Time for our Shiawassee River Clean-up

May 20th, Sunday, should be just about the right time to get out the trees that have fallen and make our beautiful river paddle-able again. We are going to need lots of help all the way from Holly to Linden, so wherever you live along the river or wherever you like to paddle, come out and help. We'll need people in the water with chain saws, people assisting from the banks, people to provide transportation from one spot to the next and people to help with the pizza thank you that ends the day. 9:00 AM Waterworks park Holly MI

Call Doug Lanyk for information at 248-634-4551. We will have several starting locations since this is a 14 mile stretch of river that we are trying to open. Let us know early what you can do to assist. Wear clothing appropriate for the conditions--you will get wet! We are all looking forward to a season of scenic adventures on the Shiawassee River.

Adventure paddle coming June 3rd

registration form or call Sue Julian at 248-634-3513. Whether racing or taking your time, it will be an Adventure Paddle along the 7 miles of the twisting Shiawassee River. (For a preview of adventure further down the river, check out this blog.) So, see you at WaterWorks Park, 602 S. Broad Street, Holly, 48442 in time to register for any of the three morning races or the afternoon paddle

Canoes or kayaks may be rented from Heavner Canoes by reserving one ahead of time at 248-685-2379 or taking your chances on the limited supply offered on site. Return transportation by Heavner Canoes is guaranteed if you rent from them or pay $5 for you and your craft to be loaded up and driven back from Strom Park in Fenton (299 S. East Street) to WaterWorks Park in Holly.
Paddle In Color
and
Be Closer to the Shiawassee

Saturday October 1 2011 Headwaters Trails and NOHLC will be sponsoring our annual fall paddle down the Shiawassee. Come with us and enjoy the fall colors while the water is still warm(ish). The paddle will be from Waterworks Park in Holly, to Strom and or Bush Park in Fenton.

12 Noon until 1:00 we will be spotting participants vehicles at Bush Park, giving people a ride back to their boats in Holly.
1:00 until 2:00 we all will be launching to go to Fenton.

Canoe Rentals will be available from Heavners Canoe Rental. Please reserve one ahead of time at 248-685-2379.

Return rides will be available at the end from Strom Park. Those continuing to Bush park can join the Be Closer to the Shiawassee celebration.

2:00 until 6:00 Celebrate the Shiawassee sponsored by Headwaters Trails. Fenton Rotary, SPLR, and Keepers of the Shiawassee. Click here for more information. There will be food, family activities, Kayak Demos, Geo-caching, and much more. Loads of fun for the whole family.

For those who want to help and stay on dry land we'll be spreading woodchips on the 7 Lakes Connector trail, from The Acadamy Foot Bridge to the condos. headwaterstrails@comcat.net

Last big river cleanup this year
Aug. 24th Meet in the parking lot by the river located behind the businesses on N. Bridge St. in Linden. Come prepared to get wet; wear sturdy shoes, gloves, a hat and long sleeves and pants if you want to avoid possible scratches and bug bites. Bring chainsaw, loppers, hand saws, grappers or just yourself. You will need a boat. Let Chuck know chuck.julian@cityaluminum.com 248-866-3069 (c) 248-634-3513 (h) if you want to help and/or if you need to borrow a boat.

The goal is to clear from Linden to Bird Road, approximately 14 miles. We are not expecting this section to be in bad shape since it was cleared earlier this summer. We hope to finish around 2, but depending upon what we find, it may be sooner or later. If you need to get out earlier, you can exit at Hogan, Cole or McCaslin Lake roads.

First the results--
Experienced Class
First Place -- Tom (age 55) and Chad Cannon (age 14)--time: 1hr 10 min
Second Place--Mike and Matt Savoy--time: 1 hr 15 min
Third Place-- Ken and Bruce Foss--time: 1 hr 23 min

Solo/Kayak Class
First Place--Mark Irish --time: 1 hr 20 min
Second Place--Eric Short--time: 1hr 22 min
Third Place--Todd Minock--time: 1hr 32 min

Novice Class--
First Place--Chris Demeray and Jason Hamilton-- time: 1 hr 55 min

It was a perfect day. Lots of people showed up to cheer the racers on. Lunch was served on site. The weather couldn't have been better for a day's paddle. We had enough help so no one got frazzled. It was the best Adventure Paddle yet. Much thanks to all the volunteers for your efforts.

