When people have fun and positive experiences on the water, they fall in love with a place. It’s this sense of care that leads to a curiosity about what makes a place special and nurtures an instinct to protect it.
Paddle Antrim is currently leading and coordinating the development of the Chain of Lakes Water Trail. Your support for this effort will help to create a high quality and accessible experience for paddlers of all ages and ability levels with over 80 miles of lakes and rivers to explore through numerous communities. By creating and enhancing access, we can engage more people out on the water, connecting them with nature and improving opportunities for their health and well-being.
“Paddle Antrim was formed 5 years ago with a mission to promote stewardship of our waterways for future generations and engage people out on the water. The annual festival they now host was inspired by the Short’s to Short’s paddle which celebrated where we live and also honored our journey as a small business. Paddle Antrim’s leadership of the Chain of Lakes Water Trail is key to providing an incredible experience out on the water, connecting people to lakes and rivers they’re falling in love with and want to protect, and promoting the development of the trail as an asset to support the economic vitality of our small communities. I’m proud to be one of the earliest supporters of their work.” Joe Short, Founder of Short’s Brewing Company
To open the water trail for all users, we need your help raising $70,000 by December 31st. This is the final 25% of our capital campaign goal of $275,000. Over the past four years, we have worked to secure 81 access sites owned by 17 jurisdictions to open up over 80 miles of water trail to be explored. The State of Michigan recognized our efforts to date by designating us a State Water Trail; the only water trail in Northern Michigan and the only lake-system trail in the state. With your gift, in 2020, we will:
- Install signs at each water trail access site where there is an approved agreement
- Develop a waterproof guide for paddlers to use while out on the water
- Update our website so people can plan their paddling experience
- Share stewardship, safety and community information on signs, guides, and online
These outcomes will not be possible without your support. We look forward to opening the trail and continuing to work alongside our public and non-profit partners to protect the lakes and rivers you love for future generations. Please support this vision for an open and accessible water trail with a year-end 100% tax deductible donation. Thank you for your consideration and continued support.
With Gratitude,
Deana