The St. Clair River watershed offers endless ways to explore – wooded trails winding through quiet forests, riverways stretching toward open water, and welcoming parks that offer communities special places to go outside and play. For Friends of the St. Clair River, these natural spaces are more than scenic backdrops; they are living classrooms and gateways to stewardship.
“People protect what they know and understand,” said Lynnea McFadden, Friends’ Director of Programs and Services. “By inviting the community outdoors, we create a safe space for them to learn about their environment in new ways. The outdoors isn’t just something to look at beyond a window – it’s a world waiting to be discovered and explored.”
That philosophy guides every recreational program Friends offers. Whether it’s hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, or simply gathering for a luminary-lit walk in a local park, each event is designed to connect people with nature and, ultimately, to inspire them to protect it.
“Our goal is to introduce people to new experiences and new places,” McFadden said. “When people feel they belong in an outdoor space, they begin to care about it. They learn that a healthy environment leads to a healthy and enjoyable outdoor experience.”
Stories from the River
For many participants, these experiences have been transformative. Local resident Christine Klapp had long wanted to try kayaking, but wasn’t sure where to begin.
“When I saw that the Friends was offering a kayaking event for any skill level, with rentals available, I jumped at the chance,” she recalled. “Lynnea shared so much knowledge not just about kayaking skills, but about the wildlife, plants, and how to be good stewards of the area.”
Encouraged by the experience, Christine attended a second event and was hooked. “After that, I bought my own kayak. I’ve gone kayaking many times since, and I’ve introduced kayaking to my grandkids and niece. Without Friends of the St. Clair River hosting these events, I doubt I would have learned on my own.”
The impact of that first paddle rippled outward: new memories, family adventures, and a stronger personal connection to local waterways.
Janet Hazzard, another volunteer, found her path to stewardship through trail work and invasive species management. “It’s very gratifying work,” she said. “I’ve met terrific and knowledgeable people along the way, and it’s made me look at the outdoors from a more educated perspective.”
Through her efforts at sites like Fort Gratiot and Columbus parks, Janet has helped maintain safe, welcoming trails for hundreds of visitors, each of whom benefits from her dedication to both recreation and restoration.
Partners in Motion
The Friends’ approach relies on a growing network of local partners who share a passion for recreation and conservation. Community groups like the Trail Blazers and Yak Abouts amplify participation, while organizations such as St. Clair County Parks and the City of Port Huron provide public spaces, promotional support, and infrastructure that make outdoor events accessible and safe.
Among the most hands-on partners is Trev’s Mobile Bike Shed, a local small business owned by Trevor Schick, who provides bicycle repair and maintenance during events like the annual Bridge to Bay Trail Ride.
“My work in cycling started when I was a teenager fixing bikes in my neighborhood,” Schick explained. “Now I get to use that experience to support the Friends and make sure riders feel safe and confident on the trail.”
By empowering participants to understand their gear and themselves, these partnerships deepen engagement. The simple act of tuning up a bike or lending a spare tube becomes part of a larger story about access, confidence, and connection to nature.
The Ripple Effect
The results speak for themselves. In 2025, Friends of the St. Clair River saw a 10% increase in kayaking participation, a 30% increase in cycling events, and a surge in attendance for the Luminary Hike – from 43 hikers in 2024 to 263 in 2025.
More importantly, those who join for recreation often stay for stewardship. Kayakers join cleanup days. Hikers volunteer to remove invasive species. Cyclists advocate for trail protection. The boundary between play and purpose becomes seamless.
“Blending stewardship and recreation has been a successful means of attracting community interest,” McFadden said. “When people experience these places firsthand, they want to help care for them.”
Join the Movement
Friends of the St. Clair River continues to grow its network of volunteers, partners, and outdoor enthusiasts who believe in protecting the places they love. Whether it’s picking up a paddle, joining a trail crew, or simply attending a community hike, every action strengthens the connection between recreation and restoration.
To volunteer, donate, or learn more about upcoming events, visit www.scriver.org. Together, we can ensure the St. Clair River watershed remains a vibrant place to play, explore, and protect for generations to come.