Canoeing in Color--You're invited.

Thanks to the amazing volunteers who responded after the tornado, the Shiawassee River is now open again between Holly and Fenton. On Saturday October 6, we will sponsor a paddle the whole seven miles starting at 1:00. Bring your own canoe or kayak or call Heavner Canoes at 248-685-2379 to rent one. Return trip transportation will be provided free. The river is warm, the skies are blue and this "slow-speed adventure" awaits you.

For more detailed information (how to negotiate the 4 beaver dams or why a short craft is preferred for the twisting sections of the river) just call Sue at 248-634-3513. An RSVP is appreciated by phone or e-mail at <sjulian@provide.net>

This event is co-sponsored with North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, whose mission is to preserve the fields, streams and woods of our area.

Tornado!! Thank you for responding to this message:

"Many trees are down in the river and the banks of the river are a mess. We are scheduling work days for anyone who is willing to wade in the river, pull branches to the side, chain saw out the biggest trunks, and help anchor large sections to the river bank to create more fish habitat. Headwaters Trail will obtain permission from landowners in advance. The work involves wading in the river. Volunteers should wear either waders, or do what I do--wear long jeans and shoes that I don't mind getting wet. You might want a pair of light work gloves and your own bottled water--although I find the work in the river very pleasant and not exhausting, sort of like water aerobics!"

Thanks for volunteering!
Sue Julian
248-634-3523 hm ph.

8/27/07 - Ride the Rose and Cruise the Connector, Sunday August 26th was a Success

Headwaters Trails celebrated the 3rd annual Ride The Rose event and Grand Opening of the trails in Rose Oaks County Park. A citizen input process recommended improved access for passive use of this beautiful rural park and August 26th was the kick-off occasion.

Forty Equestrians rode the 3 1/2 miles of park trails and then headed out to "Cruise the Connector." This is a route that follows along gravel roads to Springfield Oaks County Park for a distance of 8.6 miles. A barbecue lunch awaited at the horse-friendly back fields in Springfield. Shuttle between the parks was provided by the Rose Oaks Equine Adventurers Club. Oakland County Parks provided coordination and signage and Oakland County Sheriffs patrolled the major street crossings. Thank you to all who made this sunny day a pleasure and a landmark occasion for northwest Oakland County.

Through pledges and donations, $420 was raised to help create more equestrian trails in this successful annual fundraiser. Watch for postings about how these funds will be used to advance our trail network.

7/28/07 - Shiawassee River Cleanup August 11th

The Shiawassee River needs your help! The river is shallow in August and it is the best time to work.

On Saturday, August 11th, volunteers will meet at Waterworks Park, opposite the Mill Pond on Broad Street at 9am. Teams of people will depart from there to half a dozen river access points to remove trash, open passage where trees block the river and create fish habitat by lashing trees to the riverbank. This work is supported by a mini-grant from the Department of Environmental Quality.

Please call 248-634-3513 to get an assignment appropriate to your interest and learn what tools to bring and clothing to wear.

A light lunch will wrap-up the morning's clean-up.

Thanks for volunteering! The Headwaters Trails Team

6/7/07 - Slow-speed Adventure

Elizabeth Shaw wrote a great article on June 7th in the Outdoors section of the Flint Journal after taking a trip on the Shiawassee between Holly and Fenton. It can be viewed at http://shiawassee-river.blogspot.com/

5/21/07 - Race Results

Seventy-nine participants paddled in either the race categories or the Pleasure Paddle and all had a good time. James Kimball, Manager of the Troy branch of Recreational Equipment Incorporated acted as Race Master and received the thanks of the paddling community for the grant that funded the newly installed canoe/kayak launch in WaterWorks Park along with landscaping improvements.

