​Michigan Waterways Stewards - River Angels

The River Angel recognition is given to only those who participate in a Michigan waterways stewardship project. For those who participated in a Michigan lake or river cleanup, send us a picture of you in action and we'll be thrilled to mail you your FREE River Angel decal.
To learn how to receive yours, click here.

River Angels In Action

Red Cedar River, East Lansing, MI.
March 19, 2023
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MSU’S DELTA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY TAKES THE LEAD
It’s a community-wide effort with 30 strong.

What began as a response to a Meridian Township resident complaint turned into a community-wide Red Cedar River celebration.

When the City of East Lansing asked for our help with a Red Cedar River cleanup, I first thought of the Delta Sigma Phi (Delta Sigs) fraternity. With their riverside location and history of community support, it made sense to partner with them. Within minutes of our meeting with Delta Sig’s Gage Farrow, their Sergeant at Arms, without pause he enthusiastically offered his fraternity’s support.

A plan was put in place to clean the river, clear the riverbank, and grounds just above, beginning at the west Okemos railroad bridge to Bogue Street. 
Delta Sig’s Gage Farrow shares, “We got a bigger turnout than I had originally expected from our chapter. This community project really resonated with our fraternity. We look forward to supporting future Red Cedar River stewardship projects and elsewhere to make a positive difference in our community.”
Christine Pearson, with Michigan Waterways Stewards says, “I am really proud of these young men. Their commitment and the work they accomplished was remarkable. It was truly transformational.”

​To read the entire story and what others said, download the PR release below. 
Click on each image to view in larger format.
A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THAT PARTICIPATED
​River Angels In Action: Michigan Waterways Stewards: Mike Stout, Christine Pearson. Delta Sigma Phi: Michael Rhadigan, CJ Brenton, Will Grenolds, Abishek, Kumar, James Ikler, John Murray, Benjamin Jackson, Jack Kirkwood, Christopher Cording, Matthew Kosak, Spencer Ances, Jonah Kalawa, Jake Van Horn, Jake Pelton, Aiden Koechley, Brendan Woellecke, Timothy McKay, AJ Gordon, Lucas Hicks, Spencer Rajewski, Oscar Henderson, Zach Kaplan, Kai Cyr, Andrew Degidio, and project lead Gage Farrow. There were others who participated coming in and out. East Lansing Rotary: Proect lead Peter Dewan with President; Bill McMillan, President-Elect; Maribeth Fletcher, Secretary and Sung Lee, former President of the East Lansing Rotary. Friends of the Red Cedar River: George Stockman. City of East Lansing: Cliff Walls, Environmental Specialist. Meridian Township: Emma Campbell, Land Stewardship Coordinator Parks and Recreation.
Reynolds Creek, Lansing, MI.
March 25, 2023
After years of clearing the .6 miles of Reynolds Creek from just below the railroad bridge near Lansing’s Region International Airport to the confluence of the Grand River, a concerned resident has had enough. Wanting to remain anonymous, this complainant reached out to Michigan Waterways Stewards for help.
While no amounts of pollutants are acceptable, it was the constant flow of large amounts of styrofoam that was of greatest concern. Styrofoam is a slow to decompose, dangerous, hazardous substance which harms our water sources, affecting animals and humans alike.

It was determined  that the source was Michigan Legislative Service Bureau (MLSB) Printing.Lansing government officials, 4th ward council member Brian T. Jackson, and MLSB LSB Director, Jennifer Dettloff, and the office of the governor, have been notified. We hope they respond, accept responsibility, and immediately improve their recycling, trash removal, and grounds care.

​To learn more, click here.
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Tecumseh Park, Lansing, MI.
January 15, 2023
Matthew Edmond, one of Mid-Michigan's most active environmentalist, made us aware of a large collection of pollution pooled up a short distance from Tecumseh Park. It is an area on the river that has been blocked off by a large fallen tree. It requires regular attention as any pollution coming downstream is likely to get caught here.

On this day, Matthew Edmond and Mike Stout, tackle this hotspot. Fighting an area mostly covered in ice they were able to retrieve a couple hundred pounds of urban pollution and pull out remnants of a broken dock. They also pull from the river an orange and white highway barrel and grocery cart.
A park visitor caught Matthew and Mike in action. He later wrote.
"It’s January 15, 2023, windchill is below freezing, and I went for a walk at Tecumseh Park in North Lansing. 

​I came across who I now recognize to be Mike Stout and another gentleman who were IN the Grand River (wearing waders) cleaning trash/debris that had built up at a fallen tree near where I fish during the spring and summer. They had already filled several bags and didn’t appear to be stopping anytime soon. 

