September 12, 2026 Youth & Family Paddle 101at Allegan District Library
Hosts: Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, Allegan District Library, Allegan Conservation District Contact: Madison McKenzie (programs@kalamazooriver.org) Event Description:Join us at ADL for a free, family-friendly event where kids and their families can learn the basics of kayaking and explore the natural wonders of the Kalamazoo River Watershed!
Check-in: Check-in begins at 9:30AM. Personal watercraft will not be allowed for this event as there is limited space at the park. Upon arrival youth & families will check-in and sign waivers
What will we be doing: This event is a hands-on outdoor experience is designed for families with kids ages 5 and up who are new to paddling. In addition to time on the water, participants may choose to fill an activity passport through interactive educational stations led by local environmental organizations, offering fun activities that connect kids with nature and science.
Hosts: City of Marshall, City of Olivet, City of Charlotte. Contact: Alec Egnatuk at(269)558-0337, Chris Miller at (517)881-0424 or Jerry Staggs (269)339-8219 Event Description: Kanoe the Kazoo is an annual canoe trip series to promote recreation in the Kalamazoo River watershed and raise awareness about non-point source pollution that threatens water quality in our watershed. There are a small number of kayaks available for rent from the City of Marshall Recreation Dept. Please contact the Rec. Department at (269) 781-5166 to make a reservation. We will work together shuttling participants. Sign-in for the float will be at Public Service Building @ 900 S. Marshall Ave. at 8:30am. Donuts, coffee and water will be available prior to beginning the journey. Participants vehicles will then be shuttled out to Ceresco Green where the float will conclude. Participants will then float from the Marshall Public Services Building to Ceresco Green. and arrive at approx. 12:00pm. There will be a BBQ-Lunch (Hot Dogs / Brats / Chips) and a short educational program following the canoe trip.
*Please note that this event is not put on by Kalamazoo River Watershed Council. Please contact the parties above for inquires and questions about this event*
Call Amy Hupenbecker at the City of Olivet (269)749-4961to register.
September 13, 2026 KTK Marshall: “Fall Migration” on the Kalamazoo River
Hosts: Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, Marshall Area Conservation Corps, University of Michigan SEAS Contact: Jamie Ranger (jamie.ranger@macd.org) Event Description: Grab a pair of binoculars and join us for Marshall’s Kanoe the Kazoo: “Fall Migration” on the Kalamazoo!
We will float from B Drive N (2nd crossing) to Stuart’s Landing, passing through large river sections adjacent to wetlands. This will provide the perfect opportunity to witness a nice variety of birds as they begin their migration to the south. Paddlers will be guided by local expert birding guides.
This is a 5.83 mile/3.5 hour paddle. Lunch will be provided at Stuart’s Landing following the float.
This will be a staggered launch: Group A will launch at 8:45 and Group B will launch at 9:15. Group A will take out around 12:15 and Group B will take out around 12:45.
Check-in: Check-in begins at 8:20am and 8:50am
Launch: 8:45am and 9:15am KAYAK launch @ B Dr N (2nd bridge crossing)
Kayak Rentals: Rentals will be available through KRWC. If you’re renting a boat a donation of $15 is recommended, all proceeds support our programs. Limited vessels available for rent, register to reserve your vessel. If cost or mobility is a barrier for you, email programs@kalamazooriver.org.
Vessel drop off/check-in: Participants with personal watercraft can drop off at B Dr. N (2nd bridge crossing) at 8:00am or 8:30am. Participants who will be renting a kayak can simply arrive at Stewart’s Landing to board the shuttle at 8:30am or 9:00am.
Vehicle shuttle provided: Yes. Participants will drop their personal watercraft at B Dr N (2nd bridge crossing) at 8:00am or 8:30am, drive their car to Stewart’s Landing where they will be shuttled back to B Dr N (2nd bridge crossing) to start the paddle. The shuttle will leave Stewart’s Landing for B Dr N (2nd bridge crossing) at 8:30am and 9:00am.
September 19-20, 2026 Paddle Camping Trip with KRWC
Hosts: Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, Allegan Conservation District, Watertrail Ventures Contact: Madison (programs@kalamazoo.org) Event Description:
Want to experience kayak camping but not sure where to start? We’re hosting an accessible outdoor experience for Women and Enby folks aimed to build confidence in camping, paddling, and outdoor navigation skills. This will be a guided experience led by KRWC and sponsored by the Allegan Conservation District. We aim to cultivate a safe, inclusive environment where folks can share and develop skills, build connections with nature, and feel empowered to continue exploring the outdoors. This is the perfect opportunity to meet folks in your watershed with interests in outdoor recreation. This is a barrier free entry opportunity, we encourage folks of all levels to join us, if you have interest in paddling and camping but haven’t had the chance to start this is a great entry point. If you love camping and paddling and want to go on a fun planned trip, and meet new people, this is a great trip for you.
