ANTRIM COUNTY — Paddle Antrim has announced the recipients of its 2024 Ripple Effect Mini Grants, which will support two projects aimed at protecting Northern Michigan’s waterways.
The Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program is funded by revenue from Paddle Antrim’s events, such as the Paddle Antrim Festival.
“A portion of the proceeds from our events is channeled directly into this program,” Executive Director of Paddle Antrim Deana Jerdee said. “This initiative allows our small nonprofit to extend our outreach and foster collaborations with organizations whose values, goals and desired impacts align with ours.”
This year, grants were awarded to Grass River Natural Area and The Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay:
- Grass River Natural Area — Received $1,000 for its Septic Safe Native Plant Garden project, a partnership with the Health Department of Northwest Michigan. This initiative encourages septic owners to plant native, septic-safe vegetation over their drain fields. A demonstration garden will serve as an educational resource.
- The Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay — Awarded $1,800 to design and distribute educational materials for property owners in the Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed. These materials will promote the Waterfront Resource Guide webpage, available here.
“We are thrilled to support these two impactful projects, which align with our mission to promote stewardship and education around our waterways,” Jerdee said. “These initiatives will not only protect water resources but also help spread the message of stewardship beyond what we can achieve alone.”
Ripple Effect Mini Grant Details Paddle Antrim accepts applications for the Ripple Effect Mini Grants year-round, with reviews conducted each November and recipients announced in December. For more information about the program, click here.
