Michigan Waterways Stewards

Treasure Michigan's Precious Waterways.

Michigan is blessed with an abundance of fresh water, more than any other state. We have 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.

Yet, here in our capital city, our waterways are under threat. There may be no greater example than with our Grand River, our state's largest river at 252 miles.

Less than two miles from our state's capital building there was a tragic example of water pollution and impassable stretch of river, that had been allowed to worsen for a period as long as ten years. It was so bad, it is hard to imagine that it exists 50 years after the enactment of the Clean Water Act and Governor Whitmer declaring the year beginning October 2022 as the Year of Clean Water.

When assessing other stretches of river passing through our capital city, we discovered there were other areas needing immediate attention too.

Through the collaboration of local businesses and government, and support of passionate volunteers (River Angels), river-wide obstructions have been removed and large pools of pollution cleared. Hot spots along our riverbanks and under interstate highways cleaned-up. A riverside wooded lot, where a previously unknown abandoned homeless encampment existed, has been restored to its rustic beauty. On the Red Cedar River, flowing through the campus of MSU, we retrieved discarded e-scooters, bicycles, and other urban debris. To view the work of our River Angels, click here.

We are thrilled to have helped transform some of the most tragic examples of water pollution found in our state into scenic stretches of navigable river. We are excited by the interest, excitement, and growing offers to support, and flattered by the many generous compliments:
• One person wrote, “River Stewardship is Healthy Again.”
• Another said, “Michigan Waterways Stewards is the best thing that has ever happened to our local rivers.”
• Another shared, “Your organization is exactly what we need in the State of Michigan.”

At the same time, requests for us to help elsewhere keep pouring in. We accept the invitation, and challenge, to continue our work to protect and improve Michigan’s prized waterways throughout MidMichigan, and across the state.

Join us in our mission in making Michigan's waterways a wondrous treasure for all its residents and the envy of America's industrial states.