Stay Tuned for 2025 Kanoe the Kazoo Events!!
This year’s events are sponsored by:
Signatories to the Lake Allegan/Kalamazoo River Total Maximum Daily Load Program, including the City of Kalamazoo, and the City of Battle Creek
&
Special thanks to this year’s partners:
Contact Bela at programs@kalamazooriver.org or the other contacts listed below with any questions.
Pre-registration is required for all events.
2024’s Past Events:
June 15, 2024
Paddle the South Branch Kalamazoo River from Goose Lake Rd to Folks Road (SW corner of Jackson County)
Hosts: Whitehouse Nature Center, Kalamazoo River Watershed Council
Contact: Monica Day (Whitehouse Nature Center, mday@albion.edu), Doug McLaughlin (krwc@kalamazooriver.org)
Event Description: An afternoon paddle on the south branch of the Kalamazoo in the Kalamazoo River headwaters. This 3.9 mile paddle will last about 3 hours and is recommended for intermediate paddlers. Lunch will be provided at check-in.
Pre-registration is required. Please register below.
Details:
Vessel drop off/check-in: 10:30am at 14300 Goose Lake Road, Jonesville, MI 49250. Those borrowing vessels will make a selection at this time and lunch will be served.
Vehicle shuttle provided: 11:00am shuttle caravan departs from launch site to drop vehicles at take-out location (Wheeler Rd & Folks Rd Pulaski Township, MI 49241).Shuttle will carry paddlers back to launch site at 11:30am.
Launch: 11:45am
Take out: 3:00pm
Boat rentals: Available, please indicate on registration form and reach out to Monica Day (mday@albion.edu). Limited quantity available- first come first serve
T-shirts: Free, indicate size on registration form, pick up t-shirt at check-in
Event cost: There is no charge for the event
Note: Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian
Registration is now closed
This event is now complete.
Rescheduled event in Battle Creek! Now afternoon/evening on August 14, 2024
Paddle the Battle Creek River near downtown Battle Creek
8/13/2024 UPDATE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED (too many trees down in the river channel)
Hosts: City of Battle Creek
Contact: Bessie Ploeg (City of Battle Creek, beploeg@battlecreekmi.gov)
Event Description: An afternoon/evening paddle from Linear Park to downtown Battle Creek.
View Brochure. Kanoe the Kazoo & River Cleanup Rescheduled
Pre-registration is required. Please register below.
Details:
Check in: Check in and drop off kayaks between 3:00pm – 4:00pm at Wagner Dr. & Emmett St.
Vehicle shuttle provided: Must have personal vehicle parked near 15 Carlyle St. by 4:15pm in order to catch shuttle bus back to launch point at 4:30pm.
Launch: by 4:50pm
Take out: Between 6pm and 7pm
Boat rentals: Preferred that you bring your own canoe or kayak
Event cost: There is no charge for the event
Capacity: 40
Note: Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian
July 27, 2024
Paddle and Ride Adventure on the Kalamazoo River from Kalamazoo to D Avenue
Hosts: Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo River Watershed Council
Contact: Jenny Doezema (jdoezema@naturecenter.org), Doug McLaughlin (krwc@kalamazooriver.org)
Event Description: We will ride the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail to the starting point of our river trip. Paddle together down the Kalamazoo River with naturalists, river experts, and lifeguards through KNC natural areas, past heron rookeries and an eagle’s nest before breaking for lunch on the KNC River Deck.
Pre-registration is required. Please register below.
Details:
Time: 8:30am-2:00pm
Event Cost: There is a charge for this event
If you need a boat, please register for equipment during registration. Helmets and life jackets are required for participation in this event. All participants will need their own bike for this event. Start time and instructions will be shared with registered guests.
Note: Ages 8+; Youth welcome but must share a boat with an adult (canoes are available). 16 and up may paddle solo.
Registration is now closed.
This event is now complete.
