Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes (FOSBD) have set their first “Adopt-a-River” cleanups this year for the Crystal River and Lower Platte rivers in June.
FOSBD Adopt-A-River Co-Chairs Ross Stephenson and Denny Becker say after a brief orientation, there will be a clean-up for both the kayak launch sites and the river. FOSBD will have “grabbers” and volunteer vests, and kayaks will be provided.

Becker tells the Leelanau Ticker the trash most found in the Crystal and Platte rivers are footwear (such as flip flops), cans, and clothing. “I’m happy to report that, overall, guests keep the rivers pretty clean,” he says.

The Crystal River clean-up is at 9am, this Thursday, June 10. Meet at Crystal River Outfitters, 6249 River Road in Glen Arbor.

The Lower Platte clean-up is at 9am Thursday, June 17. Meet at the National Park launch site at the corner of M-22 and Lake Michigan Road. The event ends at Lake Township Park. Riverside Canoe Livery and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will help with transport needs.

A mask is required for transportation to the launch site/from the endpoint and water shoes are recommended. A light lunch will be provided following the cleanup. Those who would like to participate can send an email to beckersupnorth@yahoo.com.