I love Tecumseh Park and all of the municipal parks Lansing has to offer, and I had no idea this wonderful organization has been working so hard (and in such difficult conditions) to keep them clean. ​
Tecumseh Park is an area that Matthew has largely adopted. Via his efforts, with the support of his family, Tecumseh Park is looking its best in years. Thank you Matthew for all that you do.
BEFORE
AFTER
Red Cedar River, Lansing Michigan.
 January 12, 2023
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We were told of possible dangerous metal objects beneath a railroad bridge not far from the East Lansing Waste Water Plant. If it weren't for this year's very low water levels it may not have been noticed.  

These metal objects may have been first discovered during a Lansing Oar and Paddle Club (LOAPC) New Year Day outing. Avid paddler Richard Bailey confirmed his seeing possible chunks of rail and some other stuff. He provided a detailed map describing their location.
We told the City of Lansing of these metal objects, that they were just below the river's surface and could cause damage the bottom of canoe or kayak, or worse injury someone.

​Within a day, the City sent out a team to investigate. Upon their sighting, the immediately removed what was described as four foot sections of rail.
We wish to thank LOAPC paddler Richard Bailey and City of Lansing's Park and Recreation Director, Brett Kaschinske, for their help in the removal of possible dangerous river objects.

A special shout out to the City is due for their immediate action. They continue to impress.​
Grand River Homeless Encampment, Lansing, MI.
 November - December 2022
While working to remove the river-wide entanglement below the Grand River railroad bridge and  large pools of surface pollution, we discovered a large abandoned encampment atop the steep riverbank.  We knew, if this wasn't removed before next spring's snowmelt and high floodwaters, much of this would make its way into the Grand River and make matters much worse.

Thinking it was City owned property, we made them aware and pushed them to act. They were unaware. They then discovered this property was not theirs, but privately owned.

​We were certain that a quick resolution was unlikely.
I am pleased to announce, working with and through the City, the encampment has been cleaned up.

Our having removed the large entanglement and pools of pollution below the bridge, the abandoned homeless encampment above, this once long-standing, terribly polluted, impassable section of the Grand River has been transformed into a remote, rustic river stretch that we can all be excited about and enjoy. It is aesthetically pleasing and now accessible and safe to navigate for paddlers of all skill levels, floaters, boaters, and anglers too.
A special shoutout is due to the collaborative efforts of our volunteers, business and industry, property owners, and local government. It is amazing the ease, and speed, in which we can accomplish great things when working together.
BEFORE
AFTER
Red Cedar River, Lansing, MI.
 December 17, 2022
While conducting a Red Cedar River clean-up along the last 1.5 miles before the Grand River confluence, there were a few stretches along the south side of the river that were heavily polluted. While cleaning a long span of  steep riverbank, then making it to the top, we were surprised to discover the contributing business was City of Lansing's Public Services Department. Along with the embankment immediately behind the property, the outside perimeter of their fence, and its enclosed parking lot was terribly littered.  This nonpoint source pollution makes its way to the river. 

When the City was first made aware of the problem, they denied it was their property, then attempted to explain this was not possible, then tried to deflect responsibility. After sending them photos, they only then admitted it was their property. 

Regardless of their initial refusal to accept ownership or responsibility, they paused, then took appropriate action. The result was a transformational change. The Public Services Department property now looks much cleaner, extraordinarily clean, and better organized. It reflects much better on the public works department, its employees, and the City. 

We thank the City of Lansing for the transformational improvement. Let's hope other nearby businesses, even other cities, take notice and follow their lead. 
BEFORE
AFTER
Red Cedar River, East Lansing, MI.
December 11, 2022
It was a beautiful December day for paddling the Red Cedar. Our goal today is to not log miles or chase record speeds, but to leave the Red Cedar River better.

After event host George Stockman releases his two canoes down the steep embankment leading to the river, of which one gets snagged in a tree, we then launch onto the Red Cedar. Although the temperature is hovering in the low-to-mid 30s, it feels quite comfortable. 

We start in Okemos, paddle through East Lansing, and weave our way through the heart of of Michigan State’s campus. Our mission to retrieve 10-12 e-scooters that have been tossed in the river. By the end of today’s short paddle, we retrieve 16 e-scooters, 13 highway markers, 4 highway cones, 3 bikes, 1 bike wheel, and several softballs. 