Thanks to last minute dedicated volunteers, the Shiawassee is now clear and smooth sailing from Holly to Fenton. Hooray! The river is high and smooth. It's looking like a perfect weather day for a nice paddle. Come and join us for the race and leisure paddle/ The races start just after 11:30 and the pleasure paddle starts at 1:00 PM.

Doc Fletcher author of Canoeing Michigan rivers I II III went down the river today. His group followed the river cleaning crew by a couple of hours. They were much impressed. We'll be in the next book. Yippee!

Paddling or racing on the Shiawassee is always an adventure, with slight changes occurring in the river's course from year to year. This year the river is expected to be up (more than the usual 2ft depth) and running faster because of all the rain. On June 5, racers may start out in the morning or pleasure paddlers may launch at 1:00. Both groups can be assured that volunteers from Headwaters Trails will have cleared the river, taken up spotter positions along the course, and provided safe return transportation from the end point (Strom Park in Fenton) to the start and registration location in WaterWorks Park in Holly (690 S. Broad Street).

Click here for more information and a downloadable form for pre-registration. Canoes or kayaks may be rented ahead of time by calling Heavner Canoe Rental (248) 685-2379 or the alternate cell phone number (248) 561-8274. Paddle enthusiasts with their own craft may pay $5 for return transportation, which is otherwise free with a rental.

Check back with this website on the morning of the Adventure Paddle if rain is imminent. The event will be canceled only if there is lightning or high winds. It is, after all, a water sport! Come enjoy the river!

The river is at flood stage and going up. We'll let you know when it's safe for the cleanup. Hopefully in a week or so.

The river has been high with all our April rains. May 15th, Sunday, should be just about the right time to get out the trees that have fallen and make our beautiful river paddle-able again. We are going to need lots of help all the way from Holly to Argentine, so wherever you live along the river or wherever you like to paddle, come out and help. We'll need people in the water with chain saws, people assisting from the banks, people to provide transportation from one spot to the next and people to help with the pizza thank you that ends the day.

Call Doug Lanyk for information at 248-634-4551. We will have several starting locations since this is a 40 mile stretch of river that we are trying to open. Let us know early what you can do to assist. Wear clothing appropriate for the conditions--you will get wet! We are all looking forward to a season of scenic adventures on the Shiawassee River.

registration form or call Sue Julian at 248-634-3513. Whether racing or taking your time, it will be an Adventure Paddle along the 7 miles of the twisting Shiawassee River. (For a preview of adventure further down the river, check out this blog.) So, see you at WaterWorks Park, 602 S. Broad Street, Holly, 48442 in time to register for any of the three morning races or the afternoon paddle

Canoes or kayaks may be rented from Heavner Canoes by reserving one ahead of time at 248-685-2379 or taking your chances on the limited supply offered on site. Return transportation by Heavner Canoes is guaranteed if you rent from them or pay $5 for you and your craft to be loaded up and driven back from Strom Park in Fenton (299 S. East Street) to WaterWorks Park in Holly.

Come celebrate the Shiawassee River this fall on Saturday, October 2nd. Bring your canoe or kayak to WaterWorks Park in Holly on South Broad Street. We'll set off around 1:00pm or a little later if that suits your schedule. Heavner Canoes will again be on site offering rentals and picking up participants from the downstream end point of Strom Park, seven miles down our beautiful twisting river, for a $5 fee. North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy will co-sponsor this event, and give you a guide to preservation sites along the way. The three-four hour paddle could be heavenly, or the weather could be chilly, so plan accordingly. For more information, call 248-634-3513 (Sue Julian). Canoe/kayak rentals are available from Heavner Canoes at 248-685-2379. Please call them in advance. If you are interested in an extended paddle, call Sue Julian (above) to discuss the options.

Chuck Julian reports that the last river clean-up of the year has succeeded in creating an open river waterway from WaterWorks Park in Holly, MI to Bird Road in Argentine, a distance of about 40 paddling miles. Click here for the report and the pleasant times the work crew enjoyed on September 19, 2010.

Get out and paddle this fall! You can extend the October 2nd Canoeing in Color event many miles down stream, packing your own lunch and making it a long day trip on your own if you wish. Enjoy!

