January 28, 2025 at 2:20 pm in Blog
We’re thrilled to welcome Steve Sutton to the Paddle Antrim Board of Directors! Steve brings a wealth of experience, passion, and a deep connection to Michigan’s public lands and waterways. Get to know more about Steve in this Q&A: Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself? Steve: I grew up in DeWitt, Michigan, and graduated from Michigan State University. I had a 30-year career with the Michigan Department… Read More »
December 10, 2024 at 2:38 pm in Press Release
Paddle Antrim is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024 Ripple Effect Mini Grants. These grants will support two projects aimed at protecting Northern Michigan’s waterways. The Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program is funded by revenue from Paddle Antrim’s events, such as the Paddle Antrim Festival. “A portion of the proceeds from our events is channeled directly into this program,” said Deana Jerdee, Executive Director of Paddle Antrim. “This… Read More »
June 18, 2024 at 9:18 am in Press Release
Paddle Antrim and the Village of Elk Rapids are excited to announce that construction has commenced at Elk Rapids Rotary Park, with completion anticipated by late fall 2024. “This week, we were thrilled and honored to break ground on construction at Elk Rapids Rotary Park,” said Karen Simpson, Village President. “With construction slated to be complete in November, we are excited to be at the finish line of implementing our… Read More »
June 6, 2024 at 2:41 pm in Uncategorized
Paddle Antrim is dedicated to connecting youth with our waterways while emphasizing the importance of water safety. This week, Paddle Antrim had the pleasure of taking Ellsworth School middle schoolers and high schoolers kayaking on Ellsworth Lake. For some students, this was their first time experiencing the joy of being on the water. These sessions were designed to introduce the students to water safety, basic paddling strokes, and the joy… Read More »
May 29, 2024 at 2:34 pm in Press Release
A decade ago, few organizers imagined that the creation of Paddle Antrim, a small non-profit, would become a catalyst for regional support to protect and promote Northern Michigan’s pristine 100-mile Chain of Lakes. As the paddling organization celebrates its 10th anniversary, Paddle Antrim’s collaborations with volunteer paddling enthusiasts, local businesses, and local governments across the region have resulted in: The first state-designated water trail in northern Michigan, a 100-mile route… Read More »
December 14, 2023 at 1:30 pm in Blog
The Chain of Lakes Water Trail is a hidden gem, with an upper and lower chain divided by the picturesque Bellaire dam. While the lower chain boasts renowned lakes like Torch Lake and Elk Lake, the upper chain offers a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience that’s well worth exploring. In this guide, we’ll unveil some enticing routes along the upper chain that are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, and even… Read More »
December 12, 2023 at 11:10 am in Blog
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has recently shed light on the immense economic impact of outdoor recreation in Michigan. As champions of connecting people to nature, we at Paddle Antrim are thrilled by these statistics that underscore the strength of the outdoor industry within our state. In the year 2022 alone, Michigan’s economy received a staggering $12.4 billion boost from outdoor recreation. Notably, this contributed to the creation… Read More »
November 16, 2023 at 1:36 pm in Uncategorized
Paddle Antrim is excited to announce the allocation of $2,000 to two projects that will positively impact Northern Michigan’s waterways through the Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program. The Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program by Paddle Antrim is entirely supported by the revenue generated from the nonprofit’s events, such as the Paddle Antrim Festival, alongside proceeds from paddling classes. Deana Jerdee, Executive Director of Paddle Antrim, highlighted, “A portion of the… Read More »
October 18, 2023 at 1:13 pm in Blog
River: A Haibun Inspired by the Six Mile-St. Claire Greenway As we launch, I ask myself what remarkable thing will happen on this river, in this sprawling wetland spotted with low-growth shrubbery and ruined forest. It is the wrong question. First, we must launch. The wet deck, a platform of treated lumber thrusts over the river like a sturdy hand, but that structure doesn’t make stepping down to river level… Read More »
September 20, 2023 at 9:34 am in Press Release
From September 14th to 16th, the 8th annual Paddle Antrim Festival brought together over 250 paddlers and volunteers in a spirited celebration. This dynamic event was marked by the participation of more than 160 paddlers who navigated the scenic expanse of the Chain of Lakes Water Trail over two invigorating days, with some accomplishing distances of up to 42 miles. The Paddle Antrim Festival, spanning three days, includes two days… Read More »