Protect Michigan waterbodies one sip at a time
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EmailMSU Extension and Trail Point Brewing Co. are teaming up to educate on the importance of preventing invasive species in our waterbodies.
For the third year, Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters and Trail Point Brewing Co. are working to educate Michiganders about invasive species through a unique outreach venture. Together, they created Native Waters, an aquatic-themed beer that provides education and tips on preventing invasive species to protect Michigan’s waters. To celebrate this collaboration, Trail Point Brewing Co. is hosting an educational community event on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 1 – 5 p.m. at their location in Allendale, Michigan. The event will include Native Waters, both on tap and canned, local conservation group booths, games, live music, and much more for adults and youth.
Help protect your local waters
Aquatic invasive species, or “aquatic hitchhikers,” are non-native species that can cause harm to the economy, environment, or human health. Invasive species have been sighted in our waterways since the early 1800s, and since then, many regulations have been put in place to protect our waterways. However, invasive species are still able to spread through pathways like boating, through fishing, accidental release, and the pet and ornamental trade. Michigan invasive species that you may have heard of include Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussels, hydrilla, and sea lamprey.
Aquatic invasive species can threaten our clean water resources in a variety of ways. These invasive species can outcompete valuable native species for food and habitat, cause water quality issues, and be a nuisance to those enjoying our waterbodies. However, there are many steps Michigan recreators can take to protect their local waterbodies while still enjoying them to their fullest. Clean Boats, Clean Waters, a program in partnership with Michigan State University Extension, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, spreads the message of “Clean, Drain, Dry” to all Michigan residents as three easy steps they can take to prevent invasive species.
Michigan’s current regulations require boaters and anglers to clean all boats, trailers, and gear by removing mud, debris, and all aquatic organisms, including plant material, before launching or transporting watercraft, in addition to draining all water from live wells, bilges, and ballast tanks before leaving the site. Lastly, while this step is not legally required, it is recommended to dry all boats and equipment before leaving an access site or allow the equipment to dry outside for five days.
A toast to teamwork
Access to clean water is a vital resource to all Michigan residents, our ecosystems, health, and our economy. Local businesses, like Trail Point Brewing Co., rely on clean water access to provide quality craft beer to Michigan residents. When asked about this continued initiative, Jeff Knoblock, one of the brewery owners, stated, “We have a strong love for the outdoors and of course, the resource of our clean waters to help us create what we do as brewers.” It is with this mission in mind that Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters and Trail Point Brewing Company have joined forces for the third time to raise awareness of aquatic invasive species prevention and the importance of protecting our waterbodies.
More information on aquatic invasive species and prevention can be found on the MSU Extension Clean Boats, Clean Waters website, Facebook (@MichiganCBCW), or Instagram (@michigan_cbcw).
Questions about invasive species or this program can be addressed to Kelsey Bockelman, MSU Extension water resources educator, at bockelm4@msu.edu.