The work of our river clean-up volunteers has paid off this year. Tim Stallcup, who operates the Holly Waste Water Treatment Plant and keeps a web cam aimed at the river, reports that from 30 to 50 paddlers have used the river on these summer weekends. We'll be offering a special thanks to all who have helped at the Linden Autumn Festival this Saturday afternoon, September 11th at the Linden Millpond. However, there's more work to be done...

Let us know right away that you will commit to helping us finish the trail work and river clean-up work this season. September 19, Sunday, is our next date. We'll meet at Hogan Road at 9am and travel downstream to work sites in the river. Chuck Julian is organizing this one. He's available at 248-634-3513. The work on this day will open the river all the way from Holly through Fenton and downstream to Argentine, all places where falling ash trees prevent clear paddling.

As we expand the trail system, there is more and more maintenance. Your assistance is really needed. We will plan small scale projects around the availability of small groups of volunteers, so as not to burn anyone out.

To discuss other work dates, call Sue Julian at 248-634-3513 or Doug Lanyk at 248-634-4551 or e-mail <sjulian@provide.net>. We're in a git-er-done frame of mind!

Equestrians gathered at Rose Oaks County Park on August 28th to enjoy the day, ride the equestrian friendly trails within the park and contribute to the growing fund to establish more multi-purpose land trails in Northwest Oakland County.

The event was organized by the Rose Oaks Equine Adventurers and fully supported by the Oakland County Parks and Recreation staff. The park has an unusual "horse gate" which allows riders to step through the fence, and there is a parking area for rigs for those who trailer in their horses.

The area riders turned out to vote for the successful August millage renewal in support of the parks. They hope that their "Ride the Rose" donations will be able to supplement funding to build more and longer trails.

Development of the Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail may get a boost as a result of the nomination by employees of Troy's REI (Recreational Equipment Incorporated) store located at 766 East Beaver Road. Headwaters Trails has been invited to apply for a grant to further the trail work. We have decided the next important location downstream is in the Bush Park area of Fenton. There it should be possible to put in two accessible launch sites, so that there is easy access by the gazebo on North Leroy and recreational/educational possibilities in the large curve that the Shiawassee River makes around Bush Park. The newly formed group, Keepers of the Shiawassee, will provide the organization and manpower. This model of local groups taking ownership of sections of a long trail has been used successfully across the United States.

The grant application will be submitted June 29 and we should hear by September. Funding comes from a percentage of your purchases at REI, which is an outdoor supplier run as a cooperative with a strong commitment to increasing recreational opportunities.

Enjoy the Shiawassee River in another way on Free Fishing Weekend when MDNRE doesn't require you to have a fishing license. Meet at 6am at WaterWorks Park in Holly (602 S. Broad Street) and purchase a ticket for the 3rd Annual Fishing Contest. You have until noon to bring a legal and live fish from the river and its tributaries to Strom Park in Fenton, 7 miles downstream. Prizes for the largest small or largemouth bass or pike. See Fishing Contest 2010 for more information.

Forty four canoes and kayaks set off from WaterWorks Park in the sixth annual race and pleasure paddle on the Shiawassee River, June 6. The earlier racers escaped the downpour but the afternoon pleasure paddlers got soaked. We'll be posting pictures tomorrow and a link to where you can view many more taken by Eric Clark and friends.

First Place Experienced: Ken and Bruce Foss, 1hr. 22 min; Second Place Experienced: Ben Cox and Brian Schroth, 1 hr. 39 min; Third Place Experienced: Atticus McFadden-Keesling and Lydia Sherwood, 1 hr. 52 min.

First Place Novice: Leonard Brusseau and Rebecca McInnes, 1 hr. 38 min; Second Place Novice: Ken and Jill Ellison; Third Place Novice: Sandy and Anna Shelton, 1 hr. 49 min.

First Place Single Paddler: Kees Pot, 1 hr. 20 min; Second Place Single: Zach Christian-Rotramel; Third Place Single: Richard Rotramel.

More will be posted in the next day or so. Happy paddling to you all. Come back and visit the Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail when it's not raining. You might even want to consider assisting on July 19 when a clean-up of the Linden to Byron stretch will begin with a pancake breakfast at 8am at the Argentine Township Fire Hall and then continue until noon removing the tangle of downed trees that are hindering passage. Call 810-922-8627 for more info.

