Outdoors in Calhoun: September 2026

Outdoors in Calhoun is a newsletter sharing information and events about the natural resources of Calhoun County, Michigan. Our community has a number of amazing assets, and this newsletter is geared to highlighting the work taking place to make the outdoors accessible for all.

Conservation District Awarded Two Grants

The Calhoun Conservation District is excited to announce two new grants awarded to the district for projects across the county. The first grant awarded to the district in 2026 was for Phase 2 of the Battle Creek River Watershed Management Plan Update. This project is being funded by the Watershed Council Support Grant through the Michigan Department of Environment Great Lake and Energy. The current partition of the plan that is being wrapped up includes doing an agriculture inventory as well as updating the watershed summary for the plan. This phase of the project will build upon our findings of the last phase and work towards expanding outreach for water quality improvements throughout the watershed and updating the current water quality summary. 

The CCD also was awarded a grant funding a feasibility study for the Athens Dam’s in Nottawa Creek. This project is being funded through the Aquatic Habitat Grant Improvement Grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Athens Area Community Foundation. The project will begin in the fall and is identifying long term options for the village for the future of the mill pond and the dam structures. The study is being conducted for the village due to the monetary and environmental challenges that the impoundment has reduced the amount of natural substrate necessary for water clarity and habitat. 

-- Calhoun Conservation District

Kalamazoo River Watershed Council Hosts Two Sept Events

Now that summer is coming to a close, the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council would like to take a moment to reflect on all the great times spent alongside members of the Kalamazoo River’s wonderful “upstream” communities.



That being said, “end-of-summer” does not mean we are slowing down! Our Kalamazoo River is here for us to enjoy in all seasons, and fall is an especially great time to get out on the river. We still have a number of exciting events planned in Calhoun County, so don’t put away those kayaks just yet! Check out our September Kanoe the Kazoo events below:

September 13, 2026

KTK Marshall: “Fall Migration” on the Kalamazoo River

Hosts: Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, Marshall Area Conservation Corps, University of Michigan SEAS

Grab a pair of binoculars and join us for Marshall’s Kanoe the Kazoo: “Fall Migration” on the Kalamazoo! 

We will float from B Drive N (2nd crossing) to Stuart’s Landing, passing through large river sections adjacent to wetlands. This will provide the perfect opportunity to witness a nice variety of birds as they begin their migration to the south. Paddlers will be guided by expert local birding guides. 

This is a 5.83 mile/3.5 hour paddle. Lunch will be provided at Stuart’s Landing following the float.

September 26, 2026

KRWC Annual Celebration

Hosts: Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, Marshall Area Conservation Corps, University of Michigan SEAS

Join the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council and Marshall Area Conservation Corps in their annual celebratory float from Saylor’s Landing to Historic Bridge Park! 

This is a 3hr/7.11mile paddle. For those who would like to participate in a shorter float, they can join in at Ceresco Kayak Launch for a 1hr 40min/3.53mile paddle. 

Following the float, we will enjoy live music from Crispin Bocanegra & Norman Light, food from Kick-N-Curbs food truck, yard games, and Kalamazoo River Trivia! 

For Registration and additional details about these events, please visit:

https://kalamazooriver.org/events/kanoe-the-kazoo/. To contact someone with questions about these events, please contact Jamie Ranger.

If you would like to support this program by making a financial contribution to help us continue providing free, hands-on watershed education and experiences throughout Calhoun County, please visit: https://kalamazooriver.org/support/give/

See you on the river!

-- Kalamazoo River Watershed Council

Chief Noonday Chapter Marshall to Albion Shuttle Hike

When: Sunday, September 27  Registration - 9:15 am Hike 9:30

What is admittedly an unusual Chapter hike will take place on Sunday, Sept. 27th and will be a long “roadwalk” between Marshall and Albion! A distance of 11.5 miles on paved roads.  

Why? Our Chapter has a 3 County Challenge (free and open to any & all). The simple challenge is to hike all 120 miles of the North Country Trail (NCT) in our Chapter. Our September hike is aimed at the belief that there is strength in numbers, and will help folks complete this long section in the company of other hikers. Shuttle service will be offered for those who are unable to complete the whole distance and also to take those who finish back to their cars at the start.

Our starting point is the trailhead at 301 W Pearl St, Marshall  

With the “Challenge”, hikers attempt to finish all the miles of the NCT in each of our 3 counties – Calhoun, Kalamazoo or Barry. Recognition/certificates are awarded for completing any county.  

For more information on the 3 County Challenge simply email: 3CountyChallenge@gmail.com

Optional Post Hike Refreshments: Dark Horse Brewing Co., 511 S. Kalamazoo Ave., Marshall 

Please email Jane Norton - jane_a_norton@yahoo.com or call 269-808-7334

-- Chief Noonday Chapter of the North Country Trail

Photo contest winners and Krazy for the Kazoo Oct 3

The Battle Creek Area Clean Water Partners announced its photo contest winners that will be featured in the organization's 2027 calendar. Photos by the first place winners in the adult and youth divisions are below. Winners were,

Adult

1st Place - Spring Lake Sunrise by Simon Thalmann

2nd Place - Great Blue Heron on Marshall River Walk by Emily Willard

3rd Place - Sandhill Cranes in Snowy Wetlands by Kenneth Kornheiser

Youth Division

1st Place - Fishing on the Lakeshore by Nathaniel Lowrie

2nd Place - Spring Babies by Wyatt McGinnis

The Clean Water Partners also announce the upcoming Krazy for the Kazoo Stewardship Day, which will take place from 8:30 a.m.-Noon, Saturday, Oct. 3. This is an opportunity to remove garbage and conduct a variety of conservation activities along the linear paths or near the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek Rivers. Activities can include flower or tree plantings, rain garden and storm pond restoration, and invasive species removal. Register at bcwater.org or scanning the QR code on the flyer.

-- City of Battle Creek and Battle Creek Area Clean Water Partners

Adult Photo Contest Winner: Spring Lake Sunrise by Simon Thalmann

Youth Division Photo Contest Winner: Fishing on the Lakeshore by Nathaniel Lowrie

CraneFest XXXI 2026 in October

CraneFest XXXI 2026 will take place from noon until dusk, Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 10-11 at the Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek's Youth Conservation Area.

This year our Kiwanis Club took on the challenge to make CraneFest XXXI 2026 happen and offered as many of the traditional natural and outdoor features of the event as possible. We welcomed dozens of artists, vendors, non-profits and other organizations that participated in past years as well some new to our CraneFest XXXI 2026 event.

In addition to the artists and vendors, our pavilion area will offer a live reptile and amphibians display, nature walks every other hour, solar telescope viewing, bird spotting scope areas and a kids hands-on discovery tent. Keep your eyes open as you drive up. We have some new greeters at the entrance.

Many thanks to our sponsors: 4-H of Calhoun County, The Medalist Golf Course, Michigan Audubon, Michigan Bluebird Society, Citizen’s Climate Lobby and Republic Services.

Finally, a reminder to all, the Youth Area has a pavilion and restrooms but come prepared for the changing Michigan weather. See you at CraneFest XXXI 2026 on October 10 & 11, 2026 from noon until dusk at the Kiwanis Youth Conservation Area, 22300, 15 Mile Rd., Bellevue, MI 49021. Learn more on Facebook or the Kiwanis website.

Read an overview of CraneFests past and present from Don Stilwell.

-- Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek

If you haven't signed up yet and would like to receive

Outdoors in Calhoun in your Inbox,

click here to get on the list!