EXPERT CLASS Canoe # 5 Time: 1:20 Martin Spees & Jimmy Spaulding; Canoe #1 Time: 1:36 Travis Sanderson & Kristy Wilson; Canoe #2 Time: 1:38 John and Ben Cox; Canoe #3 Time: 1:40 John and Atticus Keesling; Canoe#4 Time: 1:59 Kevin and Jake Keesling

NOVICE/YOUTH CLASS Canoe #3 Time: 1:21 Tim and Kurt Marth; Canoe #1 Time: 1:50 Lloyd and Matt Kernen; Canoe #2 Time: 1:59 Nikki Grazetti and Tony Schutz

KAYAK/SINGLE PERSON CANOE Kayak #2 Time: 1:15:31 Ken Foss; Kayak #1 Time: 1:15:40 Mark Irish; Kayak # 4 Time: 1:17 Mark Spencer; Kayak #5 Time: 1:44 Jennell Tillman; Kayak #6 Time: 2:14 Julie Sturgis; Kayak #3 Time: 2:18 Laurie Perry

PLEASURE PADDLE Canoe # 10 Time: 1:51 Bruce Lowe with Ben Lowe & Ben Curtis; Canoe # 16 Time: 1:53 Tim, FC and Sam Philips; Canoe # 17 Time: 1:55 Tom Brandau; Canoe # 18 Time 1:55 Sharon Clark; and 33 others who enjoyed the seven mile trip on the Shiawassee River.

Many thanks to the 2007 Sponsors: The State Bank of Holly, City Aluminum Foundry, and Mike LaLone Well Drilling, and to the cooperation of the Village of Holly Police Department. The event went off smoothly and safely with the help of Headwaters Trails volunteers: Mary Blanchard, Chris Baum, Tim Early, Barb Erickson, Willi Guttman, Chuck Goss, Steve Hoffman, Chuck Julian, Tim Julian, Sue Julian, Doug Lanyk, Nicole LeBlanc, Riley McLincha, Dennis Terry, Anthony Torres, Jim Wright, and Keith Wright.

5/11/07 - 2007 River Race Around The Corner

The start of our Third Annual Holly to Fenton Canoe Race is near. Get your canoes and kayaks ready for May 20th when the race kicks off at Waterworks Park in Holly (click here for a map). If you haven't already registered, download the registration form.

3/25/07- You're invited to the Dedication of the Charles Harding Mott II Bridge and the R.E.I. funded canoe launch in WaterWorks Park at 10 am on April 27, 2007.

Parking for the ceremonies will be on the north side of WaterWorks Park, opposite the Millpond on Broad Street in Holly. We appreciate the financial support of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and the grant awarded by Recreational Equipment Incorporated of Troy that have made these improvements possible. We will also honor the countless hours of volunteer time and the individual contributions made to this trailhead site. Join us!

2/15/07 - Third Annual Canoe Race, Sunday, May 20, 2007

The Third Annual Holly to Fenton Canoe Race will take place on the morning of Sunday, May 20 and a Pleasure Paddle will begin shortly after 1:00 in the afternoon. Registration for the races in various categories will start at 10 am on site. However, advance registration is preferred. Each of the events have become a favorite Spring introduction to the canoeing and kayaking season. The starting point will feature the newly built launch site and better river access across the completed Charles Harding Mott II bridge. Details of the event are available on the registration flyer which can be downloaded from this site. The entrance fee includes river information, insurance, a sweep boat & safety spotters, return transportation to the starting site, and trophies for first and second place winners. Come and enjoy the "Top of the Shiawassee" as it displays its winding turns, wild life and surprising river diversity.

For canoe registration call Heavner Canoe rental at 248-685-2379 or go to the web site at www.heavnercanoe.com. North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy is inviting their friends to join the afternoon Pleasure Paddle, and those folks can reserve canoes in the same way.

12/4/06 - Roz Savage to Speak at Fundraiser, March 24, 2007

Roz Savage, the first woman to complete the Cross Atlantic Rowing Competition solo, will speak in Fenton at the AGS Middle School Cafetorium, 3255 Donaldson Drive. Proceeds from this fundraiser contribute to the development of the Top of the Shiawassee River Trail. For tickets, print out the event flyer and send it to Headwaters Trails, Inc.

11/30/06 - Work on Harding Mott II Bridge

Groundbreaking for the Harding Mott II Pedestrian Bridge in Waterworks Park began in late November. It should be ready for the 2007 canoing season and a dedication ceremony will be held on Arbor Day, April 27. Funding for this connector is provided by the Greater Flint Community Foundation.

