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MICHIGAN PADDLERS PREPARE FOR 90 MILE LAKE HURON CROSSING
The next adventure for the committed crew at Stand Up for Great Lakes is the crossing of Lake Huron. They will be attempting a daunting, 90 mile, non stop mission across the second largest of the Great Lakes. They will leave from Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Michigan, headed to the Fathom Five National Park in Canada.
The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS) is the only marine sanctuary in the Great Lakes and encompasses 4,300 square miles of northwestern Lake Huron. TBNMS works to protect one of America’s best preserved and nationally significant collections of shipwrecks found in the sanctuary. Through research, education and community involvement, TBNMS works to ensure that future generations can enjoy these underwater treasures. All funds raised for the Lake Huron crossing go directly the the TBNMS.
This will be the second and longest expedition for the crew at SUFGL. In the summer of 2015, they completed a 60 mile stand up paddle across Lake Michigan. That crossing raised funds for the Alliance for the Great Lakes, whose recent campaigns include keeping invasive species out of the Lakes, and fighting the Microbead Menace to keep plastics out of the water.
SUFGL co-founder, Kwin Morris has seen the positive effects the organization has had on the younger generation. As a school teacher, a huge reward would be to inspire his students to get involved in protecting the Lakes. And that is just what is happening. Earlier this Spring, 2 eighth grade students of Morris decided to do their own version of an awareness raising paddle, a 5 mile paddle board crossing of the Straits of Mackinac. The crossing, fundraising and coordination of the event was all part of the boys 8th grade community project. The boys raised $4,000 for SUFGL and earned a rich experience in stewardship and sharing your passion with others.
The gang has just released their latest short video to promote the Lake Huron crossing. This striking and inspiring piece, narrated by Morris, speaks of the core inspiration that created Stand Up for Great Lakes.
The task ahead is not an easy one, the 90 mile crossing nor the protection of the Lakes. Your part in the effort can be as simple as sharing their story, donating your time or pledging your support to them or the charities they paddle for.
ABOUT STAND UP FOR GREAT LAKES
It all started as a dream to cross Lake Michigan. Once that mission was completed, we soon realized the impact we could make on not only the Great Lakes but all rivers, lakes and streams. Our goal is to cross each Great Lake by stand up paddle board while raising funds/ awareness for this amazing natural resource. We also hope to educate, protect and advocate. We are a non profit charity that would love your support.