The heaviest rain appears to be over and the river is up but not at flood conditions. It should be possible to start the morning races. We will cancel the pleasure paddle if the conditions return to stormy this afternoon, however. The temperature is predicted to remain high, so given Michigan's variable weather, it could turn out to be a good day afterall.--Sue Julian

Interested in the June 6 Adventure Paddle?View the registration form or call Sue Julian at 248-634-3513. Whether racing or taking your time, it will be an Adventure Paddle along the 7 miles of the twisting Shiawassee River. (For a preview of adventure further down the river, check out this blog.) So, see you at WaterWorks Park, 602 S. Broad Street, Holly, 48442 in time to register for any of the three morning races or the afternoon paddle

This year we will be offering modest cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in the races as well as trophies. Return to WaterWorks Park to claim your prizes and get your picture taken.

Bittersweet Cafe is also offering to deliver by 2:30, any boxed lunch you may order from them at 248-328-0800. You can spread out on the grass on the south side of the park and enjoy a lunch and reflect on the paddle.

A touch of the artistic will grace this year's event. Kodak American Greenways granted $1000 to Headwaters Trails to complete the footbridge over the Shiawassee with a river themed decorative motif. Local Area Artists plan to sketch the river and the paddlers from several vantage points. And as a memento for you, Eric Clark plans to photograph you in motion and have your image ready for you to purchase when you return to WaterWorks Park.

Trail building season is back again. To the left, volunteers are installing signs along the Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail. More assistance is needed for trail clearing, sign installation, closing the gaps with temporary woodchipped paths in our local land trail network, river clean up and all the back-up office work that is needed to put on upcoming events (Adventure Paddle June 6, Fishing Derby June 13). Can you spend a couple of hours helping? Some of the work is very physical; other work is mental. Everyone's help is needed. Call Sue Julian 248-634-3513.

Headwaters Trails received a grant on March 3rd for $1000 towards safety improvements on the bridge over the Shiawassee River where the walking path intersects the Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail. We are honored to have been chosen as one of 28 sites nationwide where grassroots groups are making a difference along river corridors and multi-use pathways. Eastman Kodak, National Geographic and The Conservation Fund are partners in the granting process and it is up to us to raise an equal amount to make the project happen this Spring. Your donations, large or small, will make it possible to add railings to the bridge and bollards at either end so that walkers, bicyclists and schoolchildren can cross safely and enjoy the scenic spot.

Help us meet our goal by becoming a member or sending a donation which is tax deductible. You can print out a general form and indicate that you wish your gift to be a match for this specific project. First match of $50 is already in!

Any day is a good day for getting outside on a trail! Across Oakland County, various trail promotion groups are doing spring planning for a full season of walks, hikes, paddles, rides and events. Join Headwaters Trails people at...

Spring hikes anytime in Sorensen Park, 5142 E. Holly Road, where a 5 kilometer pathway winds back to the Shiawassee River overlook. This is especially spectacular the first week in June when the blue flowers of native lupine cover the prairie area. In early April around dusk, the woodcock mating display can be heard, if not always seen, along the trail at the south end of the 100+ acre park.

Come eat on the Third Thursdays (May 20, June 17, etc.) at O'Malley's Galley, Fenton. The proprietor of this restaurant, which features fish specialities, is offering a percentage donation to Headwaters Trails for everyone who comes in for evening dining. Owner Dennis O'Malley is also dedicating display space for activities along the Shiawassee River. Join friends and supporters for a fine meal and images of local paddling. The eatery is located at the NW corner of US 23 and Owen Road in Fenton and prices are family friendly.

Shiawassee River Clean-up Days, May 16 and 23. Every year more trees fall into the river blocking passage and trash gets swept into the channel during spring flooding. Headwaters Trails volunteeers will meet at WaterWorks Park in Holly on S.Broad Street and divide into teams to clear the river between Holly and Fenton. Call Douglas Lanyk 248-634-4551 to volunteer and get more information. Ten years of past efforts have made this seven mile stretch of river a model for managing woody debris for fish habitat as well as recreational paddling.

You can find out more about Headwaters Trails plans by attending our 1st Wed of the month meetings at 7pm in the Holly Village Chambers in the Police Station Building, 315 S. Broad Street, Holly 48442, next to the Fire Station.