August 3, 2024
A fun paddle on the Kalamazoo River from Merrill Park in Comstock to Mayor’s Riverfront Park in Kalamazoo
Hosts: City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo River Watershed Council
Contact: Malissa Miller (City of Kalamazoo, mdrzick@kalamazoocity.org), Doug McLaughlin (krwc@kalamazooriver.org)
Event Description: A fun paddle on the Kalamazoo River from Merrill Park in Comstock to Mayor’s Riverfront Park in Kalamazoo. Paddle will last about 2 hours. City of Kalamazoo Public Services team will have a table set up with information, swag, and other giveaways. Please take a minute to stop by and check it out. Participants will enjoy free refreshments provided by the city of Kalamazoo.
Pre-registration is required. Please register below.
Details:
Arrive: Merrill Park at 8:30am
Check-in: Upon arrival, please check-in at the table (and receive your FREE T-shirt and swag). Unload boats and equipment and have a single driver ready to depart the park; Enjoy some coffee and snacks while you wait to launch.
Vehicle shuttle provided: Once checked-in, one driver from each party will drive personal vehicle to the take-out point at Mayors Riverfront Park; A shuttle van will meet at Mayor’s Riverfront Park and bring participants back to Merrill Park.
Launch: 9:30am at Merrill Park once all participants have returned from shuttling.
Boat rentals: Not available
T-shirts: Free, indicate size on registration form, pick up t-shirt at check-in
Event cost: There is no charge for the event
Registration is now closed.
This event is now complete.
August 17, 2024
Kanoe the Kazoo Annual Paddle and Dinner Event, Kalamazoo River at New Richmond
Hosts: Kalamazoo River Watershed Council and WaterTrail Ventures, LLC
Contact: Doug McLaughlin (KRWC, 269-350-6158, krwc@kalamazooriver.org) and Julie Hulsey (WaterTrail Ventures, (269) 547-1884, watertrailexplorer1@yahoo.com)
Event Description: Paddle from the M-89 Bridge Boat Launch near Swan Creek Marsh, located 2.3 miles West of M40 or 6 miles East of the City of Fennville, to WaterTrail Ventures and Paddle Respite in New Richmond during the afternoon. Then walk across the street to The Chapel for an evening celebration outdoors under the big top with catered food, beer, wine, and live music. Join us for both the paddle and dinner, just the paddle trip, or just the dinner. Register below for one of these options. Pre-registration is required. Donations to KRWC are encouraged.
The Paddle Trip (12 miles/4-5 hour paddle ending by 6pm):
Check in: Begins at 9:00 AM at WaterTrail Ventures (3151 57th St, Fennville, MI 49408). Please drop equipment at M89 Bridge Boat Access prior to arrival in New Richmond. Volunteers will be present to supervise equipment during shuttling.
Launch: Between 11am and 12:30pm
Take out: At New Richmond by no later than 6pm
Shuttle van provided: Shuttle to launch location will begin at 9:00AM from WaterTrail Ventures and Paddle Respite in New Richmond; final shuttle at 12 noon.
Boat Rentals: Contact Julie at WaterTrail Ventures and Paddle Respite (269- 547-1884) in advance
T-shirts: Free, indicate size on registration form, pick up t-shirt upon take-out
Event Cost: There is no charge for the event. Donations for the KRWC are encouraged
Note: WaterTrail Ventures and Paddle Respite will have their Trestle Bell site and limited rustic camping space available for purchase to registered participants. Anyone wanting to book an overnight stay should contact Julie directly at 269-547-1884.
The Dinner Event (3:00pm to 8pm):
Evening celebration at The Chapel (3142 57th St, Fennville, MI) with catered dinner, beer and wine, live music and watershed information from 3:30pm to 7:30pm.
Check in: Between 3pm and 6pm at The Chapel
Dinner buffet line open from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Options include pulled pork, pulled chicken, vegetarian burgers (must specify on registration form), rolls, assorted BBQ sauces, coleslaw, American potato salad, fruit salad.
Pick up your free Kanoe the Kazoo T-shirt at check-in.
Registration for this event is now closed. Thanks to all who registered!
