March 6, 2010 - QUIET WATER SYMPOSIUM @ MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

The Quiet Water Symposium www.quietwatersymposium.org celebrates non-motorized outdoor recreation and a shared concern for our Great Lakes Environment. At the Symposium visitors will find presentations by world famous authors, photographers, and expedition travelers. Other presentations may cover skills, safety, local and distant destinations. There may be presentations on bicycling, sailing, diving, and history. The Symposium has a wide range of exhibits on the show floor. You will find clubs and nature centers. Handcrafted and historic watercraft will be on display. Biking, hiking and water trails are represented. Conservation and watershed groups are available. A number of outfitters and liveries are represented to support your outdoor adventures. We have a growing selection of outdoor oriented retailers as well. Please contact Joe Latoff at jlatoffhidden@yahoo.com if you want to help him in the FOTMR booth!

MAY 1, 2010 - 6th ANNUAL MAPLE RIVER CLEAN-UP

The Friends of the Maple River are sponsoring their 6th Annual Maple River Clean-Up on Saturday, May 1st. Those individuals who want to see the beauty of the Maple River maintained or those that just enjoy being outdoors on a beautiful spring day, are encouraged to lend a hand. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Elsie Dam site at 9am. You don’t have a boat, canoe, or kayak? No problem! There are other areas where we need your help, like cleaning up around the bridges and boat launches, and transporting bags of trash by truck to the dumpster. Contact Jack Nutter at 989-862-5541 for upcoming details.

July 14-26, 2010 - GRAND RIVER EXPEDITION 2010

A group of organizations and individuals is planning the Grand River Expedition for July 14-26, 2010. The canoe/kayak trip is 225 miles. Paddle one day or all! Camps and meals will be provided. Planners are drawing on experience from both the Grand River Expeditions 1990 and 2000. This journey of discovery will explore and document the problems and opportunities of Michigan's Grand River and its watershed. Visit http://tiny.cc/grandriverexpedition2010 for more information.

AUGUST 21, 2010 - FLOAT THE MAPLE RIVER

The Friends of the Maple River are sponsoring a canoe-kayak trip on the Maple River on Saturday, August 22nd. This is being held to coincide with the Maple Rapids Lamplighter Festival. Hope to see you there!