April 8, 2026 at 1:53 pm in Press Release
Paddle Antrim is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to its Board of Directors, Rich Hannan and Gary Chenoweth. Both bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and a deep commitment to conservation and community engagement. Rich Hannan is a retired research scientist whose career focused on the conservation of plant genetic resources. He spent decades with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service as a Research… Read More »
March 12, 2026 at 12:59 pm in Uncategorized
At Paddle Antrim, we believe that supporting like-minded organizations ripples our mission further than we could ever do alone. Our Ripple Effect Mini-Grant Program supports local non-profits and governmental units whose goals align with ours—protecting the precious waterways of the Chain of Lakes and adjacent watersheds. These grants are funded through a portion of the income earned from our classes and events, allowing us to reinvest back into the community… Read More »
March 3, 2026 at 11:38 am in Uncategorized
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news from Paddle Antrim! Our Executive Director, Deana Jerdee, has been appointed by Gretchen Whitmer to serve on the State Waterways Commission. Deana will serve as a member of the general public for a term beginning September 19, 2026, and ending September 18, 2029, succeeding Craig Lehrke. This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Michigan Senate. The State Waterways Commission… Read More »
February 17, 2026 at 2:21 pm in Blog
Ice fishing is a cherished winter tradition in Northern Michigan. Even when our lakes are frozen over, they’re very much alive — and that means they’re still vulnerable to aquatic invasive species (AIS). Species like Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels can survive beneath the ice all winter long. Unfortunately, they can also hitch a ride from lake to lake on ice fishing gear, including tackle, tip-ups, augers, and even small… Read More »
December 17, 2025 at 3:32 pm in Press Release
Paddle Antrim is proud to announce the recipient of its 2025 Ripple Effect Mini Grant, awarding $1,000 to Antrim County Emergency Services / Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to support the purchase of volunteer field glasses. The Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program is funded through revenue generated by Paddle Antrim events, including the Paddle Antrim Festival. “A portion of the proceeds from our events is reinvested directly back into the… Read More »
November 18, 2025 at 11:41 am in Uncategorized
We are thrilled to share some exciting news—Paddle Antrim has been named Nonprofit of the Year by the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce! The award was presented at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner on November 7 at Turtle Creek Casino, and we couldn’t be more honored. The Nonprofit of the Year Award recognizes an organization that goes above and beyond in service to the community—one that demonstrates vision, compassion, ethical… Read More »
September 25, 2025 at 2:02 pm in Blog
We are thrilled to share that Paddle Antrim was selected as a finalist in the 2025 Impact100 Traverse City Grant in the Environment, Preservation & Recreation category. Being named a finalist is an incredible honor and a recognition of the transformative work, sustainability, and financial viability of our project. It’s a testament to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters, and a clear signal that our work is making… Read More »
September 23, 2025 at 1:42 pm in Blog
This September, over 200 paddlers from across the region came together for the 10th Annual Paddle Antrim Festival, celebrating the beauty and accessibility of the Chain of Lakes Water Trail. This year marked a 24% increase in participation compared to recent festivals, making it one of our strongest years yet! Paddlers explored the recently designated Pure Michigan Water Trail, with 63 completing the full 42-mile route from Ellsworth to Elk… Read More »
July 22, 2025 at 12:25 pm in Blog
We recently hosted our first-ever Guided Loon Paddle on Intermediate Lake, and it was a beautiful morning to be on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail. Joined by loon enthusiasts, Dick and Andy from the Intermediate Lake Association (ILA), we paddled a quiet stretch of the lake and river, soaking in the natural beauty and the haunting, unforgettable calls of Michigan’s iconic loons. Throughout the paddle, Dick and Andy shared… Read More »
June 4, 2025 at 10:20 am in Uncategorized
Saturday, June 7 is National Trails Day, and what better way to celebrate than by paddling a route on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail — Michigan’s first officially designated Pure Michigan Water Trail! This 100+ mile network of navigable lakes and rivers winds through stunning northern Michigan scenery, offering opportunities for paddlers of all experience levels to connect with nature, community, and the water itself. To help you get… Read More »