10/27/06 -- Stabilization of the WaterWorks Building

WaterWorks Park in Holly contains the historic WaterWorks building. Follow this link for more information and photos of the turn of the century structure and waterworks equipment. Volunteers are needed to stabilize the structure prior to restoration of the interior. The effort is being lead by Chuck Julian (248-335-8785) and Brad Rebar (248-634-5141).

10/9/06 -- Come Help Build the Launch

Continuing on November 18 and 19, we will install the new launch that the $3094 REI gift has made possible. This involves cutting a few trees, excavating the shallow pathway, laying down geotextile fabric and spreading gravel - all handwork in this floodplain location. At the same time, we will be laying down the 1/4 mile walking path around the park perimeter.

We would appreciate your assistance constructing these improvements. Call Sue Julian at home, 248-634-3513, if you can help.

10/1/06 -- REI Awards Funds for Canoe Launch

REI (Recreational Equipment Incorporated) awarded $3094 to Headwaters Trails to construct a canoe/kayak launch in Waterworks Park, Holly. REI nationwide operates as a cooperative which generates funds for local activists to enhance recreational opportunities. On October 1, as 55 paddlers set out to "Canoe in Color" on the Shiawassee, Mr. James Kimball of the Troy REI store,at 766 E. Big Beaver Road, presented the award. Onlookers applauded the idea and welcomed the gift of an easier trailhead launch site.

9/9/06 -- Celebrate the season--Canoe in Color on October 1st with NOHLC

Bring your canoe or kayak to WaterWorks Park in Holly and paddle through the gathering autumn splendor. The free event will start at 11 am. You can do a short paddle of only one hour or continue on to Fenton through some wild areas for a longer 3 1/2 to 4 hour trip. Return service will be provided. The river is open, thanks to the volunteers who have just cleared the river of downed trees. For more information, contact North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, our partner in preserving the beauty of the Shiawassee River, at 248-846-6547. If you don't have a canoe or kayak, one may be rented by calling 248-685-2379 or visiting the Heavner Canoe Rental website at www.heavnercanoe.com.

7/28/06--Ride the Rose Equestrian Fundraiser August 27

Join us for a Sunday ride in the country on August 27. Trailer in your horse to ride the back roads of Rose Township in Oakland County and explore the trails of Rose Oaks County Park. At the same time, you will be raising funds for establishing more horse friendly routes in North Oakland county. Enjoy a light lunch at Springfield Oaks, the end of the trail. Check out the day's schedule and download the registration and pledge forms.

6/7/06 -- Race Results for the Holly to Fenton Canoe/Kayak Race

Seventy-two participants turned out May 21st despite the cold and windy weather and paddled with the high water and stronger currents from Holly to Fenton. The best time was posted by Martin Spees and Jimmy Spaulding - 1:14:15 in a canoe sponsored by The State Bank. Ken Foss posted the best time for a solo kayak of 1:20:19, sponsored by Kerton Lumber. In the novice class, Steve Williams and Tim Marth paddled to a finish of 1:25:55. For complete results, click here. Headwaters Trails invites everyone to return next spring for the third annual canoe/kayak event, scheduled for Sunday May 20, 2007.

4/4/06 -- Holly to Fenton Canoe/Kayak Event Planned for Sunday, May 21

The Second Annual Holly to Fenton Canoe and Kayak Races, plus a Pleasure Event for the not so competitive, will take place on Sunday, May 21. Registration on site will begin at 10am, but advance registration at a reduced entry fee is preferred. Print out and send in your entry using the registration form on this site. The race results from last year's "Preview Race" and photos of the race winners indicate that a lot of fun was had by all.

The current is slow, but the river winds and turns through village, forest, marsh and millpond, making it both more challenging and more scenic. The start is at WaterWorks Park in Holly and the finish is seven miles downstream at Strom Park in Fenton (see map). Return transportation is provided to the starting point, where trophies and ribbons will be awarded in the different categories. You can help our "River Ducks" volunteers remove obstructions on April 23 & 30 and May 7. Call 248-634-3513 for more information. Come out and enjoy a beautiful, wild river that has an "up north" feel without the long drive (see mapquest map).

