June 27, 2026 Paddle on the Kalamazoo River from Comstock to Kalamazoo
Hosts: Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, City of Kalamazoo, Mainstream Tackle & Outdoors Contact: Madison McKenzie (programs@kalamazooriver.org) Event Description:2 hour/5-mile paddle from Merrill Park in Comstock to Verburg Park in Kalamazoo.
Kayak Rentals: Mainstreams Tackle & Outdoors will provide Kayak rentals at a discounted rate of $30; participants renting through Mainstream Tackle & Outdoors will need to book through their website use code “kws2026” for reduced rate.
Food: Bagels, coffee, and water will be provided courtesy of City of Kalamazoo. Bring an insulated cup to bring the coffee with you on the paddle!
Vehicle Shuttle: Yes, courtesy of City of Kalamazoo. Participants renting boats will drive directly to Verburg and will be shuttled to Merril Park where your rental boat will be ready for you to begin the paddle. Participants using own boats should drop off their boats to Merril Park at 9am and then drop their car of at Verburg where they will be shuttled back to begin the paddle.The shuttle will leave Verburg at 9:30!
Hosts: Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, Allegan Conservation District, WaterTrail Ventures Contact: Madison McKenzie (programs@kalamazooriver.org) Event Description:2.5-3hour/5-mile paddle from M89 Bridge to Hoffmans Landing. Travel through the peaceful and serene Ottawa Marsh, encountering several species of birds and natural flora. Participants are encouraged to use this opportunity to ground in nature, through a gently led Mindfulness exercise. Kalamazoo River Watershed Experts will be guiding this paddle. This paddle is recommended for intermediate paddlers, folks who don’t mind dirt, and want to experience a deep connection to the environment. This is a paid event, $15 tickets will support KRWC programs. If cost is a barrier for you reach out to Madison.
Vessel drop off/check-in: Check-in begins at 11:00AM at M89 Boat Launch. Sandwiches & Tea will be provided by KRWC. Guests with personal watercraft can drop equipment at launch location.
Boat rentals: All boat rentals must be purchased through WaterTrail Ventures, guests must secure payment for vessels prior to launch date. Limited Vessels available, call to secure your vessel. There will be single kayaks or two-man canoe’s available for rent. Rental cost: $15 canoe, $10 for Kayak. Only boats requested through registration will be taken to the launch. If renting equipment, contact Watertrail Ventures 269-547-1884to book!Book rental by June 24th
Shuttle: We are self-shuttling for this event. If you are using your own vessel, you will drop your boat off at the M89 Boat Launch, drive your vehicle to Hoffmans Landing. Participants and KRWC staff will assist each other with transportation to and from launch and take out. If you are renting, please arrive at M89 Boat Launch at 11am.
July 18, 2026 KTK Albion: “Paddling Through History”
Hosts: Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, Marshall Area Conservation Corps, University of Michigan SEAS, Albion College Contact:Jamie Ranger (jamie.ranger@macd.org) Event Description:Join us at the headwaters of the main branch Kalamazoo where we will journey through some of Albion’s history as the proud location of “The Forks”.
We will paddle from Rieger Park to the second B Dr. N bridge crossing. This is a 3hr/6.69mile paddle. Bagels and coffee will be provided at Reiger Park before the paddle.
Take out: 2pm KAYAK launch at 2nd B Dr. N Crossing
Kayak Rentals: Kayak 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: Paddlers will park at Reiger Park and check in with their personal watercraft at 10:30am. Those who are renting a watercraft will find their boats waiting for them here. The float will begin from this location at 11:00am.
Vehicle shuttle provided: Yes, courtesy of Monique Bryant with Marshall Public Schools Transportation. A shuttle will arrive at the B Dr. N take-out location and will depart at 3:00pm to bring paddlers back to their vehicles at Reiger Park. Someone will be guarding the watercraft at the endpoint until paddlers pick them up.
July 11, 2026 Youth & Family Paddle 101at Woods Lake Park in Kalamazoo
Hosts: Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, Kalamazoo Parks Contact: Madison McKenzie (programs@kalamazooriver.org) Event Description:Join us at Woods Lake 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! Kayaks will be provided by Kzoo Parks and canoes will be provided by Mainstream Tackle & Outdoors.
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.
August 1, 2026 Birding, Boats, & Botany – Rescheduled from 6/6! Register Today!
Hosts: Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, WaterTrail Ventures, Allegan Conservation District, Kellogg Biological Station, Holland Audubon Contact: Madison McKenzie (programs@kalamazooriver.org) Event Description:2.5 hour/5-mile paddle from WaterTrail Ventures to Hacklander Boat Launch in Saugatuck Township. Travel down river on gentle currents around Potawanami Marsh, encountering several species of birds and natural flora. Participants will be placed in groups of 15 along with a Birding or Flora expert guide. This will be a staggered launch, we will launch groups every 30 minutes, starting at 8am. Please arrive at least 1 hour before your scheduled launch time.
Vehicle shuttle provided: Yes, courtesy of WaterTrail Ventures. Guests will drop personal watercraft off at WaterTrail Ventures, drive their car to Hacklander where they will be shuttled back to Water Trail Ventures to start the paddle.
Boat rentals: Kayak and Canoe’s (any style) will be available to rent from WaterTrail Ventures at $15 per watercraft. Advanced payment is not required for this event. Pay in cash at WaterTrail Ventures the day of the event.
September 12, 2026 Youth & Family Paddle 101at Allegan District Library
Hosts: Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, Allegan District Library 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.
September 13, 2026 KTK Marshall: “Fall Migration” on the Kalamazoo
Hosts: Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, Albion College, 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 Albion’s Kanoe the Kazoo: “Fall Migration” on the Kalamazoo!
We will float from B Drive N (2nd crossing) to Stewart’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 Stewart’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, courtesy of Monique Bryant with Marshall Public Schools Transportation. 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.
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!
Registration & Details Coming Soon!
FAQs
Can minors attend?
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.
Check out our Kanoe the Kazoo T-shirts!
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