Well wishers, volunteers and supporters gathered around the kiosk installed in WaterWorks Park on October 3rd. Afterwards about 60 paddlers headed for Fenton despite the rainy day. Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network funded this and eight other signs as well as mileage markers, safety signs, and associated educational resources. More images coming soon! We all promise to uphold the Saginaw Bay WIN vision of environmentally friendly use of the river, combined with local economic development. Come paddle the Shiawassee starting from this trailhead at 690 S. Broad Street in Holly, with more trail development anticipated downstream, hopefully all the way to Saginaw Bay, 110 miles!

Mary B. from Holly won the first prize--a beautiful blue Walden Kayak and accessories, valued at $1000. Second prize went to Kevin W. of Jackson for a three day stay at a furnished home on the Old Mission Peninsula. Third prize will be enjoyed by Matt A. from Linden--$100 cash. To everyone who bought tickets, thank you so much. To the individuals and businesses who sold tickets, muchas gracias! The approximately $3500 we raised will go toward that Mid-Point Landing on Fish Lake Road. On future paddles you'll be able to start or end a trip there. Our next challenge is to find a funder, since the total cost may be around $80,000. We remain optimistic, and of course Headwaters Trails will still accept any donations to the cause.

On Sunday, August 23, equestrians rode the trails in Rose Oaks County Park, participated in the Wildflower Poker Drawing, and enjoyed a pot luck picnic. The afternoon of horsin' around was also a fundraiser for establishing trails and trail amenities in the horse friendly region of Northwest Oakland County. Donations of $25 covered the day pass for entry into the park located at 1132 Fish Lake Road in Rose Towship. Although the day was rainy, everyone had fun and all the participants received prizes thanks to donations of individuals and local businesses. Thanks also goes to Oakland County Parks that prepared the trails for the event and have committed to actions that will link county parks by a network of pathways. YOU can help, too, to build interconnecting trails for all users by sending in a membership or volunteering for outdoor workdays.

The heavy rain on Aug 8 forced us to put off the tire clean-up on the Holly Millpond until 2pm on Sunday, Aug 9, but a small crew did a great job. Allied Waste provided a dumpster. Dick Pinagel, owner of AquaWeed, permitted it to be placed on his property at the upper end of the Millpond and provided the heat stressed workers with drinks. Chuck Julian and Burt Bilbrey scoured the shoreline for tires and trash. Chris Harbowy and Pam Webster ferried the refuse to a takeout location and Jimmy Manning and Sue Julian hauled it up the embankment into the dumpster. Tim Julian ran shuttle. About 30 tires were removed along with a mound of trash. Although others may remain underwater, we were able to get a significant number of old tires out of the waterway where they were leaching toxins into the water.

Now it is up to residents to stop the trashing of the millpond and reminding their neighbors to do the right thing--recycle or reuse refuse. Past efforts to clear up the river south of the millpond have been exceptionally successful. There is very little trash, people have ceased to use the river as a dump site, river users pack out their litter, and overall water quality is making a great comeback. Read on!

It took a lot of effort and the work of 20 people to clear the river between North Road and US-23 in Fenton of trash and large trees, but that segment of the river is now open. Paddlers and fishermen can start in Holly and continue for 13 miles to Linden with only one portage around the dam on the Fenton Millpond. Thanks go especially to Doug Lanyk and Willi Guttmann pictured below and the other intrepid chain-saw workers: Jimmy Manning, Tim Early, Jim Wright, Tim Julian and Chuck Julian. Debbie McCarty organized community service workers who bagged up the large amount of trash that had accumulated behind the blockages.

There is always more work to do as the river is a living thing which changes from day to day and season to season. On August 8, the Friends of the Shiawassee are organizing a clean-up in the Owosso area, so consider helping downstream by calling Heidi Frei at 989-723-9062. In Holly, we will remove tires from the Holly Millpond on the same day from 9 until noon. This is strenuous work. A dozen people will be needed to work from shore and in boats to lift the old tires from the mucky bottom and stack them in the dumpster provided by the Village of Holly. We'll eliminate that source of contamination and encourage everyone to keep our local waters clean. Call Sue Julian at 248-634-3513 to volunteer.

