Paddle Antrim, a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting water protection and supporting paddling opportunities on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail, is pleased to announce the appointment of two esteemed individuals, Gary Buczkowski and Sue Haadsma-Svensson, to its board of directors. Both officially joined the board in June 2023, bringing with them a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission. Haadsma-Svensson is a passionate outdoor… Read More »

Paddle Antrim is thrilled to announce the recipients of its Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program. Three projects have been selected to receive a combined total of $2,118, contributing to the protection, education, and enhanced access to waterways in Northern Michigan. The following projects have been chosen as recipients of the grants: Michigan 4-H Foundation for Antrim County 4-H: Antrim County 4-H will organize two introductory kayaking trips from Bellaire to… Read More »

Paddle Antrim is excited to host the 8th Annual Paddle Antrim Festival, September 14-16. Registration is open for all and early bird discounts are available until July 13.  The Paddle Antrim Festival is a great way to experience the Chain of Lakes Water Trail and the charming lakeside communities that surround it. This fun, non-competitive event provides opportunities for all levels of paddlers to participate one or two days with… Read More »

Paddle Antrim is pleased to announce they are accepting applications for their 2023 Spring Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program. This competitive grant program funds projects that protect the waterways and connect people to them. Potential projects must focus on stewardship, education, or increasing accessibility to the lakes and rivers.  Since 2015, Paddle Antrim has awarded over $30,400 to 21 projects that have made an impact on over 10 communities. To… Read More »

Paddle Antrim and the Village of Elk Rapids are pleased to announce that thanks to financial support received from public and private sources the fundraising goals to make planned improvements to Elk Rapids Rotary Park have been achieved. “This week, we were thrilled and honored to receive a competitive Michigan Spark grant from the Department of Natural Resources,” said Karen Simpson, Village President. “This grant will leverage other grants and… Read More »

Paddle Antrim is pleased to announce they will award $4,627 to four projects that benefit Northern Michigan’s waterways through their Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program. Paddle Antrim’s Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program is fully funded through earned income from the nonprofit’s events such as the Paddle Antrim Festival as well as paddling classes. “A portion of the income we earn through our events goes directly into this program,” said Deana… Read More »

Paddle Antrim warns paddlers to take precautions to protect themselves from heightened dangers of sudden, unexpected cold-water immersion while on late season paddling outings. “Whenever paddlers are out on the water, they should dress with the assumption they may end up in the water,” says Deana Jerdee, Paddle Antrim Executive Director. “Paddling is like any other sport,  you need to wear the proper gear and have the proper skills to… Read More »

Paddle Antrim is pleased to announce they are accepting applications for their bi-annual 2022 Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program. This competitive grant program funds projects that protect the waterways and connect people to them. Potential projects must focus on stewardship, education, or increasing accessibility to the lakes and rivers.  Since 2015, Paddle Antrim has awarded over $25,000 to 17 projects that have made an impact on over 10 communities. The… Read More »