Restoring the Lower Kalamazoo River Watershed and Connecting with Community

Check out these upcoming events!

Krazy for the Kazoo River Cleanup

May 30 from 10 AM to 1 PM

Wade’s Bayou

Build and celebrate positive connections to the Kalamazoo River watershed by taking action right here in our community! Krazy for the Kazoo will recognize the ongoing restoration, recreational opportunities, and beauty that the river and adjacent waters provide to our region. Join us for the cleanup and invasive species pull with community celebration after!

**Registration links coming soon**

Lake Allegan Carp Derby

June 13, Weigh-In from 7 AM to 11:30 AM

Lake Allegan Upper Dam Boat Launch

Join us for the 2026 Lake Allegan Carp Derby, where local partners are hosting a day of fishing, fun activities, and education on aquatic invasive species! 

Carp fishing starts at midnight on June 13 and runs through 11 am. Fishers will catch as many carp as possible (by any legal means) during that time and bring them to the designated checkpoint to be measured and weighed. Prizes will be awarded at 11:45, and include goods from AMS Bowfishing and Mega Mouth, as well as quality local goods! 

Click here to learn more and register!

Overview

ODC Network was commissioned in 2018 to develop a master plan for a Kalamazoo River Greenway to connect Allegan County communities with a greenway corridor addressing environmental restoration, recreation, conservation and education. The plan is designed to serve as a guide for the development and upkeep of ecological, recreational, and educational assets along the Kalamazoo River in Allegan County.

Support our work!

Explore the Kalamazoo River Greenway

Natural Areas & Recreation

The KRG features several parks, natural areas, and state game areas. View the interactive map for directions and more information on recreational opportunities at each site.

Project Sites

In an effort to preserve the watershed and connect our communities to the wonderful opportunities this greenway has to offer, we’re working in close partnership with federal, state, and local agencies to protect and restore the Kalamazoo River. Use the interactive map or download the KRG Greenway Plan (below) to learn more.

River Junction Preserve

Acquired in 2022, the River Junction Preserve acquisition permanently protects nearly 300 acres of riparian, floodplain, and upland habitat at the intersection of both the Kalamazoo and Rabbit Rivers for fish, terrestrial, and aquatic wildlife. The conservation land management services of the ODC Network will protect the property’s rich biodiversity and increase the property’s ecological value. The trails are free and open seasonally. 

Rabbit River Preserve

Acquired in 2017, Rabbit River Preserve is a 65 acre natural area along the Rabbit River in Hamilton. This ecologically diverse property is home to a variety of native flora and fauna as well as unique natural features. Trails are free and open to the public year round.

Resources

Partner Agencies and Organizations

The ODC Network

The Kalamazoo River Greenway is a proud division of the ODC Network, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2000 with the purpose of advancing outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.