Trail Resources

These organizations and trail resources have helped
Headwaters Trails to succeed in its mission.

Resources

Best Practices for River Cleanup Activities

Shiawassee River Water Trail Coalition – a committed stakeholder of municipalities, agencies, non-profit corporations and interested individuals along the course of the Shiawassee River between Holly and Chesaning, Michigan. The purpose of the Coalition is to improve and promote public use of the water trail as a valuable resource for non-motorized recreation and tourism and support and enhance river conservation and stewardship.

Heavner’s Canoe Rental – Our canoe and kayak rental partner for events on the Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail.

Keepers of the Shiawassee – Volunteers who help keep the Shiawassee clear.  Hosts canoe and kayak events.  You must log in to Facebook to see this page.

Oakland County Linked Trail/Path System – information on trails and paths, both proposed and existing in Oakland County. Among other things, it includes maps, links and information on county-wide trail efforts.

Oakland County Trails/Paths Map – an interactive map, incorporating features such as distances, trail amenities, recreational opportunities, and potential trail linkages. Click the “Help” tab on the left side of the page for instructions. Best viewed with a broadband internet connection.

Paint Creek Trailway – “Connecting the communities of Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland and Orion Townships in Southeastern Michigan.” Contains thorough trail user information and provides information on the workings of the Paint Creek Trailways Commission.

Friends of the Shiawassee River – Owosso-based Shiawassee River organization, involved in cleanup, education and river protection/stewardship. If you live closer to Owosso than Holly, and you want to help the Shiawassee, check out their website for a listing of upcoming and past events, such as tire cleanup and riverbank reforestation.

Headwaters Trails Facebook Group – Headwaters Trails maintains a Facebook page with up to date information on its events.

Fenton Area Paddlers – An informal group of paddling enthusiasts organized by Maggie Yerman who posts paddling and work opportunities 810-735-9570 yerantmag at yahoo.com

Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network – Connecting people, resources, organizations, and programs through strategic investments and technical support for projects that balance
economic, environmental, and social priorities.

Greenways Initiative – A program of the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan (CFSEM), designed to help link the communities of Southeast Michigan “through the creation of a connected green infrastructure” that includes multi-use trails and natural spaces. Information on CFSEM’s ambitious regional trail and greenspace plans can be found here.

National Park Service “Rivers and Trails” Program – “Rivers & Trails” staff work with communty groups and local and State governments to conserve rivers, preserve open space, and develop trails and greenways.” Info available on the National Park Service’s involvement in national and Michigan projects. The RTAC program is aiding Headwaters Trails with grant applications, technical advice and design considerations.

Rails to Trails Conservancy, Michigan Office – A national organization with offices in several states. They work to promote trail construction and provide other trail groups with technical assistance.

North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy – This local land conservancy is dedicated to preserving the hills, streams, fields and woods in the headwaters of the Flint, Clinton, Shiawassee and Huron Rivers. One goal of NOHLC is the linkage of conservation areas along potential trail corridors.

Izaak Walton League – This national conservation organization concentrates on river and stream protection in honor of the author of “The Compleat Angler”. The Fenton area chapter is supportive of the establishment of the “Top of the Shiawassee” Water Heritage Trail on the Shiawassee River.

The City of Fenton Parks  – Supporting Parks and Recreation along the Shiawassee River as well as organizing cleanups every spring of the River from Bush Park to Lake Ponemah.

The townships of Brandon, Groveland, Highland, Holly, Independence, Rose, and Springfield have passed resolutions of support for an area network of trails. The Village of Holly and the City of Fenton have joined in. Oakland County Planning and Economic Development Services and the Road Commission of Oakland County are providing planning assistance. Discussions are underway with state and local parks for linking trails and extensions to internal trails. Additionally, statewide utility companies have opened the door to trail construction along local utility corridors.

Osprey Watch of Southeast Michigan – This volunteer organization promotes the efforts of the MDNR to restore Osprey to Southeastern Michigan and educate the public about this very special raptor.  They would like to work with trails groups and conservancies to site osprey nesting platforms.

Rose Oaks Equine Adventurers – yahoo group  This organization is of horse enthusiasts working to promote riding trails and outings in Northeast Oakland County.

WilliH2O   This Blog by Willi Guttman features paddling events and news about the river.

Other resources

Keepers of the Shiawassee

Friends of the Siawassee River (West End)

Shiawassee River Map/Video

Shiawassee River Paddling Meetup Group

Keepers Of The Shiawassee River, Water Monitoring Faccebook

Shiawassee River Fest