The Benzie Conservation District; and their partners -- the Boardman River Clean Sweep and the Traverse Area Paddle Club -- are hosting the 12th annual Platte River Clean Sweep on Thursday, May 30th from 9 am - 3 pm. Volunteers will meet at Veteran’s Memorial Park off of US 31 at 9 am.
 
Participants will paddle the river in small teams to collect trash in the water and along the bank. Volunteers are asked to bring their own kayak/canoe, life preserver, and a water bottle. A complimentary lunch, and a free hat, stating “Benzie Water Steward,” will be provided. Be prepared to have a great time cleaning up the Platte River and experiencing one of Benzie’s beautiful rivers.

Bonus: all participants will have an opportunity to have their boats cleaned by BCD’s Aquatic Invasive Species staff! This helps sustain the health of our waterways.
 
To register, contact John Ransom at the Benzie Conservation District at (231) 882-4391 or john@benziecd.org. Volunteers may also register with the paddle club at www.traverseareapaddleclub.org.

The Benzie Conservation District is hosting its annual Spring Hike at Old Indian Trail, located within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, with local botanist Judy Kelly, on Saturday, May 18th from 10 am to 12 pm. The public is invited to experience a leisurely, informative hike on a trail that is approximately 2.3 miles long, and winds through an evergreen and hardwood forest.     
 
Hikers are welcome to bring water, bug spray, binoculars, and/or camera.  Please meet at the Old Indian Trail parking lot, which is located on M-22 (4349 N Scenic Hwy, Honor MI) between Crystal and Big Platte lakes, just east of Sutter Road. This is a free event, however, participants are asked to register by contacting Aimé Merizon, outreach coordinator, at 231-882-4391 x 11; aime@benziecd.org. 
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Join us, in collaboration with the Alliance for the Great Lakes, to help beautify one of our favorite Benzie beaches: Elberta Beach! All ages of volunteers welcome. Please pre-register so we may plan for cleanup supplies:
Call or email: 231-882-4391; aime@benziecd.org. Everyone receives a $2 coupon for the Cabbage Shed! Yum!