Autumn Anew

Michigan Waterways Stewards, a local organization working to “protect, care for and improve our treasured and vulnerable waterways,” will hold its largest river and trail cleanup of the year this weekend, with several other activities and special events to enjoy.  

From noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday, all are invited to “become a landscaper for a day,” working alongside Michigan State University Landscape Services staff as they remove invasive species, pick up trash and install new bike racks at the new Red Cedar Riverside Park and the adjoining Brody complex.  

Saturday brings the aforementioned cleanup from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at three locations along the Lansing River Trail: the Clippert Street trailhead, Kruger’s Landing and Rotary Park. Complimentary food and beverages will be provided, and all participants will receive a free pass to Potter Park Zoo’s annual Wonderland of Lights. After the cleanup, volunteers and guests are invited to a celebration from 3 to 8 p.m. at Rotary Park, offering more complimentary food and beverages, as well as activities provided by kayak rental business River Town Adventures. 

MSU, alongside the cities of Lansing and East Lansing, will hold community recycling events throughout the weekend, each at a different location and time. For more information, including a list of accepted materials, visit miwaterwaysstewards.org/special-recycling-event.html. 

Finally, the Autumn Anew photo contest runs until Oct. 31, aiming to “capture and share the beauty of Michigan’s most scenic, varied and enjoyable urban waterways destination.” Photos will be judged in four categories: landscape, wildlife, recreation and architecture. A panel of local photographers will evaluate entries based on creativity, technical skill, emotional impact and relevance. The photos must be digital and should be taken either on or along the Grand or Red Cedar rivers somewhere in Greater Lansing. The top three photographers in each category will receive a certificate, and the top five to 10 entries from each category will be featured on Michigan Waterways Stewards’ website and social media, as well as in select local libraries. To view the full list of rules or submit a photo, visit shorturl.at/rBgDV.