Kalamazoo Earth Day Festival

Boycotts, naming corporate bad actors, and caring for the human rights of indigenous people entered the environmental movement during the 1980s alongside the public's recognition of the beauty and significance of rainforests. Rainforest Action Network - RAN early history reveals the origins of these and other innovations, as well as a record of success that proves a small and poorly-funded, but passionate, inclusive, and strategic organization unafraid of being labeled radical can achieve real change. To join the conversation with David Benac, the author of a new book that explores these and other topics, head to the Portage District Library on Tuesday, August 11th @ 6 PM. Click on the image below to register.

Rainforest Radicals: A History of Rainforest Action Network, Tuesday, August 11th @ 6 PM. Explore the history of the Rainforest Action Network and environmental activism with author and WMU Associate Professor of History Dr. David Benac. Registration is required.

To register or for further details, please visit: https://portage.libnet.info/event/16174930

Best news in ages

The Michigan Supreme Court on Friday ruled that the Michigan Public Service Commission erred when it granted a key permit for the Line 5 petroleum pipeline tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac.

Among other findings, the majority found the commission’s permit review was overly narrow and failed to consider whether the tunnel will harm public trust resources.

The 6-1 decision sends the matter back to the commission for further proceedings — further clouding the fate of the proposed pipeline project that has been in limbo for eight years.

The ruling stems from the Michigan Public Service Commission’s December 2023 approval of a key permit for the proposed tunnel, which would reroute a 4-mile segment of the 645-mile pipeline that currently sits exposed on the lakebottom as it transports petroleum products from Superior, Wisconsin to Sarnia, Ontario.

A coalition of four Michigan tribal nations and a Traverse City-based environmental group challenged the approval, arguing the commission’s analysis was flawed and the 72-year-old pipeline should be shut down rather than merely rerouted.

Read the full story here: https://bridgemi.com/michigan-environment-watch/michigan-supreme-court-vacates-key-line-5-permit/

Calling all bird and botany enjoyers! Our Birds, Boats, & Botany paddle is filling up fast. Register today to make sure you get the opportunity to paddle alongside expert bird and botany guides. There is a staggered launch for this paddle and the 8:30am & 9am launch groups still have space available.

Enjoy a 2.5 hour/5-mile paddle from WaterTrail Ventures to Hacklander Boat Launch in Saugatuck Township. Travel down river on gentle currents around Potawanami Marsh, encountering several species of birds and natural flora. For this paddle you can bring your own boat or rent one from WaterTrail Ventures. Remember to BYOB, bring your own binoculars! If you need to rent a vessel and cost is a barrier for you, reach out to [email protected].

Register and learn more here: https://kalamazooriver.org/events/kanoe-the-kazoo/

Thank you to Allegan Conservation District and WaterTrail Ventures, LLC for partnering on this event with us.

It's time to kick off Kanoe the Kazoo season!

If you you've not yet registered for a Kanoe the Kazoo now is your chance.

Next weekend we have the Comstock to Kalamazoo paddle on June 27th, and Mindfulness on the Marsh on June 28th!

Visit our website kalamazooriver.org/events/kanoe-the-kazoo/ for details on registration and logistics for each event.

If you have any questions reach out to [email protected]

We can't wait to paddle with you!

Are you interested in learning about the invasive plants in your area, how to manage them, and what resources are available? Please join us at Kellogg Forest for a workshop with guest speakers from BCK CISMA and Barry Conservation District on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 from 1:30p.m. - 4p.m.

Link to registration:

https://events.anr.msu.edu/event.cfm?eventID=00F862C6794323AD54E790AAB7196CE2CA753BA99802E465984B7E17EDD76F26