River Angels In Action

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 - Our Beginning.

Lansing Red Cedar River and Grand River Cleanup | 6.4.23
June 4, 2023

Today I paddled the Red Cedar River from Kruger’s landing to the confluence of the Grand River. I then continued downriver to Tecumseh Park. It was on this stretch not too long ago, specifically at the Adrian and Blissfield Railroad Bridge (ADBF), that I committed to improving our local waters for the benefit of fish and wildlife, recreation and sport.

It has been a remarkable journey. We can’t thank enough all those who have helped make this transformational change a reality. Without their help this transformational change would not have been possible.

On this Sunday our rivers were rich in wildlife and human activity. Geese and ducks, with their babies close behind, were everywhere. Schools of fish regularly passed by. Turtles were basking in the sun and my favorite, the Blue Heron, were busy hunting from the riverbank. The river was busy with fishermen and paddlers too.

haven’t seen as much activity on our local rivers before. It was exciting to see.

Items retrieved from our rivers today included several tires, barrels and highway cones. Buckets, plastic lawn chairs, a grocery cart, and scrap metal were also taken out. In addition there was the expected collection of plastics, paper, styrofoam, glass, and lost clothing.

I estimate that over the weekend we retrieved over 600 pounds of litter, trash, and urban debris from Lansing area Red Cedar River and Grand River.

A Red Cedar River Run from MSU to Kruger's Landing
June 3, 2023

River Angel Cam Aitken

With the temperature breaking 90º, what better way to spend the day than be on the water?

Working with River Angel Cam Aitken, our plan is to paddle the Red Cedar River from Jenison Field House to Kruger’s Landing. Along the way we will conduct a little stewardship. We aren’t exactly sure what we’ll see. Who knows what evidence of campus and urban living we’ll see caught up in a river’s bend.

Along this stretch we are sure to see paired ducks and geese with babies following closely behind. Maybe we’ll catch deer slipping through the woods or see eagles soaring above. Certainly we’ll see plenty of fish swimming by.

It has been a dry spring. The Red Cedar is low, shallow, clear, and refreshingly cold. With many trees reaching across the river they provide cover and a break from the beating sun. We imagine how this stretch of river must look in the fall, in full color. As we make our way downstream we clear the river and riverbanks of papers, plastics, and glass. Included is the predictable collection of baseballs and softballs, and MSU police barricade signage. We also pull out a half dozen tires and a few highway cones too.

I was surprised to discover a river-wide blockage with a collection of several seasons of woody debris. Trapped behind it was a large pool of litter and trash. River right is the only way through, but it was blocked by smaller trees. With a couple of volunteers and a chainsaw this too will be opened up, as well as the next obstruction a little further down river.

Not much later Cam excitedly shouts out, “There is a kayaker coming our way.” It is Connie Cannon. She is quickly making her way upstream in one of her racing canoes.

We make our way to where earlier this week members of Mount Hope Church leadership school cleared trapped litter and trash from behind a large fallen tree. The next day Lansing’s Park and Recreation had a contractor remove the large tree, other trapped logs and natural debris, that had caused this river-wide jam. I was excited to see how much better the area looked and knowing it was now navigable.

A narrow path had already been carved through the shallow collection of surface woody debris. As we made our way through river left with our wider catamaran, we create an even larger opening making it easier for others to make their way through.

It was a beautiful day to be on our Red Cedar River. We removed six tires, a couple of highway cones, an MSU police barricade, and about 50 pounds of litter and trash. It made for a great day.

River Angels Cam Aitken and Mike Stout.

A Mount Hope Church Red Cedar River Cleanup
May 30, 2023

EXPERIENCE HOPE.
Mount Hope Church leadership school students help clean up our treasured Red Cedar River.

It was a privilege and great fun working with Mount Hope Church on this sunny, Tuesday, which broke 90º for the first time this year. Deana McIlrath, Mount Hope Church outreach director, enthusiastically led a team of six young adults.

We met at and launch from Kruger’s Landing. We will tackle the large pool of litter and trash caught up behind long standing river-wide jam about a half-mile upriver. As we make our way we remove an old tire, a child’s wading pool, and several other objects from the Red Cedar’s clear shallow waters.

After arriving at our destination, the team hurries through the woods to begin work. They give no worry to the poison ivy and thorny bushes on the way.

They begin their assault on the trouble area. Some wade into the deep cold water, a pair works from above on the fallen tree which bridges the river, others position their boats near the debris field.

This was not an easy challenge. There was large amount of litter and trash intermingled in a large debris field of trees, logs, and other natural debris. Here, on either side, the the river gives no hint to where it suddenly drops off and wants to pull you under. Below the river’s surface you can’t see the entanglement of trapped trees and other natural debris that that wants to trip you or snag your leg or turn your ankle.

Not much later, what once seemed to be an insurmountable challenge, the large collection of litter and trash giving evidence of campus and urban living upstream, begins to find its way into the bottom of our 50 gallon trash bags.

Determined to collect it all, and having gained greater confidence in, on, and near the water, the team members begin reaching further toward the center.

No one seems more determined than Alex.

When done, we make our way back to Kruger’s Landing where we stage our work that will be soon be collected by the City. About a dozen bags of river trash is bagged, along with other river finds, marks the end of a successful river clean up.

Just before we complete loading our kayaks and catamaran into our truck and car, Deana spots a large collection of trash bags that someone had carelessly thrown down the hill into the woods. Our work is not yet done. Not to be deterred, we retrieve these bags too and add them to our collection.

Thank you Mount Hope Church. Your enthusiastic spirit, relentless determination, and great work is inspiring.