2/8/05 -- Option Signed to Buy Mid-Point Landing

Headwaters Trail has signed an option to purchase one acre of property at Fish Lake Road on the Shiawassee River for $20,000. The Sporting Lands Alliance assisted in working with the homeowner to make it possible to create a mid-point landing for the "Top of the Shiawassee" River Trail. The location is the only road access. Paddlers will be able to take a short trip from WaterWorks Park in Holly and get out 45 minutes to 1 hour later at the mid-point landing. Alternatively, river users can start a journey at Fish Lake Road and continue to Fenton through an undeveloped and scenic landscape. Contributions to this project may be addressed to Headwaters Trail, P.O. Box 33, Holly, MI 48442-0033.

9/19/05 -- Tom's of Maine Grant Received for Canoe Trail

Headwaters Trial announces the receipt of a generous grant from Tom's of Maine awarded through the National Park Foundation. The grant will enable us to negotiate an option to buy land at Fish Lake Road for a midpoint landing on the "Top of the Shiawassee" River Trail. This will make alternate short trips possible and provide a public location on the trail which otherwise winds through private lands. Please read on by clicking here.

10/9/05 -- Fall Color on the Shiawassee

Bring your kayak or canoe on Sunday, October 9 to celebrate nature on the newly opened "Top of the Shiawassee" Water Heritage Trail from Holly to Fenton. We'll assemble at WaterWorks park around 1:00 pm and start down the river in individual groups. Strom Park in Fenton is the take out location where you can park your return vehicle. Plan to enjoy a crisp, fall day and learn about the continuing improvements to the trail that are planned.

8/18/05 -- River Clean-up Scheduled for August 25

We'll do a quick clean-up at selected points along the river trail after work on Thursday, August 25. Join us at WaterWorks Park at 6pm for a sandwich and a work assignment. Wear clothes appropriate for wading in the river and bring your gloves. Call Sue Julian at 248-634-3513 for more information.

8/12/05 -- Equestrian Trails Fundraiser August 28

Horse owners in Northwest Oakland are invited to participate in "Ride the Rose" and "Cruise the Connector" on Sunday August 28 from 9 to 2 pm. The cost is $25 plus all the pledges you can solicit to aid in the effort to establish equestrian friendly trails, particulary those within and connecting to Rose Oaks and Springfield Oaks County Parks. Download forms and further details from www.oaklandequestrians.org.

6/7/05 -- Race Results Updated

Full race stats for all racers and classes have been added to the race information page, available in an MS Excel file for download. Pictures of the race winners are also up. A compliation CD of all of the race images taken by the organizers is under development.

6/4/05 -- "Preview" Holly to Fenton Race was a Big Success

The smiles of President Dot LaLone and Timer Joann Gabaw tell the story. It was a fine sunny day and 81 people in 52 boats headed downriver seven miles to Fenton. The river proved challenging but the best times will stand until the next annual race. Soon we’ll have more photos of the beautiful river itself and all the people that enjoyed it that day.

3/31/05 -- Canoe Race from Holly to Fenton: June 4th, 2005

Sign up, sponsor or help organize canoe/kayak races for various ages and experience groups. On Saturday, June 4th participants will start at Waterworks Park in Holly and paddle seven river miles on the Shiawassee to Strom Park in Fenton. The route will follow the water heritage trail being developed by Headwaters Trails. Volunteers are needed to help with all aspects of the race [safety, parking, signage, registration, events and timing]. Sponsorships at multiple levels will be officially recognized and greatly appreciated. Take a look at some photos of the trail route that racers will take.

3/8/05 -- Conservation Easement on WaterWorks Wetlands

The Village of Holly and the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy collaborated on an agreement to protect the wetlands in WaterWorks Park that include the braided channels of the Shiawassee River. The conservation easement will protect this floodplain area in perpetuity. NOHLC will provide yearly inspections and invasive species management and the Village of Holly will provide the public with scenic viewing opportunities and a canoe launch from its park setting.

2/2/05 -- WaterWorks Park History search

The search is on for details of the past history of the WaterWorks building and the surrounding area so that the Harding Mott bridge can be erected without obscuring the heritage of the trailhead. History buffs are considering ways to preserve the existing machinery and restore the building. Anyone with knowledge or an interest in late nineteenth century water works is invited to contribute information. The sub-committee is headed by Brad Rebar, 248-634-5141.

