Project Description:
Students planted an urban orchard on campus to help control erosion and stormwater near the parking lot. Students also planted native grasses to control stormwater runoff on the elementary campus.

Partners:
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Calvin College - Plaster Creek Stewards, St. Jude's and Blessed Sacrament Parishes - Diocese of Grand Rapids, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks - Urban Forest Project

Teachers:
5

Students:
108

Funder:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

Showcase Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJRjGTbeZUM

Project Description:
New construction created erosion problems, so the seventh grade class at ASA researched plants that would best reduce erosion and filter the stormwater running through the new drainage basin. With help from the ASA Kindergarten class and a handful of local community partners, the seventh grade students selected plants and designed a native garden for this space. The students then worked with the City of Grand Rapids to ensure that the native plant garden met the requirements of the soil erosion permit issued for the driveway construction project.

Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
The seventh grade has an understanding of how ”landscaping” can be more than just beautifying a space. Students were introduced to thinking about “working” plants and how plants can benefit the environment. With this knowledge, students can look at both current and potential environments to make assessments on their own and share their knowledge with others.

Partners:
River City Wild Ones, WMEAC, MDEQ

Teachers:
4

Students:
40

Funder:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

Showcase Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixPiv-ksvzU