Spotlights
Making Waves Collects Over 500 lbs of Garbage from Grand River
September 13, 2021
On September 11 a team of volunteers removed over 500 lbs of garbage from the Grand River.
The event, Campus-to-Campus Cleanup, was coordinated by Making Waves, GVSU's initiative to create collaboration across campus about water. A group of seven volunteers launched their own boats and kayaks from the Veteran’s Boat Launch in Walker. The group then floated approximately 4 miles down the Grand River to Grand Lady Rock, collecting garbage along the way.
Peter Wampler, professor of geology in honors and co-lead of Making Waves, said the event was a success.
"We collected over 525 lbs of assorted trash including copious plastic and Styrofoam; a cute little electric car (my favorite); an easy chair; and much much more," Wampler said.
"Thanks to all who helped and brought boats and enthusiasm. We could have collected 4 or 5 times as much with more bodies, boats, and time.”
Wampler hopes the project will become an annual event, bringing students, faculty, and staff together to adopt the river between Grand Valley's Allendale and Grand Rapids campuses.
Learn more about Making Waves at gvsu.edu/makingwaves.