Headwaters Trails invites all robust river enthusiasts to help clear the Shiawassee of fallen trees in the Fenton area this Saturday. The river is blocked before US-23 making the extended Heritage Water Trail difficult to paddle. This is chain saw and anchor-to-the-bank work, so long pants, appropriate footwear, gloves and a safety-minded attitude are the requisites. Call Chuck Julian (248-634-3513) for details and the exact meeting location for the cool, early morning start, or e-mail <chuck.julian@GCS3d.com>. Two weeks ago we cleared 15 blockages and there are at least another 11 to go, so we need your help!

At the Linden Millpond on June 10th, the Fenton Community Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint announced a grant to continue interpretive signage downstream of Holly on the Shiawassee River. The funding will also allow for an access point to be developed in Argentine Township at McCaslin Lake Road. Follow the links below for more information about the development of the Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail.

Headwaters Trails is sponsoring a Fishing Contest on the Shiawasee River on Sunday, June 14th, which is MDNR's Free Fishing Weekend. By registering at noon at WaterWorks Park in Holly, your entrance ticket entitles you to a prize for the largest fish caught in the river at the weigh-in at Strom Park in Fenton at 6pm. For more details of the contest, call organizer Douglas Lanyk at 248-634-4551. Come out to paddle, fish and perhaps take home a prize winner!

The 5th Annual Holly to Fenton event for canoists and kayakers on June 7th provided fun and challenge for both racers and pleasure paddlers. Winners in the Experienced Category were Matt Dura and Ray Trudgeon with a new best time of 1:17. Second across the finish line, seven minutes later, were Ed Adams and Marty Spees. Among the single racers, Mark Irish had the best time of 1:19 and Paul Sage crossed the finish line after 1 hour and 34 minutes. Novice race winners were Michael Steward and Davis Ringlein in first place with a time of 1:42, and Leonard Brousseau and Rebecca McInnes who captured second with a time of 1:49.

We will post photos in the next few days of the more than 90 racers and pleasure paddlers. In the meantime, you can find images on-line at Kevin Keel's website taken by the beaver dam. You can order pix by going to

Thank you to everyone who worked hard to make this event possible and to showcase the wild and twisty scenery of the Top of the Shiawassee River.

This year's adventure on the Shiawassee River is shaping up to be better than ever--warm days, good safe current and scenic countryside views. The sometimes narrow, sometimes broad channel is currently blocked by only one beaver dam. Our volunteers will notch the dam just before the races so you can slip over the top with ease. We will also have spotters stationed along the way to physically assist pleasure paddlers if needed.

What about rain? We will not send paddlers out if there appears to be thunder and lightening. However, as of Saturday morning the prediction is for light rain up until perhaps 2pm. The races will go on as scheduled. Pleasure paddlers may want to wait until the rain clears--our volunteers will still be able to help you.

For more details about the seven mile paddle from Holly to Fenton and our annual canoe/kayak event on June 7th, click here to view a registration form. We'll have timed races in the morning and a leisurely float in the afternoon, all starting from WaterWorks Park in Holly. Participants will be insured and required to conform to U.S. Canoe Association rules regarding safety. Heavner Canoe Rental will offer canoes or kayaks and also provide return transportation for all. Call ahead to reserve a craft at 248-685-2379. Headwaters Trails volunteers will act as spotters along the route. All these preparations add up to a great day on the river. If you have additional questions, please call Sue Julian at 248-634-3513. We hope to see you having a great time on a scenic river close to home. Come join us!

Spring rains have swollen the Shiawassee River, but Headwaters Trails volunteers got out to remove trees blocking the river. However, on Saturday May 23rd , we need more volunteers to get the river ready for the Holly to Fenton Canoe/Kayak Races and Pleasure Paddle which will occur on Sunday June 7th. If you can help with that big push to clean-up the race route (and beyond???), contact Doug Lanyk at 248-634-4551. Everyone will meet at WaterWorks Park in Holly to get assignments and organize tools at 10 am.

First Place: Lisa M. of Royal Oak won the Walden Adirondack Kayak and accessories. Second Place: Theron B. of Midland won the weekend stay at Old Mission. Third Place: Ron G. of Williamston won $100 of gift certificates.