We will paddle on the Kalamazoo River from Calkins Dam to Watertrail Ventures (15 miles) where we will camp overnight. We’ll have campfire activities and crafts! In the morning we’ll start our day with Yoga before the second leg of our paddle to Shultz Park (7miles).
Amenities include:
– 2 breakfasts, 2 boxed lunches, 1 dinner, and snacks.
-Group Camp Site with participants at WaterTrail Ventures.
Here we will have some bagels, fruit, and coffee to get you fueled up for the first leg of our trip.
We will shuttle from Shultz Park to Calkins Dam where we will begin the paddle, you’ll be given a boxed lunch to take with you and enjoy along the trip. The shuttle will depart at 9:00AM.
Launch: 9:30AM from Calkins Dam
Take out: Watertrail Ventures around 5PM where we will camp for the evening.
We will arrive at camp, have dinner, set up camp, we’ll hold some fire side activities and conversations. You’ll have some personal time for leisure activities or like reading or crafts.
We’ll rise at 9AM for breakfast followed by Yoga
2nd leg launch: From Watertrail Ventures at 11:00AM.
You’ll be given lunch to take with you and eat along the way.
We’ll take out at Shultz Park at 3pm where we will return to our vehicles and depart from the trip.
Kayak Rentals: Rentals will be available through Watertrail Ventures. If you are renting a boat an additional cost of $30 will cover the use of your Kayak for both days of the trip. Vessels can be paid for prior to the event, contact Watertrail Ventures (269) 547-1884 to secure your vessel. Register to reserve your vessel. If cost or mobility is a barrier for you, email programs@kalamazooriver.org.
Vessel drop off/check-in: Participants with personal watercraft can drop off at Calkins Dam at 8:15AM. Someone will be there to wait with your equipment, while you drive your car to Shultz park to be shuttled back to begin the paddle. Participants who will be renting a kayak can simply arrive at Stewart’s Landing Shultz Park to board the shuttle at 8:30am.
Cost: This trip will be a paid experience with a fee of $100, proceeds from this will offset the cost of food and camping. *If cost is a barrier please reach out to programs@kalamazooriver.org and we will work with you to find a sustainable option.
Camping gear: Please indicate in the registration if you will be bringing a tent, what size your tent is and if large enough are willing to share your tent. Please indicate if you do not have a tent but would be willing to share with someone who does. You do not need camping gear to attend the trip; we will work with you to find a solution. Reach out to programs@kalamazooriver.org with any questions.
Hosts: Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, Marshall Area Conservation Corps, University of Michigan SEAS Contact: Jamie Ranger (jamie.ranger@macd.org)
Event Description:Join the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council and Marshall Area Conservation Corps in their annual celebratory float from Saylor’s Landing to Historic Bridge Park! This is a 3hr/7.11mile paddle. For those who would like to participate in a shorter float, they can join in at Ceresco Kayak Launch for a 1hr 40min/3.53mile paddle.
Following the float, we will enjoy live music from Norman Light and Crispin Bocanegra, food from Kick-N-Curbs food truck, yard games, and Kalamazoo River Trivia!
Kayak Rentals: Rentals will be available through KRWC. If you’re renting a boat a donation of $15 is recommended, all proceeds support our programs. Limited vessels available for rent, register to reserve your vessel. If cost or mobility is a barrier for you, email programs@kalamazooriver.org.
Vessel drop off/check-in: Those with personal watercraft can drop off at Saylor’s Landing at 9:45am (full-length float) or Ceresco Kayak Launch at 11:00am (shorter float). We will have someone stationed at these locations to wait with the boats while you shuttle your vehicle/check-in.
Those who will be renting a kayak can arrive at Bridge Park to check-in and board the shuttle before 10:30am (full-length float) or before 11:45am (shorter float).
Vehicle shuttle provided: Yes, courtesy of Marshall Public Schools Transportation.
Guests who would like to participate in the full-length float will drop their personal watercraft at Saylor’s Landing at 9:45am, drive their car to Historic Bridge Park, where they will be shuttled back to Saylor’s Landing to start the paddle. The shuttle will leave Bridge Park for Saylor’s Landing at 10:30am.
Guests who would like to do the shorter float will drop their personal watercraft at Ceresco Kayak Launch at 11:00am, drive their car to Historic Bridge Park where they will be shuttled back to Ceresco Kayak launch to start the paddle. The shuttle will leave Bridge park for Ceresco Kayak launch at 11:45am.
Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or an adult explicitly authorized by the parent/guardian.
How will I know if the event has been canceled?
If you registered, you will receive an email the morning of the event if we have had to cancel. The event on the website will also be updated to reflect cancelation and there will be a post on our social media accounts.
What should I bring?
If you are bringing your own vessel, always remember to bring a PFD and your paddles.
All participants should consider bringing a dry bag or plastic bag to keep things like phone, wallet, and keys dry. We also recommend bringing a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat.
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