River Angels are environmentally conscious waterways stewards. Those River Angles in action today were: Alex Malone, Ebbie Gomez, Hannah Rigas, Jordan Feyen, Mitchell Gustafson, Ray Kenney, Deana McIlrath, and Mike Stout.

Red Cedar River Cleanup
May 10, 2023

Thank You Adrian and Blissfield Railroad Company (ADBF) for Your Unprecedented Support and Leadership!

On this sunny spring day with temperatures pushing 80, ADBF president Chris Bagwell and team, hit the river to clear a river-wide obstruction made of trees, logs, and other natural debris from under their Red Cedar River railroad bridge. For an assist, they bring in a pair of diesel powered locomotives.

The entire blockage has been thinned and the far two spans river right have been cleared making it easy and safe for passage.

About two hundred pounds of litter and trash trapped behind this collection of natural debris, and along the Red Cedar River from Potter Park Zoo to the confluence of the Grand River, was removed. In addition to the typical collection of paper, plastics and styrofoam, these River Angels* find a tire, carpeting, construction netting (safety fence), the steering wheel of a car, metal post, and more.

River Angels are environmentally conscious waterways stewards. The River Angles in action today were: ADBF, Cynthia Donovan, George Stockman, Chuck Amboy, and Mike Stout. See photos below.

A SPECIAL SHOUTOUT TO ADRIAN AND BLISSFIELD RAILROAD COMPANY

Last year, in late November, the new owners of ADBF brought in a large crew and powerful locomotives to clear a longstanding river-wide entanglement under their Red Cedar River railroad bridge. It is rare for a railroad company to demonstrate such an interest and commitment in clearing a river, especially to such a great extent, for the greater benefit of the community.

What many don’t know, is ADBF did the same work just two weeks prior on the Grand River. They came in without fanfare with their crew and heavy equipment to remove an even larger, more problematic and polluted, river-wide obstruction on the Grand River.

In a span of six months, the Okemos headquartered ADBF has volunteered to bring in their crew and heavy equipment to clear three river-wide obstructions for the benefit of fish and wildlife, recreation and sport. It is unknown of another railroad company in Michigan, and unlikely across the country, that has matched the work of Okemos based ADBF.

Thank you ADBF. We hope other railroad companies follow your lead in being so environmentally and community-minded. Your actions are unprecedented and worthy of praise.

Friends of the Looking Glass Cleanup.
May 7, 2023

The spring storms blew through leaving a perfect day for Friends of the Looking Glass River to hit the river for their first organized cleanup of the year. Over twenty attend the event. Each passionate about their river and wanting to improve it not just for themselves, but for others who will paddle this narrow, winding, scenic, 71-mile river.

This is my first time on this river and am eager to return. The Friends of the Looking Glass prove to be wonderful ambassadors, even better stewards. Well done!

It is amazing the ease in which we can accomplish great things when working together.
- For best viewing, click on the first image then scroll right. -

Grand River, East of Tecumseh Park - North Lansing, MI.
April 30, 2023

This may have been our most successful river cleanup effort yet.

Just east of Tecumseh Park is a traditional hotspot where nearly everything coming down the Grand River collects. Slightly out of the way and out of sight for most, this hairpin turn is where litter, trash, and other urban debris coming down from Lansing is typically snagged before the river straightens out and continues on to Delta Mills Park and Grand Ledge.
Sadly, this area is also home of many pairing geese and with this year’s high floodwaters their nests are surrounded by river trash. It’s a tragic reminder of how our seemingly indifference and careless acts affects wildlife.

With the help of friend Matthew Edmonds we return to complete the cleaning of this area. This afternoon the weather is constantly changing from clear to cloudy, with intermittent rains. It does not deter us. We continue on and after 4-5 hours we consider our work completed.

Our new inflatable Takacat 380 catamaran, powered by an electric Torqeedo outboard engine, performs wonderfully. Thank you Great Lakes Watercraft! When done, our Takacat is transformed into a small barge, carrying out our largest collection of litter during a single cleanup event so far; seven large trash bags and a large collection of other evidence of urban living.

We can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment and personal pride. This garbage dump-like area is transformed into a park-like setting and the nesting ground for geese is much improved.

This area will become a much more pleasant destination for hiking, fishing, and nearby paddling.

As we watch many paired geese return to their nests, I wonder if they noticed our work or what they may be thinking.

Grand River, North Lansing, MI.
April 23, 2023

To assist with our spring cleanup plans, we conduct a Grand River assessment from Tecumseh Park to Old Town. Despite being past the spring melt period and water levels receding, the Grand is still quite swift.

On this trip it is discovered that the two areas needing the greatest attention are; (1) just south of the North Grand River Avenue bridge on the west side of the river, (2) a short distance east Tecumseh Park where the river takes a hairpin turn and is a hairpin turn.

The North Grand River Avenue bridges poses a slight problem as the approximately 300’ feet nearest the bridge is a steep embankment and a pair of weary geese protecting their nest are keeping their eye on

The hot spot near Tecumseh Park is an ongoing challenge as it is here where nearly everything coming down the Grand River collects. We were able to make a considerable dent in the collection of litter today, but another dedicated trip will be required.

Sadly, on top of a collection of trees and limbs was a nest of geese eggs. It was surrounded by litter, trash, and other reminders of urban litter. This acts as an important reminder of how our careless habits directly impacts fish and wildlife.

Thanks to the efforts of Matthew Edmond and Nick Hall, this Tecumseh Park area will soon be cleared and much improved, for the benefit of fish and wildlife, recreation and sport.

Click on each image to view in larger format.

Red Cedar River, East Lansing, MI.
March 19, 2023

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. Independent volunteer: Matthew Edmond.

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.

Click on each image to view in larger format.

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

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 Abandoned 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.

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.