“I got a tip from a local guide to head to the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, a rustic lodge south of Grayling, on the shore of Higgins Lake. He said a lot of “river people” would be there that night.

People chatted, sipped on beer and took their seats after some mingling. John Clark, the organizer of the event, explained the concept of a newly formed group called Celebrate Michigan Rivers. As he explained, there were many conservation groups fighting for the protection of rivers, but that evening was about taking a break from the fight and expressing appreciation for rivers.

It was a refreshing evening as Michiganders have fought hard in recent years to protect rivers and clean water.”