September 7, 2024
Paddle from the Marshall Recreation Department to Ceresco Green
Host: City of Charlotte, City of Marshall, City of Olivet
Contact: Matt Griffith (517)231-2324, Alec Egnatuk (269)274-3595 or Jerry Staggs (269)339-8219.
Event Description: This Kanoe the Kazoo event is sponsored by the City of Marshall, City of Charlotte, and the City of Olivet. Float the Kalamazoo River from the Marshall Recreation Department to Ceresco Green. Register by August 18 to receive a t-shirt. A BBQ lunch (hot dogs/hamburgers) and a short educational program will be offered at the end of the paddle trip at Ceresco Green. There is a $10 registration fee to cover the cost of the t-shirt and lunch.
Details:
Arrive: 8:30am at 900 S. Marshall Ave., Marshall, MI
Check-in: Drop off your kayak(s) and check in at the welcome table. Donuts, coffee, and water will be provided.
Vehicle shuttle provided: Yes. After dropping off kayak(s), drivers will take their vehicle to Ceresco. A shuttle will be provided to bring drivers back to the Marshall Recreation Department for the launch.
Launch: Paddlers will launch after drivers are shuttled back to the Marshall Recreation Department. The expected arrival time in Ceresco is 12pm.
Boat rentals: A small number of kayaks are available for rent from the City of Marshall Recreation Department. To reserve a kayak, call the Recreation Department at 269-781-5166.
T-shirts: Register by August 18 to receive a t-shirt. Indicate the size needed on the registration form (link provided below).
Event cost: There is a $10 registration fee to cover the cost of the t-shirt and lunch. Please make checks payable to the City of Olivet and mail to C/O Amy Hupenbecker, 117 S. Main St., PO Box 367, Olivet, MI 49076.
Registration is now closed.
This event is now complete.
More information is available Here.
September 20, 2024
Walk-up, mini-float (.5 miles) on the North Branch of the Kalamazoo River for Beginners from Porter Street to North Superior St. behind Stirling Books & Brew during Festival of the Forks, Albion’s Community Festival.
Seeking volunteers to assist with novice paddlers during event-learn more below!
Host: Center for Sustainability and the Environment at Albion College, Kalamazoo River Watershed Council
Contact: Monica Day (Director Center for Sustainability and the Environment, mday@albion.edu), Doug McLaughlin (krwc@kalamazooriver.org)
Event Description: At the Festival of the Forks on Friday September 20th, Albion College’s Center for Sustainability and the Environment and Whitehouse Nature Center will be partnering with the Calhoun County Conservation District to provide walk-up mini-trips from 3:00p-6:00p, on a .5 mile stretch. Last launch at 5:45 PM.
No pre-registration required for participants. Volunteers must pre register.
Details:
Arrive: Porter Street Canoe Dock between 3:00p-5:45p
Check-in: Upon arrival, please check-in at the table to sign waiver, receive instruction, vessel, paddle, and personal floatation device
Vehicle shuttle provided: No, take out is a short walk from put in
Launch: Between 3:00p-5:45p
Boat rentals: Vessels will be provided for all paddlers free of charge
T-shirts: Only for volunteers(see more information below), pick up at check-in
Event cost: There is no charge for the event
Volunteers Needed:
Festival of the Forks Kanoe the Kazoo ‘24 is made possible because of volunteers. If you wish to volunteer, please register at the link below. Half of the volunteers will arrive 1 hour prior to the start of the event to set-up (arrival at 2 PM, shift ending at 4:30 PM). The second half should plan to arrive at 4:30 and stay until 7 pm to assist with take-down. Volunteers will be provided lunch and a t-shirt for their efforts. Please click the link below if interested in learning more or registering.
Volunteer Registration is now closed.
September 22, 2024
Portage Creek and Kalamazoo River Stewardship Day September 22, 2024 – On foot and in vessel opportunities available.
