The Little Calumet River runs through the south side of Chicago and its southern suburbs. As a volunteer trail steward and promoter of paddling, Michael trains volunteers, leads annual clean-up events, and expands water trail access. He is helping local high students learn how to kayak, and at a recent cleanup made sure every kid who attended had a canoe or kayak for the event – an opportunity most would never experience if it weren’t for Michael’s tireless efforts. All of this happens when he is not at his regular full-time job.