More than 275 kayakers paddled a section of the Detroit River in September at the second annual Paddle by Your Refuge event. The event began at Elizabeth Park in Trenton and featured a six-mile round-trip paddle to Humbug Marsh, the last mile of undeveloped shoreline along the U.S. side of the Detroit River. |
Event sponsors and volunteering organizations for Paddle by Your Refuge included:
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Mary Bohling Detroit River Event Draws Hundreds of PaddlersThe Detroit River has always had a “bum rap,” says veteran kayaker Todd Salley of Farmington, recalling its long-standing image as an urban waterway bordered by heavy industry. But after paddling a section of the river for the first time in September, Salley was surprised by the clarity of the water, newly developed shoreline, and lush vegetation especially near Humbug Marsh. “It was awesome,” Salley recalls. “I really enjoyed it and look forward to getting back there.” That’s just the sentiment that sponsors of the second annual Paddle By Your Refuge event want to encourage. The September event attracted more than 275 kayakers to Southeast Michigan, giving them a new perspective on the natural resources and wildlife of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and revitalized shoreline along the way. The event was sponsored by 11 organizations including Michigan Sea Grant. While beginning kayakers explored the quiet waters of Elizabeth Park canal in Trenton, intermediate and advanced kayakers took a six-mile round-trip paddle to Humbug Marsh and Island, the last mile of undeveloped shoreline along the U.S. side of the Detroit River. According to David Sanders of Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC), Paddle By Your Refuge and events like it highlight the quality of life amenities the region has to offer. “Most people, both residents and visitors, are simply unaware of the great natural resources and recreational opportunities around us, not just in the Downriver area, but all of Southeast Michigan,” says Sanders. "These natural and recreational amenities are important to the region’s long-term economic development to attract young, talented workers, and improve the region’s attractiveness as a place to live, work and raise a family." Detroit Heritage River Water Trail
The regional vision covers 120 miles of waterways on four major rivers — the Detroit, Huron, Rouge, and Raisin rivers. In the planning process, participants identified 52 existing and planned access points, or places where paddlers can launch a canoe or kayak now and where future launch sites might be located. The water trail has been planned specifically to take advantage of the resources of riverfront communities and link to greenway trails, museums and other cultural assets, restaurants and shopping opportunities, as well as other attractions. The first phase of the water trail flows along the Huron River from Flat Rock to its mouth, up the west shoreline of Lake Erie and into the mouth of the Detroit River to Trenton. The route was selected based on mounting enthusiasm to explore the wide diversity of paddling experiences found along these rivers. See a map of the water trail: www.mac-web.org The Detroit Heritage River Water Trail project was undertaken by MAC as part of its Greater Detroit American Heritage River Initiative in cooperation with local governments and key stakeholders including the following:
In addition to MAC, financial assistance to plan the water trail was provided by the Michigan Coastal Management Program, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; DTE Energy Foundation; and Downriver Linked Greenways Initiative. |