12/11/04 -- 5K Trail completed in Sorensen Park

At the eastern trailhead of our pathway system, Headwaters Trails has completed a new all-season trail in Sorensen Park, 5142 East Holly Road. Signage indicates how many kilometers an exerciser or casual visitor has covered on the 5K path, named for the Holly Township Park mascot, Hiker T. Moose. The wood-chipped surface makes for comfortable hikes past the wetland and prairie areas. A visitor can reach the Charles Harding Mott II Shiawassee River Overlook at the trail's midpoint and see the remarkable vista of the extended marshes and fens along the Shiawassee River. For trail maps or more information call the Park Office at 248-634-1758.

6/18/04 – Planners paddle the proposed River Trail.

Representatives of Oakland County Planning and Economic Development Services, Oakland County Trails Advisory Council, The Nature Conservancy, and North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy joined local residents in an exploration of the proposed river trail from Holly to Fenton. Afterwards they offered suggestions for the trail’s design, trail amenities and safety considerations. These suggestions will be taken up by members of the River Trail Implementation Committee, whose first meeting is July 22.

6/1/04 – Community Foundation for Greater Flint awards $28,015 for trailhead bridge.

Responding to an application for a grant to make WaterWorks park more accessible, the Community Foundation for Greater Flint awarded funds to complete a pedestrian bridge that will link the north and south halves of the park which are now divided by the water works sluice. The grant will also cover the engineering and approach structures for the 8 foot wide bridge. The bridge will honor the memory of Harding Mott II who joined area residents in preserving the Shiawassee headwaters. Work will be completed by Fall of 2005.

2/3/04 - Trail Information Updated

We've added new content about the proposed trails to the website. Each trail has a description of the route and sights to see, complete with thumbnailed pictures. Click the images to the left of the trail information to see a larger version of the image.

The new trail info can be found on the "Proposed Trail Routes" page, or by following these direct links:

• Shiawassee River Water Heritage Trail
• Village-Township Connector
• Seven Lakes Park Connector
• Rose Oaks Connector

11/13/03 - GreenWays Predevelopment Grant Final Report

Headwaters Trails Inc recently submitted a report to the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan, which runs the GreenWays Initiative. The GreenWays Initiative supports the predevelopment trail work of Headwaters Trails.

Covered in the report:

• details of the to-date trail implementation progress
• the predevelopment grant final budget
• an evaluation of Headwaters Trails' progress
• future Headwaters Trails plans for trail construction and promotion of recreational activities

To view the report, choose a file format and click on the link:

Adobe Acrobat .pdf (29K)

Microsoft Word 2000 .doc (35K)

11/13/03 - Run Like the Dickens

A 5K Run and Walk presented by Pulte Homes, to be held on December 13, 2003. Also featured: "Tiny Tim Trot" for children, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 Mile Runs (ages 13 and under). Presented in conjunction with the 30th Annual Dickens Olde Fashioned Christmas Festival in Holly, Michigan.

About the Races:

• This event is a fund raiser for the Holly High School Track Team (host of the Holly Invitational Cross Country meet) and is also supported by Headwaters Trails, Inc.
• The course runs through Historic Holly.
• Registration and Start at the Karl Richter Campus (920 E. Baird Street, Holly 48442). Registration at 7:30 AM, Race Start at 9:00. Kids race will be held on the track at approximately 10:30 AM. Long sleeve tee-shirt guaranteed to early entries.
• Timing by Champion Chip technology.
• 5K Run Awards: first male and female, first male and female "Master", first three "Heavyweights" (220+ lbs.) and top three male and female in 16 age groups, including 75+ Walk Awards: first male and female, and first three male and female in 11 age groups.

On-line registration available at http://www.signmeupsports.com/index_run.htm. Applications are also available at Bauman's Running and Fitness Store, or by calling Sherylynn Everly at home at 248-634-4683.

After the race, stay for the Dickens Parade, and the 30th edition of the annual Dickens Olde Fashioned Christmas Festival. Live entertainment, great shopping, food, music and tons of fun. Even Santa will be in town for this!