Michigan Waterways Stewards

Protecting, Caring For, and Improving Michigan's Treasured Waterways.

Whether you are a native Michigander or a transplant who just moved here, you were called to be here to protect and steward this beautiful state. Michigan’s greatest natural resource is its abundant fresh water.

Michigan is blessed with an abundance of fresh water, more than any other state. We have direct access to four Great Lakes; Michigan, Superior, Huron and Erie. Running through our state we have approximately 51,438 miles of river, of which 656 miles are designated as wild and scenic.

Despite it being more than 50 years after the signing of the Clean Water Act, there remains too many areas in Michigan where our treasured waterways are challenged with litter, trash, and other unwanted debris. Then there is the challenge of river-wide obstructions making their usage difficult, dangerous, and at times impossible.

This was the reason for the start of Michigan Waterways Stewards. To provide everything needed to conduct waterways stewardship across all of Michigan. To make Michigan's rivers, lakes, and streams, the envy of our Great Lakes states.

We have received an outpouring of support from the start, whether it be volunteers, event sponsors, or year-round partners, from schools and churches, business and industry, civic and social clubs, and municipalities. Most of all, our work has been possible because of the thousands of selfless volunteers who often travel from across the state, even as far as Canada to offer a helping hand, to create lasting impact.

There are three components to our programming (SEA): Stewardship, Education, and Advocacy. Most know us for our transformative stewardship work in our Capital City Region. We believe our most important work may be our environmental education under the banner, "Love Our Waterways."

Then there is the area where we advocate for change. Sometimes a fresh perspective and new approach is needed. Many consider our greatest accomplishment the discovery of the hundreds of electric scooters and bicycles tossed and abandoned in our Red Cedar River which led to several positive changes.

Many of our suggestions for improved Spin's operating practices were adapted by Michigan State University and Spin.
Our discovery and campaign for improvement was a contributing factor in the City of East Lansing permanently revoking Spin's license to operate.
The above also contributed to the development of MSU's Red Cedar River Stewardship and Recreation Committee.

Join Us In Our Mission.

It is our mission to protect, care for, and improve our treasured and vulnerable waterways for the benefit of fish and wildlife, recreation and sport. Through our efforts we seek to inspire current and future generations of environmental stewards.

It is our vision to make Michigan's inland rivers, creeks, and lakes, the envy of our Great Lakes states.

Hannah the Heron
Our 'Love Our Waterways' mascot.

Hannah the Heron embodies the work we do in making Michigan’s waterways cleaner and healthier for the benefit of fish and wildlife. Hannah is a beautiful, majestic bird who will capture the attention and imagination of all.

When people think of a great blue heron, they often envision its striking blue-gray feathers, long legs, and sharp beak poised elegantly near water. They might also recall its prehistoric-sounding squawk when alarmed and suddenly taking flight. Of course, one can’t help but be impressed by its massive wingspan, which allows for efficient gliding and maneuvering over our waters and wetlands.

But there is more to the story behind why we chose Hannah the Heron, a great blue heron, as our mascot. Blue herons are considered an indicator species because their presence, absence, or abundance can signal the health of wetland ecosystems. As top predators, they are sensitive to changes in their environment, making them a "bellwether" for conditions like water quality, toxin levels, and prey availability.

Hannah the Heron is a wonderful mascot that symbolizes the importance of loving our waterways. Her presence will inspire communities to connect with and protect their natural water environments. Through educational programs and outreach, Hannah will help raise awareness about conservation efforts and the significance of clean water.

Hannah the Heron’s message is simple—one that we all need to embrace: “Love Our Waterways. It’s a Shared Responsibility.”

Look for sightings of Hannah the Heron around Michigan soon.

We're Michigan's #1 Waterways Stewardship Organization.
Over 200,000 pounds hand retrieved!

Since our start nealry years ago, November 3, 2022, we have managed over 270 stewardship projects, mobilized nearly 3,560 volunteers, and created impact across 17 Michigan communities. We have removed over 200,000 pounds (100 tons) of litter, trash, and other unwanted debris, and cleared 115 river-wide obstructions. The estimated value of our volunteers' efforts alone, their giving back to Michigan communities, is greater than $446,000.

Because of the support of business and industry, schools and churches, civic and social organizations, local government, and our awesome volunteers, Michigan's waterways are cleaner, healthier, and more enjoyable to use.

We are proud of the results achieved, humbled by the compliments, and honored by the accolades:

(2025) Sierra Club Michigan awarded Michael Stout, on behalf of Michigan Waterways Stewards, its White Pine Award. given to a non-member, organization or group that has shown extraordinary dedication to protection of the environment.
(2024) Michigan State University awarded our founder, Michael Stout, with the prestigious Greek Ivy Award. This award is given to an outstanding community member, chapter advisor, or faculty/staff member who have gone above and beyond to represent Fraternity & Sorority Life.
(2024)The City of Lansing honored Michigan Waterways Stewards with a proclamation, recognizing Michigan Waterways Stewards for its community-wide, collaborative approach, and achieving transformative results.

Click here to view of 2025 Calendar of Events

While we are excited about the remarkable accomplishments made over our first two years, we're most excited about our rapidly growing partnership base and plans for 2025. Join us. Experience the joy and ease with which we accomplish great things when working together. With your hep we'll make Michigan's waterways cleaner, healthier, and more pleasant to use.

To check out our 2025 planned activities, those community-wide events, speaking engagements, or other special events, click on the Upcoming Events image to the right. We look forward to seeing you there!

There are a number of ways in which you can help: Volunteer at one of our community-wide or pop-up events, take in an EcoTour. Give financially or in-kind, Adopt A River, help fundraise, donate your refundable cans and bottles, join our advisory council, or simply help share our story, To learn more, drop us a note, we would love to hear from you.

Michigan Waterways Stewards

Our mission is to protect, care for, and improve Michigan’s treasured and vulnerable waterways
for the benefit of fish and wildlife, recreation and sport.
Through our work we will inspire current and future generations
to become environmental stewards.

JOIN US • CREATE LASTING IMPACT •. THIS IS OUR LEGACY