Project Description:
Dutton Elementary School has implemented a three-phase plan to create an outdoor learning center, native plant garden, and new playground. In Phase 1, the spring of 2016, students planted two small native vegetation gardens as seed gardens. Prior to planning and planting the rain garden, the students learned about watersheds, from their local stream to the Great Lakes, by observing the local storm drains along the sidewalks of Dutton, then taking a field trip to downtown Grand Rapids where the creek meets the Grand River. Students were able to see how the choices of upstream members effect the downstream partners. Students also studied collected and studied macroinvertebrates at a local park.

Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
This project provided students with the understanding that their state has the largest body of fresh water in the world, and helped them understand the relationship between privilege and responsibility we have in Michigan.

Partners:
Plaster Creek Stewards, MDEQ, WMEAC, Gootjes Landscape, Dutton Fire Department

Teachers:
2

Students:
45

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

Showcase Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrDO2FisH3w&t=6s

Project Description:
In its second year, the project expanded to include fourth- and fifth-graders. These students renovated a concrete breezeway by planting two native gardens to filter water before it washed down a nearby storm drain. Second-graders maintained the native plants in the school greenhouse until they were ready to be planted outdoors.

Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
Students speak to each other, to adults and to others in the community about nonpoint source pollution. They understand cause and effect and have taken ownership of the school grounds and are concerned about potential pollution in the community as they observe while walking down the sidewalks.

Partners:
Plaster Creek Stewards, Department of Environmental Quality, Gootjes Landscaping, Dutton Fire Department, Leisure Creek Condominiums

Teachers:
4

Students:
170

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

Showcase Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_huO89xUR6s

Project Description:
Dutton Elementary School completed the first section of Phase Two of the rain garden outdoor learning project. This school year, fifth-grade students planted two rain gardens on the south side of our building. These two rain gardens form the east and west end of the school's nature trail, with plans to connect these two gardens with a trail of plants, stepping stones, trees and a walking path. The second-graders took seeds from the rain garden seed beds from the last couple of years. They harvested, planted, nurtured, and learned about plants throughout the year. Even though the greenhouse malfunctioned and left only nine surviving plants, students learned about problem solving and second chances for the following year.

Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
Students are more aware of the importance of healthy water quality. Students are talking about water quality and the impact of human environment interactions. Students speak to each other, to adults and to others in the community about non-point source pollution. They understand cause and effect and have taken ownership of the school grounds and are concerned about potential pollution in the community as they observe while walking down the sidewalks.

Partners:
Plaster Creek Stewards, MDEQ, Gootjes Landscaping

Teachers:
5

Students:
115

Funder:
GVSU College of Education

Showcase Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suUOr9OFx2A

Project Description: 

Installation of a monarch waystation full of native and nectar plants.

Teachers:

Sara Woltjer, 3rd - 5th

Showcase Video:  https://youtu.be/MOPdtTOLv24?si=wYzAsd8bNO8a3uSf