Explorathon: Guided Paddle
August 29
$50 – $55Event Navigation
About The Event
Across 50 years, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan has protected spaces where curiosity grows, and where caring for the earth means caring for each other. In West Michigan’s forests, prairies, and shorelines, protecting habitats also means we’re nurturing the relationships that make conservation possible.
As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations, we are hosting the Explorathon: a three-event series highlighting connected, protected natural lands and the impact of collaboration in conservation in West Michigan. The Explorathon invites participants to hike along the Lake Michigan Shoreline, bike the varied topography of the Eastern Glacial Corridor, and paddle the waters of our Big Forests & Wild Rivers—while learning about, enjoying, and celebrating the ongoing protection of these beautiful natural places. Together, we will explore the land that has been protected over the past 50 years, and we will dream of the impact that can be had in the coming 50.
Join us for the third and final of the Explorathon: a guided paddle on the Pere Marquette!
For Michigan’s native plants and wildlife, a river is a highway, helping species move from place to place. Join us to explore one of our state’s coolest living highways: the Pere Marquette River. Famous nationwide as a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream, the Pere Marquette is Michigan’s longest undammed river. On its way to Lake Michigan, it winds through sun-dappled forests inhabited by black bears, bobcats, foxes, and turkeys. The river supports a diverse fishery with native brook trout and sculpin as well as trophy-winning steelhead, brown trout, and salmon. Anglers, paddlers, and floaters alike enjoy the same waters for recreation in all seasons.The Pere Marquette winds through some public protected lands as well as many privately owned properties. Thankfully, many of these private landscapes are protected, too—through collaborations with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. Over the last 50 years, the LCWM has worked with landowners to establish 28 conservation easements along the shores of the Pere Marquette and its tributaries, totaling 19.5 miles of protected riverfront. Conservation easement properties remain in private ownership, but their permanent protection benefits natural features we share with wildlife and each other.At the Explorathon: Guided Paddle, we will paddle our way down the Pere Marquette and see, experience, and learn about efforts to protect and care for this wild river.
If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please reach out directly to han@naturenearby.org.
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE TIME
- We have three departure times available: 9:00am, 9:30am, and 10:00am. You will select your preferred departure time when you purchase your ticket. All groups will paddle the same route, and each will be accompanied by naturalist guides who can share about the wildlife and protected land we spot along the way.
CHOOSE YOUR BOAT
We have three available boat reservation options:
- SHARED CANOE reserves one seat for you in a canoe, and we’ll buddy you up with another solo traveler!
- WHOLE CANOE reserves an entire canoe (two seats) for you and a companion.
- SOLO KAYAK is for solo travelers who prefer to be a bit more independent on the water.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET
- Paddling Gear: each ticket includes a reserved spot on a boat (kayak or canoe), as well as other necessary paddling equipment and safety gear.
- On-Route Support: we will have snacks and beverages available along the route to support participants throughout the day.
- Education: each group will have a naturalist guide with them, who can provide information about the natural areas we are floating past and conservation work in the area.
- Activities: optional games and activities to keep you engaged and enhance your learning will be available during the paddle.
- Gifts: Each participant will receive an LCWM water bottle and a unique, limited-edition Explorathon pedal-themed sticker to decorate. NOTE: Each Explorathon event includes a custom sticker! Participate in all three activities and receive all three stickers to fully customize your water bottle!
PARKING & ARRIVAL
- Parking is available at Bowman Bridge River Access & Campground. US Forest Service requires a $5/vehicle parking fee. We recommend bringing cash for this!
FAQ’s
- Can I register for the paddle day-of on site? No, you cannot purchase a ticket day-of for the paddle. All reservations must be made in advance. This event has limited space, so we recommend registering early!
- Can I bring my own boat? Your ticket purchase includes paddling equipment and gear. We are unable to accommodate personal canoes or kayaks.
- Is there anything I should bring with me? We’ll be on the water for around 3.5 hours, so be sure to bring what you need to be comfortable and come dressed for the weather. While we will have snacks and beverages, we recommend wearing clothes that can get wet, and bringing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water, and anything else you need to make the float as comfortable as possible.
- After the paddle ends, how do we get back to our vehicles? Our partners at Baldwin Canoe Rental will be providing a shuttle from the finish back to the parking area!
- What if it rains? The Explorathon: Guided Paddle will happen rain or shine. That said, in case of severe weather, we may make the decision to postpone, cancel, or delay group start times to ensure the safety of all participants. Any changes will be communicated to registered attendees via email, and on all LCWM social media pages.
- What if I need to cancel? Cancellation requests received at least 7 days before the scheduled program are eligible for a 50% refund of the total registration cost, not including any credit card processing fees. Due to administration costs, full refunds are not available. Cancellation requests received within 7 days of the event are not eligible for a refund.