Host: City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, Edison Resident Scholars/Kalamazoo Literacy Council, Stryker
Contact: Malissa Miller (City of Kalamazoo, mdrzick@kalamazoocity.org), Doug McLaughlin (krwc@kalamazooriver.org)
Event Description: To celebrate World Rivers Day on September 22,2024, participants will spend four hours (from 12:00-4:00pm) cleaning specific areas within the Kalamazoo River Watershed.
Pre-registration is required. Please register below.
Details:
Arrive: All participants arrive at 12:00pm at the Kalamazoo Farmer’s Market Pavilion
Check-in: Upon arrival, participants will receive instruction, PPE, cleaning supplies, snacks, and refreshments
T-shirts: Free, pick up at check-in
Boat rentals: Not available
Event cost: There is no charge for this event
“On foot” participation:
1. Clean-up while walking IN Portage Creek. This option requires waders. If you do not have any and wish to participate in cleaning up Portage Creek, we will have eight waders available to borrow. Please indicate size on registration.
2.Cleanup on-shore of different areas along Portage Creek and the Kalamazoo River in and around Kalamazoo. This option does not require waders. Locations in and around Kalamazoo will be assigned upon check-in. You will use your own vehicle to travel to the assigned location.
2. Verburg Park to Commerce Lane. Participants will drop their boats off at Verburg Park, then drive their vehicle and park at Commerce Lane. From Commerce Lane, shuttles provided courtesy of the City of Kalamazoo will return drivers to Verburg Park to start the cleanup.
Registration is now closed.
This event is now complete.
October 5, 2024
Battle Creek On-shore Cleanup & Tree Planting: Krazy for the Kazoo
Host: City of Battle Creek
Contact: Bessie Ploeg (City of Battle Creek, beploeg@battlecreekmi.gov)
Event Description: Join us for our annual Krazy for the Kazoo. We’re looking for individuals and groups to spend the morning walking our linear paths at our local parks or near the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek Rivers, their tributaries, lakes, and ponds to remove garbage and conduct a variety of conservation activities. These activities can also include flower and/or tree plantings, rain garden and storm pond restoration, and invasive species removal. Snacks and beverages will be provided for all volunteers!
Pre-registration is required. Please register below.
Details:
Arrive: 8:30am at the Jackson Street Boat Launch.
Event ends: 11:00am
T-shirts: Free, pick up at check-in.
Event cost: There is no charge for the event.
Registration is now closed.
This event is now complete.
October 27, 2024
“Fall Colors” Galesburg/Augusta Kanoe the Kazoo
Host: Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, Mainstream Tackle & Outdoors
Contact: Bela Ballez (programs@kalamazooriver.org)
Event Description: A fun paddle to showcase the beauty of the Kalamazoo River in the fall. We will start at the Kalamazoo River Boat Launch in Fort Custer Recreation Area. We will float to Time Out Lounge in Galesburg. This float is expected to take 2-3 hours. Cider, donuts, and swag will be provided!
Pre-registration is required. Please register below.
Details:
Arrive: 11am at Fort Custer Recreation Area Kalamazoo River Boat Launch. Once you turn into the park, you will take the first right then another right immediately after. There are also signs that indicate where the launch is that you can follow.
Check-in: Upon arrival, please check-in at the table at the Fort Custer Recreation Area Kalamazoo River Boat Launch to receive instruction, cider, donuts, and swag. Unload boats and equipment and have a single driver ready to depart the park.
Vehicle shuttle provided: Yes. Once checked-in, one driver from each party will drive personal vehicle to the take-out point at Time Out Lounge; A shuttle van will meet at Time Out Lounge and bring participants back to Fort Custer Recreation Area Kalamazoo River Boat Launch.
Launch: 12pm at Fort Custer Recreation Area Kalamazoo River Boat Launch once all participants have returned from shuttling.
Boat rentals: All vessels have been booked. Participants can no longer rent them and must have their own.
T-shirts: Free, indicate size on registration form, pick up t-shirt at check-in
Event cost: There is no charge for this event
Registration is now closed
This event is now complete.