Clinton River Watershed Council Launches Summer Scavenger Hunt

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — A local group has announced the launching of a scavenger hunt that encourages the exploration of nature in Oakland and Macomb counties.

This summer, the Clinton River Watershed Council is launching the “Clinton River Quest,” a scavenger hunt for kids and adults to encourage exploration of the watershed in Oakland and Macomb Counties.

“The Clinton River Quest was created to provide the community with a fun activity to help get them outside and learn how they can play a role in protecting our watershed, while staying active,” said Anne Brasie, executive director of the Clinton River Watershed Council. “The Clinton River Watershed is a precious natural resource, and it takes the entire community to help protect and enhance it to keep it healthy today and for future generations.”

The Clinton River Watershed spans 760 square-miles across 63 Michigan communities, has more than 600 native plants and is home to several native fish species and boasts ample recreational opportunities for fishing, paddling, swimming and hiking, according to a news release issued by the group.

The scavenger hunt, sponsored by Pure Oakland Water, began July 1 and continued until Sept. 30. Participants, also known as River Rangers, will choose their adventure by completing ten activities across the watershed.

River Rangers will receive a guidebook with 32 activities to choose from, including visiting a restoration or green infrastructure implementation site, identifying a native plant or animal along the river, paddling the state-designated water trail or participating in an educational workshop or clean-up event. Throughout the scavenger hunt, River Rangers will learn about the history of the watershed, how it directly affects water quality and the communities around it, and the critical role every individual play in protecting natural water resources and wildlife, the group said.

The group said River Rangers are encouraged to take pictures of their adventures throughout the quest. The first 50 River Rangers that complete the Clinton River Quest will receive a double-walled steel water bottle or a $15 gift card to Plants for Ecology, a locally owned native plant seller.

Those interested in participating can register here. The cost to participate is $15. River Rangers will receive a t-shirt and guidebook and all activities included in the scavenger hunt are free.