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 through modest, meaningful gifts. In the fall of 2024, we were proud to award a Ripple Effect grant to the Grass River Natural Area (GRNA) and the Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) for a project that was officially completed at the end of 2025: the Septic-Safe Native Plant Demonstration Garden.

A Practical Solution for Watershed Protection

Environmental health staff at HDNW are frequently asked what can be safely planted over septic drain fields. Often, homeowners try to “hide” these systems with traditional turf grass, which requires frequent watering and fertilizer—both of which can lead to system failure and nutrient runoff into our lakes.

This collaborative project addresses that challenge head-on. By creating a 1,000-square-foot “living classroom” at GRNA, the team is showing homeowners and contractors that native plants are the perfect, low-maintenance solution for protecting both their infrastructure and our water quality.

2025 Project Milestones

The project moved from vision to reality over the 2025 season:

  • Site Preparation: Existing turf grass was cleared to make way for a sustainable alternative.
  • Planting: The area was seeded with a specialized “Septic Seed Mix” from Michigan Wildflower Farm and supplemented with native plant plugs to provide immediate cover.
  • Education: The project culminated in the installation of permanent educational signage, providing visitors with the tools and plant lists needed to replicate the garden at home.

Why This Matters

This project is a perfect example of how Ripple Effect Mini-Grant funds can create a lasting impact and ripple Paddle Antrim’s mission further. By encouraging better land stewardship, GRNA and HDNW are helping to reduce the amount of pollutants entering our watershed. Their partnership is a great example of organizations working together to raise awareness and build education around an issue affecting our watershed. 

Be sure to visit Grass River Natural Area to see the completed garden. It is a beautiful reminder of what happens when local organizations work together to protect the waters we all love.

Apply for a Ripple Effect Mini-Grant

Do you have a project that protects our waterways or connects people to our local lakes and rivers? We want to help!

  • Who is Eligible: Units of government and Michigan-based non-profits serving the Chain of Lakes Watershed (and impacting adjacent watersheds).
  • Grant Amounts: We typically award between $200 – $2,000 per project.
  • Timeline: Applications are accepted year-round, with the board reviewing submissions each November and awarding funds in December.

To learn more about the application process and evaluation criteria, visit our Ripple Effect Grant Page or email us at info@paddleantrim.com.