Introducing our Paddle with Purpose series – a paddle and pickup on the water! We started our season pickin’ up the Platte, and we’re ending the season with a pickup on the Platte!
Join The Cleanup Club and Sleeping Bear Surf for a cleanup on the Platte River amidst the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, as we work together to protect our Great Lakes from plastic pollution!
Every year 22+ million pounds of plastic pollution enters our Great
Lakes, with an estimated 11 million of that ending up in Lake Michigan. Woah.
With thousands upon thousands of visitors to the Platte River each summer, many of whom indulge in on the water fiesta, the plastic pollution amidst the park is in desperate need of attention after such high-traffic this summer season!
As the main artery amidst the lakeshore, Platte River is home to a beautiful, fragile
ecosystem – inhabited by various fish species, birds, turtles, and mammals. Plastic pollution is a threat to that vital ecosystem. Every item that winds up amidst that beautiful River is bound for the big lake and beyond.
Let’s tackle the Platte and stop the stream of rubbish before it enters Lake Michigan and scattered all about.
WHAT TO KNOW:
- Our goal is to cleanup the riverbed while having fun!
- Everyone & anyone is welcome – some paddling experience required
- All cleanup materials will be provided
- All trash we collect will be weighed, counted and categorized with the help of volunteers for Great Lakes plastic pollution research & advocacy efforts to help curb policy!
Date: Saturday, September 14th
Location: The Platte River! Very rarely do we get to enjoy the bustling river in the summer months – so paddling this time of year, particularly as the colors begin to pop and the population begins to dwindle.
- Drop your Gear: At Platte River Picnic Area Parking Lot across from Riverside Canoe Rental
- Drop your Vehicle: At the Platte Point Parking Area at the very end of Lake Michigan Rd. (~10 minute drive round trip)
- Hitch a Ride: Back to Platte River Picnic Area Parking Lot – Jenny, the Shop Rig, will be making one trip to haul humans back from the Point at 8:20pm.
This will be a Point A to Point B paddle and therefore we encourage you to have a buddy meet you, or we will help coordinate ride shares to ensure all are able to leave a car at our final destination or get a ride back to start upon our arrival!
Time: Be ready to launch at the water’s edge by TBD
- We recommend leaving a half hour prior, or after, to do car drops or pickups.
- There will be a quick orientation and safety briefing before we enter the water.
Anticipate two hours on the water : )
Weather: TBD
WHAT TO BRING:
- Non-motorized watercraft of choice
- Board / Boat
- Paddle
- Life jacket (per Coast Guard regulation, PFDs must be on the bodies of all kayak & canoe paddlers, and either worn or strapped to all SUPs)
- Leash (for all SUPs)A SBD National Park Pass or bring a couple bucks for Lake Township to park at Platte Point Beach, our final destination
- A buddy! Anything is always so much more swell with a friend in tow!
- A reusable water bottle so you can stay hydrated with provided water refills without the single-use plastic!
DO NOT BRING:
- Pets!
- We love our fluffy friends soooo much, but pets will NOT be allowed as the Piping Plovers are back for the summer at Platte River Point! Please keep your four legged friends at home for this event!
See you Saturday, September 14th for an inspiring action on the water!
