QAS 2027: Save the date: tentatively March 6

Photos: A. Gawura Riley, J. Hanks, C. Donovan

We had a successful launch of the Paddling Film Festival. Should we try it again in 2027?

Peter Frank presented at QAS 2026 and is the new Verlen Kruger Awardee

Great to have the TCBA Youth Cycling Club and the Bike Safety Rodeo!

MI DNR Outdoor Adventure Center joined QAS 2026

Looks like a great booth for a touch of nature

QAS 2026 Show Sponsors, DALMAC and TCBA! Wonderful!

Check them out at biketcba.org and dalmac.org

We had a winner! Grand Prize Surf Raffle at QAS 2026

Thanks to The Power Of Water for sponsoring the Prize. Thanks Chris Davies for the photo.

Thanks to Giant Mouse for Sponsorship at QAS 2026!

Beautiful knives for all outdoor adventures. Visit them in Lansing!

One of our attendees walked away with the Grand Prize Bike! 2026 Sponsors, Thank you, Denny's!

Check out all the beautiful bikes at Denny's.

Isle Royale Moose: Featured at QAS 2026 and loved!

Thanks Jeff Holden, author of DEAD MOOSE (MSU Press); Rolf Peterson for the photo

LeValley Outdoors had a great time with axes, knives and more at QAS 2026.

Thom Bell created this video for QAS! More to come from QAS 2026

Check it out on our Youtube Channel

‹ ›

UPDATES

Entering a New Era

Dear Quiet Adventurers,
After many years of tireless work in keeping the Society and the Quiet Adventures Symposium going, our Board President Cynthia Donovan has resigned her position, making way for a new generation of board leadership. As the former Vice President, it is a natural transition for me to take on this role for the remainder of the current term. I am humbled by the support of my fellow board members whose dedication to the cause has built the QAS legacy over the past three decades.

The last six years have not been easy for QAS, and we continue to find ourselves at a critical point that will impact the future of the organization and our beloved Symposium. As we look to the future, we are faced with the significant challenge of recruiting more board members to help us fulfill our mission. My first priority is ensuring the long-term success of the Quiet Adventures Society in pursuit of educating the public and encouraging participation in non-motorized outdoor recreation, and promoting public concern and support for environmental stewardship.

The outdoors provides so many lifelong benefits to us as humans – our responsible use and stewardship of these spaces is essential to the public good and to its continued support of wildlife globally. If you enjoy the benefits of a life of adventure, and want to help others do the same, I encourage you to join us. We are actively recruiting new board members to help shape the future of the Quiet Adventures Society. Click Here to view a brief description of these responsibilities and apply online by completing a simple questionnaire.

Thank you, and happy adventures!
Lauren Smith
Board President

QUICK LINKS

SAVE-Background color is #2d3f51

SAVE THE TENTATIVE DATE: March 6, 2027 for QAS 2027 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Here are some upcoming events to check out!

The Red Cedar Regatta is scheduled for Saturday May 16 in Williamston to celebrate the Red Cedar River and its designation as a Water Trail. As noted in the LOAPC newsletter, improved signage and access has made the Red Cedar River a paddling destination without the challenges of many portages and confusing access sites. LOAPC will be posting several trips on May 16 on the Red Cedar River to support the event. Check the LOAPC Meetup site

Paddle Antrim had a great Festival event in September 2025 and registration is now open for Paddle Antrim 2026. Sign up for the Paddle Antrim Newsletter. Become a MI Paddle Steward and learn about invasive species.

The Power of Water offers trips and skills building for sea kayaking, white water, and SUPs. Check out all the options at The Power of Water. New fall Ireland Trip is on the schedule! Check out their new online effort, the Connected Paddler.

Visit Experience Jackson and check out all the options for outdoor activities in the Jackson Region. Download their trail guides and then go check out Waterloo Recreation Area with many miles of nature trails to hike or try out the Falling Waters Trail.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources also has information on many types of trails throughout the state. Go here for the interactive map feature and select the type of non-motorized trail to include in your adventure! Many cross-country ski trails, snowshoe trails and more!

For water trails, visit MI Paddle Stewards website. This is an excellent source of information on the more than 3,000 miles of water trails throughout the state of Michigan. Check out the Hiawatha Water Trails along the south shore of Lake Superior or head south to the Kalamazoo Water Trail, with over 120 miles.

All along the North Country Trail there are hikes and volunteer efforts, welcoming participants to maintain the 4800 miles of hiking trail across 8 states. The local Chief Noonday Chapter would love you to join in the fun and posts suggested hikes on their website. Visit the NCT Association offices at 229 East Main Street, Lowell Michigan.

The Lansing Oar and Paddle Club is found on Meetup and at wordpress. Paddling and hiking events are scheduled throughout the year. Check it out!

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is a great destination to explore around and outside the Great Lakes. Maine has incredible rivers, lakes, and shoreline. Visit their event calendar or check out the Trip Planner for your adventure in the North East.

There are many outfitters and guides in Michigan and the region. Among those who were at QAS 2026 are Woods and Water, Pedal Across Lower Michigan, Tulip City Paddle Tours, Motor City Paddle Club and Kayak Rentals, and The Power of Water.  Check out their websites for US and worldwide adventures.

The folks at the Tri County Bicycle Association TCBA organize fun rides and safety classes, so look for tours and more on the Events Page. Sign up for the Northwest Tour June 10-14 out of Traverse City.

The DALMAC rides over the Labor Day weekend were a great success, in 2025, with people getting out and making new friends, enjoying the beauty of Michigan. Keep up to date with DALMAC 2026, check out the video series on all things DALMAC . Registration open for  2026. Become at Volunteer.

Adventure team 906 sponsors many events and also gets kids out and riding, gaining confidence and enjoying Michigan on bikes. This includes a group in the Lansing area!

The League of Michigan Bicyclists will be focusing on Advocacy and support for efforts throughout the state of Michigan. Become a member and get that Ride Calendar! Sign up for email news

Join Adventure Credit Union in volunteering and supporting local groups and events, including the Lansing Food Bank and Friends of Grand Rapids Parks.

Please note: We do not sell or share our contact lists; anyone who offers you our exhibitor list or other contacts is SPAM or worse!

SOCIAL MEDIA

Quiet Water Symposium

UPDATES

Entering a New Era

OUR SPONSORS

‹ ›