Thank you to all who supported the land purchase at Fish Lake Road by buying tickets and thank you to all the volunteers and businesses who helped us sell tickets:

Bear Creek, Linden; Coleman and Sons Garage, Holly; Cycle Fit, Fenton; French Laundry, Fenton; Toy Factory, Linden; and White's Landing, Argentine.

Headwaters Trails is close to completing a purchase of a mid-point on the Shiawassee River that will provide a public launch/take out site on the "Top of the Shiawassee" Heritage River Trail. We are offering tickets for $8 each or 3 for $20 for the following prizes:

First Prize--an 11 1/2ft Walden Adirondack Kayak with complete accessories, including PDF, paddle, soft car top carrier, dry bag, hand pump, instructional video, and more. Value $1000+

Second Prize--3 day weekend at fully furnished house in Old Mission, 18 miles north of Traverse City, and close to the beaches. Date to be determined with owner. Value $500+

Support our effort to provide an access point for people like you by purchasing tickets at the French Laundry or Cycle Fit in Fenton or by contacting event coordinator Maggie Yerman at yerantmag@yahoo.com. (810-735-9570). You need not be present to win, but we invite you to attend a free Full Moon Walk on December 12 at Camp Copneconic, 10407 Fenton Road at 7 pm which will be followed by a Hot Chocolate Bar and the prize drawings.

Over 60 people enjoyed fall on the Shiawassee River this weekend. The river twists and turns for seven miles between Holly and Fenton, offering views of many habitats displaying their fall splendor. The"Top of the Shiawassee" experience started at 1 pm in WaterWorks Park, 602 Broad Street, in Holly, MI 48442. Headwaters Trails offered return transportation from Strom Park in Fenton, in association with Heavner Canoes of Milford, who was on site with canoe or kayak rentals. People reserved a rental ahead of time by calling 248-685-2379 or brought their own craft and payed $5 for the service.

New paddlers had the option of learning paddling fundamentals from Doug Lanyk or heading directly for Fenton. The trip took 2 1/2-4 hours depending on paddling speed. The river was flowing slowly at its usual rate and the only obstacles were the railroad tubes and a beaver dam close to Fenton. A Headwaters Trail volunteer was on site to guide people at those locations, but an alert paddler could negotiate those challenges on his/her own.

The crisp 60 degree air and the sight of the beginning of fall foliage made this one last treat before winter. If you are an experienced paddler the "Top of the Shiawassee" remains open to the public for your own "Canoeing in Color." Please consider joining the volunteers of Headwaters Trails who work to keep this route open throughout the year. Enjoy!

Plan ahead for fun if you have your own horse and want to participate in an event celebrating the opening of the trails in Rose Oaks County Park off Fish Lake Road in Rose Township. Between 12 and 3:30 pm on Sunday August 24th, come ride the paths through the park, identify the clues that will lead you to a random poker hand, and potentially win horsey prizes at the concluding picnic. Headwaters Trails will provide meats and drinks, you bring a dish to pass, and we'll all have a barrel of fun! Call Merle Richmond for more details at 248-624-1409. Your $25 donation will cover all expenses including the daily park pass and contribute toward the purchase of more land for multi-use trails.

High winds keep toppling trees into the Shiawassee River. We need new volunteers to work alongside our faithful workers who have been concentrating on the Holly to Fenton segment of the river. Now it's time to continue downstream. It's a great time of year to walk in the shallow water, use loppers to clear overhanging brush and use chainsaws to open up the passage around the large trees. Our work includes re-establishing fish habitat. Contact Doug Lanyk 248-634-4551 to sign up for one of the many work days available.

Outdoor Life has endorsed the work of Headwaters Trails through its Save-a-Stream program. The national magazine has provided technical expertise, supplies and advice for clean-ups on the Shiawassee River. The goal of creating a water heritage trail starting in Holly and continuing all the way to Saginaw Bay becomes all the more likely due to this significant recognition. We're calling all sportsmen to join in the effort, starting with the summer clean-ups described above. No less important is the down-to-the-wire fundraising to obtain the property for a public launch site at Fish Lake Road in Holly Township. We hope to make the final payment in October. Can you help put us over the top?

Stay tuned for more adventures. See you on the water, along our land trails and at our 1st Wed meetings in Holly Village Chambers where we plan for expansion of the trail possibilities in NW Oakland County!