Macomb County waterways are important to people, as evidenced by the growing popularity of River Day.

What had been a one-day regional event held in conjunction with Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend created to highlight the beauty of the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair, hosted by the people working to protect them, has grown to become a monthlong celebration. Throughout June, communities across Macomb County will be hosting dozens of activities that encourage recreation, environmental awareness and stewardship.

River Days will begin June 7.

The Clinton River Watershed Council encourages individuals and families to take part in a variety of events. From a nature hike and fishing derby for kids to water tests that are sure to spark anyone’s interest in science and biology, River Days offers something for everyone.

Check out the list of activities scheduled for June 7 or visit the link for a full event guide highlighting other activities scheduled for 2025 River Days:

Clinton River Day Hike

Organizer: Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center Location: River Bends Park Kayak Launch (49354 Ryan Rd., Shelby Township, MI 48317) Time: 2-4 p.m. Registration: N/A Participants will learn about the Clinton River through a guided hike along the river’s edge by naturalists who can identify native plants and wildlife that depend on this freshwater ecosystem. Those in the group will also learn about easy ways to help keep the Clinton River healthy. Meet at the River Bends Park Kayak Launch (49354 Ryan Road) rain or shine. Rustic trail with uneven terrain—we recommend sturdy, closed-toe shoes. This event is free.

Clinton Township Fishing Derby

Organizer: Clinton Township Recreation Department Location: Clinton Township Civic Center (40700 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Township) Time: 10: 30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Registration: register.clintontownship.com/ViewCourseActivityDetails.aspx?id=C4789

Anglers (age 16 and under) will love this event, which challenges them to catch that big old elusive catfish or pile up the inches with a variety of pan fish! This event is celebrating the Clinton Watershed River Day and is a catch and release format. The contest is based on total inches caught and children do not need a fishing license to participate. Parents are welcome to assist, but children must reel in the fish. Prizes will be awarded, and everybody is eligible for door prizes. This is geared for children age 16 and under.

River Day: Macro Discovery

Organizer: Ray Township Public Library Location: Start at the Ray Township Public Library (64255 Wolcott Rd Ray, MI 48096), then walk to Wolcott Mill Metropark Historic Center.

Time: 11 am. To 1 p.m. In collaboration with the Clinton River Watershed Council’s River Day and the Wolcott Farm, participants are invited to join a group riverside at the Wolcott Mill Metropark Historic Center for an exploration into the benthic layer of the North Branch of the Clinton River. Participants will be using dip nets in the water to collect samples, sort out macroinvertebrates, and identify them. Learn how the quality of our water is directly related to the species we find that call it home.

A second group for the same activity will be meeting directly at Wolcott Mill Metropark Historic Center. Location: Wolcott Mill Metropark Historic Center (64162 Kunstman Rd., Ray MI 48096) Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both activities require an online registration: River Days: Macro Discovery event.

River Day New Haven

Organizer: Village of New Haven Parks and Recreation Department Location: Village of New Haven Salt River & Shook Drain Time: 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. Registration: Call the Village of New Haven at 586-749-5301 (pre-registration is helpful but not required). Description: Participants will help to clean out debris from local streams and haul away for disposal.

For more information about River Day visit crwc.org/river-day.