City High/Middle
Project Description:
Students called all necessary officials and then created signage to educate the public about water quality issues in an attempt to lessen the pollution of the Grand River. In addition, students learned about buffer zones and common runoff pollutants around the Grand River. Students collected and identified soil types and other vegetation in the flood plain in order to identify appropriate plants for improving water quality. Native grasses will be planted in the area to act as filters/impediments to deter the flow of run off to the river way.
Students also worked to make graduation more green. They used recycled graduation gowns, educated the community, looked for carbon neutral graduation announcements, invitations and diplomas, and chose products for a more sustainable graduation celebration. Students calculated the carbon footprint of graduation and offset that by planting trees in Grand Rapids area parks.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
Students know how to engage local government to accomplish environmental goals.
Partners:
City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, Wildtype Plants, Greener Grads
Teachers:
4
Students:
120
Funder:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Showcase Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxdgjcFkMDM
Project Description:
Stormwater basins in the Creston Heights neighborhood were cleaned and labeled with placards informing the public NOT to dump as the final discharge point is the Grand River. Students also planted a buffer zone along the Grand River within Riverside park. The buffer zone will decrease pollution from runoff – the park hosts a large population of geese and is frequented by dog walkers.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
As students become part of the movement to better their community, they inspire one another, hold each other accountable and open their eyes to what can be, not just what is. Initiatives like Groundswell help foster a commitment to the community and the environment.
Partners:
Wild Type Native Plant Nursery, Tender Lawn Care, City of Grand Rapids
Teachers:
4
Students:
90
Funder:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Showcase Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUih3SIaQ6Y
Project Description:
Students continued to learn about common stormwater and nonpoint source pollutants impacting the Grand River Watershed. They first collected and identified soil types and water samples and learned appropriate vegetation for use in the floodplain and as runoff management. They then planted native plants to supplement and expand a native garden in Riverside Park. This was a continuation of a Groundswell project students started the previous year. Students planted appropriate native vegetation to act as filters/impediments to collect and treat storm water runoff before it enters the Grand River.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
Students took pride in seeing a neighborhood project through to completion.
Partners:
Wild Type Native Plant Nursery; David Marquardt, City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Director; Rebecca Marquardt, Landscape Architect/Consultant; Yerkes Design; Wege Foundation
Teachers:
4
Students:
109
Funder:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Showcase Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEeCPA2QGtE
Project Description:
Students continued to learn about common stormwater and runoff pollutants impacting the Grand River Watershed. Classes collected and identified soil types and water samples and learned appropriate vegetation for use in the floodplain and as runoff management. Students then planted native vegetation designed to intercept the runoff behind the Center for Economicology.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
Students now appreciate the role native vegetation plays in reducing nonpoint source pollution. They also learned how to navigate the permit-issuing process.
Partners:
Wild Type Native Plant Nursery; David Marquardt, City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Director; Rebecca Marquardt, Landscape Architect/Consultant; Yerkes Design; Wege Foundation
Teachers:
4
Students:
109
Funder:
GVSU College of Education
Showcase Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TDL7Sr_ag8
Project Description:
We continued adding native plants along the Grand River in Riverside Park, Grand Rapids, Michigan in order to reduce nonpoint source pollution (specifically bird and dog excrement and fertilizers), provide bank stabilization to reduce erosion, and expand areas for pollinators and habitat for all native species. This built on four years of work in this area and included an extension of the existing area, out toward the trail. We also placed signage that informs the public of the importance of the work and its participants. It will serve a dual purpose of providing a barrier to foot and vehicle traffic, thereby reducing degradation of the planted area.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
The process of planning, implementing, and observing the long-term effects of native plantings will surely provide a basis for continued environmental care throughout students' lives.
Partners:
City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, Wild Type Plant Nursery, City High/Middle PTSA
Teachers:
2
Students:
60
Funder:
GVSU College of Education
Showcase Video:
https://youtu.be/D3OAe6zBxUc
Project Description:
7th grade did a water unit and ended with a fish kill project where they did the following:
-anlyzed and used data to creat and argument for what caused their fish kill
-analyze different mitigation measure for their individual fish kill.
-present finding
-participate in planting riparian buffer
11th grade worked in interdisciplinary groups to do the following:
-collect data at three different locations within the watershed
-Analyze data and create an argument for what is the greatest impact humans are having on the watershed
-create a mitigation strategy
-participate in planting riparian buffer.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
Students feel a sense of ownership having a large riparian buffer that they have taken part in planting. Students at both grade levels gain a much better understanding of our individual and collective impacts on the watershed.
Partners:
Plaster Creek Stewards, H2OQ, City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation
Teachers:
Kurt Rizley, 7th Grade Earth Science / Physical Science, 11th Grade Env. Science, physics, chemistry; Max Warren, 7th Grade Earth Science / Physical Science, 11th Grade Env. Science /physics/ chemistry; Nicole Muzio, 7th Grade Earth Science / Physical Science; Jessica Vogl, 11th Grade Env. Science /physics/ chemistry; Jennifer Snyder, 11th Grade Env. Science /physics/ chemistry; Loc Tu, 11th Grade Env. Science /physics/ chemistry
Students:
224
Funder:
NOAA BWET
Showcase Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cZQwMrUB2E&list=PLV2DqaYFEsPwEUUHkVf4EWeARMMgZa9NL&index=6&ab_channel=GroundswellMichigan