Save the Date for 2024 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 Doug at krwc@kalamazooriver.org or the other contacts listed below with any questions.
Print out of all 2024 events: Kanoe the Kazoo Schedule Handout
Pre-registration is required for all 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
July 13, 2024
Paddle the Battle Creek River near downtown Battle Creek
Hosts: City of Battle Creek
Contact: Bessie Ploeg (City of Battle Creek, beploeg@battlecreekmi.gov)
Event Description: A morning paddle from Linear Park to downtown Battle Creek. Upon completion of the paddle, there will be live music and lunch provided by Torti Taco.
View Brochure.
Pre-registration is required. Please register below.
Details:
Vessel drop off: 7:30am-9:00am unload canoes/kayaks at launch site – Wagner & Emmett Linear Park (795 Wagner Dr., Battle Creek)
Check in: 7:30am-9:15am park vehicle at 15 Carlyle St., Battle Creek
Vehicle shuttle provided: 9:30am shuttle to launch site
Launch: 10:15am
Take out: 11:30am-1:00pm with lunch from Torti Taco and music
Boat rentals: Not available, please indicate on registration form if you need assistance acquiring a vessel
T-shirts: Free, indicate size on registration form, pick up t-shirt at check-in
Event cost: There is no charge for the event
Capacity: 85
Note: Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian
Registration is now closed
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
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
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.
September 14, 2024
In-river Cleanup (More Experienced Paddlers Only) on the Kalamazoo River from Comstock to Commerce Lane (north of Mosel Ave. in Kalamazoo)
Host: City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo River Watershed Council
Contact: Malissa Drzick (City of Kalamazoo, mdrzick@kalamazoocity.org), Doug McLaughlin (krwc@kalamazooriver.org)
Details and registration link coming soon!
September 20, 2024
Short paddle on the North Branch of the Kalamazoo River for Beginners from Porter Street to Washington Street Park in Albion during Festival of the Forks
Host: Whitehouse Nature Center, Kalamazoo River Watershed Council
Contact: Monica Day (Whitehouse Nature Center, mday@albion.edu), Doug McLaughlin (krwc@kalamazooriver.org)
Event Description: At the Festival of the Forks on Friday September 20th, Albion College’s Whitehouse Nature Center will be partnering with the Calhoun County Conservation District to provide canoeing over a three hour period, from 3:00p-6:00p, on a .5 mile stretch.
No pre-registration required, please show up on day of event
Details:
Arrive: Porter Street Canoe Dock between 3:00p-6:oop
Check-in: Upon arrival, please check-in at the table to sign waiver, receive instruction, dry bag, vessel, and personal floatation device
Vehicle shuttle provided: No
Launch: Between 3:00p-6:00p
Boat rentals: Vessels will be provided for all paddlers
T-shirts: Free, pick up t-shirt at check-in
Event cost: There is no charge for the event