Paddle Antrim and CAKE CISMA are excited to host four free aquatic invasive species (AIS) trainings in Northwest Michigan to train paddlers how to identify, report, and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). 

“Our mission is not only to get more paddlers out on the water but to protect our waterways for future generations. One way we do this is by getting more paddlers who are trained to spot, identify, and report invasive species,” said Deana Jerdee, Executive Director of Paddle Antrim. “By partnering with local organizations who share the same mission, we are able to amplify our reach and get more paddlers stewarding our waterways and sharing their knowledge with fellow paddlers.” 

Aquatic Invasive species have the ability to destroy ecosystems of the beloved lakes and rivers surrounding Northern Michigan. “With the recent identification of New Zealand Mud Snails in the Elk River Chain of Lakes watershed, there is a sense of urgency in bringing awareness to AIS to all paddlers and boaters,” said Lindsey Bona-Eggema, Program Coordinator at CAKE CISMA. 

There are four trainings being held throughout the summer, each on a different body of water with a different conservation host(s). Kalkaska Conservation District will host their training on Log Lake, Grass River Natural Area on Grass River, Little Traverse Conservancy and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council on St. Claire Lake and Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy will host their training on Walloon Lake. Dates and times for each training are listed below.

MI Paddle Steward trainings will run for two hours and include both on-water and off-water instruction. During these trainings’ paddlers will learn how to identify several common AIS, how to report them when they are found, and how to prevent their spread by practicing clean, drain, and dry decontamination steps when switching waterways. These trainings are free and open to the public, but registration is required. Paddlers are required to bring their own paddle craft (kayak, canoe, paddle board) and a life jacket. The dates, times, and locations for each of the training sessions are listed below.

Kalkaska (Log Lake) – July 25 – 6:00 – 8:00 pm 

Bellaire (Grass River) – July 26 – 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Ellsworth (St. Claire Lake) – July 27 – 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Walloon Lake – August 5 – 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

For more information and to register visit www.paddleantrim.com/mi-paddle-stewards/ or email info@paddleantrim.com.