Sponsored by Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes
Contact person:
Ross Stephenson Rsteph13@chartermi.net
Phone: 231-645-7249
When: 10:00 AM on Wednesday, June 13th or rain date of June 14th
Where: canoe access on Lake Michigan Road (also called M-708) about 1/4 mile off of M-22.
This event has been planned to have a number of presentations. We start with a short training session from the Park Rangers and Forest Health Specialist, a short information session about the Friends of Sleeping Bear, a short session about kayaking basics and how to do a river cleanup. Then we will paddle downstream and pick up any trash we see on the Lower Platte. Kyle and Kelly Orr (owners of the Riverside Canoe Trips) will provide help and equipment as needed.
Please bring your own lunch and a reusable water bottle.
What to wear for a river cleanup
Footwear: This is very important because at some point you will probably be walking in the water. You have to have footwear that will stay on your feet in the water and protect your feet. Not only is there the possibility of broken glass, but there are fishing lures still attached to old logs. This means no flip-flops or crocs. Don't even think about going barefoot. Wear river sandals like Keens, Teva sandals, inexpensive beach shoes, or old tennis shoes. You must have something that that will stay on your feet in the water.
Gloves: You might be picking up pieces of broken glass or rusty cans, so having rubber gloves or gardening gloves is recommended. You can buy knit gloves with a rubber coating for a couple of dollars.
Clothing: If it is swimming weather, a swimsuit and a shirt for sun protection works great. If it is cooler, wear synthetic pants and shirt that dry quickly. Do not wear blue jeans – when they get wet (which they will), they will never dry and you will get cold. In addition, bring a change of clothing in a dry bag; that bag will stay with you in the boat so you can change clothes if you get wet and cold. In addition, have a set of dry clothes left in your vehicle (including underwear) so you will be able to change into them for the ride home. Wear a sunhat to shade your eyes. If you have them, polarized sunglasses really help you to see into the water. If there is any chance of precipitation, bring a rain jacket and rain pants if you have them.
Dry box/bag: You will want to keep your car keys, phone and wallet in a dry safe place in your watercraft. Do not leave this stuff in your car. River accesses are known to be targets for thieves. No one has ever broken into a kayak on the river. If you don’t own specialized waterproof boxes or bags, here is a cheap way of keeping your stuff dry. First, put each item into a Ziploc bag, and then put them all in a Rubbermaid plastic box from your kitchen. Then put this box into a pack or bag you can tie into your kayak or canoe.
Don't forget to have sunglasses and a retainer. Please bring your own personal flotation device or borrow one from the livery.