Sadly, with a little more time and a little greater effort, I suspect we could have retrieved another 20 - 30 ebikes, and probably twice as many bicycles, along this same stretch. I wouldn’t be surprised if there weren’t multiples of my greatest estimate hidden in the water.

It was great seeing the enthusiasm from MSU students about our work. Some cheered as we paddled under bridges. One student, Dan Koch (senior, physics major) went out of his way to assist us with staging a dozen ebikes for the University to later retrieve. Another coed (senior, marketing major) went out of her way to help us capture another. Both expressed their disappointment about those who were responsible for such reckless, stupid acts. They too found it difficult to imagine their recklessness.​

A special thanks to River Angels: George Stockman, Tony Kuhlman, Connie Cannon, and Mike Stout. We must also recognize MSU's Laura Young and it sustainability department  for gathering and disposing of all our collected river debris. 

Red Cedar River Clean-Up | Spin in Action - December 12, 2022.

Spin, MSU's on and near-campus dockless electric scooter company, retrieved 6 Spin and 1 Bird scooter from beneath Hagadorn bridge today. That brings our total catch of e-scooters to 22 over just the past few days.

While we may be disappointed these weren't retrieved earlier, let's celebrate their responding and wanting to work closely with us in the future. Cheers to new partnerships, looking forward,, and setting higher standards.

It's a start. Thanks Spin!
Huron River, Delhi MetroPark. 
December 11, 2022
River Angels:  Jim Mazzola, Kim Mazzola , Steve Darby, and Aaron Douglas make the trip to clean up the riverbank running along the lovely Delhi MetroPark. Thanks for the wonderful work!
Red Cedar Railroad Bridge, Lansing, MI.
​November 29, 2022
Before each clean-up project, we complete an assessment of the target site. This includes reviewing the specific area of concern, plus at least one-quarter mile above and below stream. Independent assessments on this site were made by Cynthia Donovan (on river) and Mike Stout (from riverbank) on Friday, November 4. 2022.
When Mike was making his way to the site, he crossed paths with a team of volunteers, representing the City of Lansing Police Department, picking up trash along Lansing's river trail. Let's give special shout out to these ladies, and all those taking pride and care of our city's treasured rivers, parks, and trails.
Tuesday, November 29, Adrian and Blissfield Railroad Company (ADBF) along with a team of passionate paddlers returned to the river and conducted one of the two largest Lansing metro area clean-ups in 2023.

With the assistance of a powerful diesel locomotive, ADBF cleared five of the six obstructed spans. While there remains more work to do, they will be returning soon. A team of six volunteers, skilled paddlers, scoured the river and cleared the riverbanks of urban debris. When all done  a small barge, a canoe, and additional large bags of urban debris was collected along the last 1.5 miles of the Red Cedar. There is  much more to collect, but let's celebrate a great start.

A special shout out is due to the team of skilled paddlers included: Mike Stout, Patrick Harrington, Thad Vance, David Ford, Paul Malewski, and Tony Kuhlman. A special thanks is certainly due to ADBF, their president Chris Bagwell, and their company of volunteers. Let's hope other railroad companies follow their lead to work with the private sector improve our river's aesthetics and water quality, for the benefit of fish and wildlife  and for recreation and sport use.
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Grand River Railroad Bridge, Lansing, MI.
​November 10, 2022
On Wednesday, November 3, 2022, Pat Harrington and Mike Stout launched from Tecumseh Park and paddle the half-mile up to the Grand River railroad bridge. The weather was ideal with the temps in the mid-60s. The team cleared all visible trash spanning the entire width of the river
​As they prepared to leave, a stranger approached from atop the hill. He asked, "Do you need any help?" It was Brett Kaschinske, Lansing's Park and Recreation director. The three met for the first time and discussed imminent plans for removing the remaining trees and other natural debris collected under the bridge. After Pat and Brett talked shop, Mike took Brett down the river to inspect the abandoned homeless encampment. Plans were made to clear this as well, before it washes into the river during next spring's melt off and high floodwaters.
As Pat and Mike prepared to paddle back to Tecumseh Park, Brett volunteered to carry away and dispose of the approximate 250 gallons of collected trash. On their way back down river, the duo paddled  the west side of the river and filled Pat's canoe with a half-dozen highway markers and other river debris.

Thursday, November 10, a team of River Angels returned to complete the transformation of the Grand River. They included  Richard Bailey, George Stockman, Cynthia Donovan, Matthew and Edmund Matthews, Mike Stout, and the Adrian Bllisfield Railroad Company. By the end of the day, this once long-standing, impassable, polluted stretch of the river is transformed into one of the most scenic stretches in the Lansing metro area.