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2010 Winter and Spring Events Any day is a good day for getting outside on a trail! Across Oakland County, various trail promotion groups are doing winter planning for a full season of walks, hikes, paddles, rides and events. Join Headwaters Trails people at... "No Child Left Inside" 6-8 pm February 16 at Lakeland High School, 1630 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake. You'll see the movie "Where the Children Play" and have an opportunity to suggest outdoor events to Huron Valley Parks and Recreation. Suggested donation $3. Walk the trails of local parks and count the birds you see during "The Great Backyard Bird Count" traditionally held on Presidents Day Weekend, February 12-15. You can be a "citizen scientist" by reporting your results to the GBBC website, watch the statistics reported in real time from around the country, and have a great excuse (if you need one) to enjoy the open air. Sorensen Park, Seven Lakes State Park and the Holly Recreation Area are fine venues for outdoor exploration. "Chili Night Out" on February 28 at 6pm. This is a full moon winter walk along an unmaintained county road, preceeded by hot chili at the meeting location in Rose Township--the old towship hall off Milford Road at Clinton Street. Dress for the weather, bring the whole family and be prepared to walk "uphill and down dale" as we experience the crystal beauty of Michigan winter. Suggested donation $3. "15th Annual Quiet Water Symposium" at Michigan State University's Pavilion off Farm Lane & Mt. Hope in East Lansing. Hours are 9 to 6 on Saturday March 6. This year's event will include displays and seminars on canoeing, camping , hiking and general outdoor skills. The event is free for children and only $8 for adults. Curious about "Birding by Kayak," "Wilderness Medicine," "Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary"? How to displays? It all there and its is also part of ANR week which means lots of the agriculture displays will also be open. Third Thursdays 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. June 6, Holly to Fenton Races and Pleasure Paddle. Registration begins on site at 10:30 or by downloading and sending in a reservation from this website. Morning races for experienced two person crews, novice pairs and single craft will be followed by a 1:15 start for pleasure paddlers. Return transportation, insurance and race trophies are included in the registration fee. By this first Sunday in June, the weather has warmed up, the river is open and paddlers are ready to enjoy the twists and turns of this seven mile course. See you there. 248-634-3513 for more info. There's no excuse to stay inside! Get up! Get out!
Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail--opening day was a success!
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! Raffle Winners--thanks to all for your support 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. Ride the Rose Equestrian Fundraiser 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. Tire Clean-up on a Hot Day 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! Shiawassee Is Open From Holly to Linden 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.
More River Clean-up Sat. July 18th!!!
Grant Announcement--River Trail to Continue Downstream
http://www.tctimes.com/articles/2009/06/16/living/doc4a32bb1e896e7352470506.txt http://www.mlive.com/fenton/index.ssf/2009/06/grant_money_has_shiawassee_riv.html Here Fishy, Fishy, Fishy!
Fun on the River for More than 90 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 www.imagequix.com 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. Fifth Annual Canoe & Kayak Event June 7th 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!
Ready to Paddle? 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. And the Raffle Winners Are... 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. Connector Parcel?--see Newsletter
Raffle Drawing Dec. 12 at Full Moon Walk at Camp Copneconic, Fenton, MI 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+ Third Prize--gift cards at local outdoor stores. Value $100. 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. Canoeing in Color, Sunday Oct. 5th, 2008 (To be repeated Saturday Oct. 3rd, 2009) 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!
"Ride the Rose"--Poker Event for Equestrians August 24th 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. River Clean-ups this Summer 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 magazine recognizes our important trail work. 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?
Past News: National Trails Weekend--2 Events! HOT Ride HOT Hike--an introduction to the new Highland Oaks County Park and its trails on Saturday, June 7. Co-sponsored with Oakland County Parks and Highland Equestrian Conservancy, with support from the H.O.T. Riders and the Rose Oaks Equine Adventurers. Equestrians start registering at 9:30 at Bob Hoffman's farm 2521 Rose Center Road. They begin the ride across country to Highland Oaks at 10:30, then explore its trails, attend the bench dedication and return to Hoffman's for a light lunch. $15 donation requested. Hikers start from Highland Oaks at 10 a.m. for a 1.5 mile walk with Naturalist Kathleen Dougherty. Then hikers may join the bench dedication and trek over to the Hoffman farm for the $5 lunch. This is a scenic trek across private land, opened for this day only to the public. For more information call Sue Julian at 248-634-3513. Fishing Contest on the Shiawassee--an opportunity for anglers to explore the river and perhaps win a cash prize for the largest legal and live northern pike, small mouth bass or large mouth bass. This is Free Fishing Weekend and no license is needed. The river is shallow and narrow in areas, so canoes and kayaks are best--motors may be very difficult to use. Spotting of vehicles and return rides will be available. RULES: Buy $20/person tickets at WaterWorks Park in Holly at Noon. All boats must launch from WaterWorks Park and follow all Michigan boating and fishing laws. Weigh in at 6pm at Strom Park in Fenton where East Street crosses the Millpond. Cash prizes will be determined by the number of participants. Half the ticket money will go toward purchase of a new public landing site on Fish Lake Road, and the other half will be distributed as prize money. COME OUT SUNDAY AND ENJOY THE WEEKEND! For more information on this event, call Doug Lanyk at 248-634-4551.
Holly to Fenton Races and Pleasure Paddle Battled the Wind, but Offered a Scenic, Challenging Course.Race Results: Experienced Class: 1st Place: Martin and Hunter Spees with a time of 1 hour, 28 min, 40 sec; 2nd Place: Lennie Brousseau and Collette Simerson with a time of 1 hour, 31 min and 25 sec; 3rd Place: John and Ben Cox with a time of 1 hour, 42 min and 25 secs. Novice/Youth Class: 1st Place: Matthew Hill and Adam Schneider with a time of 1 hour, 51 min and 40 sec; 2nd Place: Matt Weber and Brandi Whiteman with a time of 1 hour, 55 min and 14 sec; 3rd Place: Louis and Bonnie Nickels with a time of 2hours, 18 min, 05 secs. Solo Class (Kayak or Canoe): 1st Place: Ken Foss with a time of 1 hour, 29 min, 20 sec; 2nd Place: Justin Davis with a time of 1 hour, 31 min, 35 sec; 3rd Place: Mark Irish with a time of 1 hour, 32 min, 35 sec. Thirty-eight total craft launched carrying 47 paddlers, including the afternoon Pleasure Paddlers. Everyone enjoyed the diverse landscapes along the route and appreciated the trail work and race day support of the volunteers of Headwaters Trails. The one wish was for less wind which was a big factor on the Fenton Millpond, the last mile and a quarter of the course. We hope 2009 weather will be more cooperative! 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! |
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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!
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 
©2003-2009, Headwaters Trails, Inc.