND RIVER STEWARDSHIP EVENT
CREATING A FAR BETTER WORLD!

We have proudly partnered with the Michigan State University Crew Club for three consecutive years, collaborating twice each year. Each season, they continue to impress us with their determination to do more and create an even greater impact.

On this beautiful Sunday, October 4—following Saturday's Head of the Grand Regatta—well over 30 members of the MSU Crew Club and their coaches gathered at Lansing’s Rotary Park to steward the waters and banks of our treasured Grand River. They focused their efforts on the 1.5-mile stretch from the confluence of the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers to Burchard Park (Brenke Fish Ladder).

Joining us this afternoon was volunteer Mike Gorishek, board president of Punks With Lunch (PWLLansing).

Those on the water canvassed both sides of the Grand River, attempting to remove every piece of litter, trash, and evidence of urban living in sight. Meanwhile, team members inland worked from the river’s edge to the Lansing River Trail, and well beyond in many areas. Nothing escaped their sight as they ventured deep into the woods, made their way through tall grasses, and scoured the undersides of boardwalks and bridges.

When finished, they left our Capital City’s downtown riverfront looking grand, clean, and healthier. They have provided welcoming conditions for a great walk or jog on our prized Lansing River Trail or a paddle down our treasured Grand River.

Please join me in thanking the MSU Crew Club for their years of exceptional stewardship, campus leadership, and community service.

MORE REASONS TO BE PROUD OF THE MSU CREW CLUB
Having experienced the joy of stewarding our Capital City’s Grand and Red Cedar Rivers, the MSU Crew Club wants other crew clubs to experience the same. At their Head of the Grand Regatta on Saturday, they announced the launch of their "Love Our Waterways Grand Stewardship Award.”

This award recognizes top crew clubs in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio for caring for the rivers where they compete and play. The club named the top-performing waterway steward will receive a discount to next year’s Head of the Grand Regatta and a trophy to proudly display at their clubhouse. Another trophy will be kept at the MSU Crew Club clubhouse, where the name of each year’s winner will be proudly displayed.

The MSU Crew Club envisions taking this contest nationwide. Imagine the impact they will make when they encourage every crew club across America to give back to their communities by making their respective rivers cleaner, healthier, and more enjoyable for everyone.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IS WHAT SPARTANS DO!

Michigan Waterways Stewards

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