Project Description: Students worked on spotted knapweed removal from an existing
courtyard on campus and created beds that they filled with new native
plants and mulch. This community centerpiece features interactive
learning cards to aid viewers about our current and historic
interaction with native plants and the environment. In May, all 200
students visited Ada Park to pick garlic mustard (an invasive
species). Students then made several dishes that incorporated garlic
mustard, including hummus, salsa, salad and pesto.
Eighth-grade students studied water quality through chemical testing
and macroinvertebrate data on the Eastern campus in September, and
discovered the connections within the Grand River watershed. Their
fall water study culminated in a canoe voyage on the Rogue River. In
the spring,eighth-graders again tested water on Eastern’s campus and
compared their data to the fall results.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship: Students understand their place in the Grand River watershed and
the role native and invasive species play in it.
Partners: Ada Township Parks, WMEAC, Aquarium Services, LGROW, River City
Wild Ones
Teachers: 4
Students: 400
Funder: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Project Description: After learning about the benefits and history of native plants,
seventh- and eighth-grade students removed spotted knapweed from an
existing courtyard on campus and created native plant beds. Their fall
water study culminated in a canoe voyage on the Rogue River. In the
spring, students weeded the new beds and added more mulch.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship: Students report that their families no longer put unsanitary
items in a storm drain, no longer wash their cars on concrete, and
notice if invasive species are on their property. Without Groundswell
activities in their classes, students would not be aware of their own
impact on their environment.
Project Description: Seventh-grade students began their Ecology unit with a
presentation from Mark Fitzpatrick, director of Ada Parks, about
invasive species. Students again worked on spotted knapweed removal
from an existing courtyard on campus. In September, eighth-grade
students studied water quality through chemical testing and
macroinvertebrate data and discovered the connections within the Grand
River watershed. In the spring, eighth graders tested water on
Eastern’s campus and compared their data to the fall results. In May,
200 students visited Roselle Park to pick garlic mustard, an invasive
species there, and to plant natives from seeds collected on the school grounds.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship: All students realize that although they are young, they are still
responsible for their environment. Even if they cannot personally
change practices, they can inform adults about proper land and water usage.
Partners: Ada Township Parks, Michigan Nature Association, River City Wild
Ones, Grand Rapids Whitewater
Project Description: Students continued work on removing spotted knapweed and
maintaining the native plantings in the courtyard on campus. Each
year, students decrease the amount of spotted knapweed by creating new
planting areas and planting additional native plants. Students also
did a spring cleaning of the courtyard, which included weeding and
adding more mulch. In May, students visited Roselle Park to pick
garlic mustard and to plant natives from seeds collected on campus.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship: Students experienced a day of stewardship at Roselle Park after
being helped by Roselle Park staff throughout the school year. They
understand that the actions of a twelve- or thirteen-year old can
positively impact their community.
Partners: Ada Township Parks, Grand Rapids Whitewater, River City Wild Ones
Project Description: Seventh grade students began the school year with a week-long
study of Michigan invasive species, which culminated with a “Most
Unwanted” poster. Mark Fitzpatrick visited all seventh grade
classrooms to talk about our campus invasive, spotted knapweed, and
then students removed the knapweed and installed native plants. In
May, all 200 students visited Roselle Park to help Mark and his staff
with projects. This solidifies the concept of stewardship. Eighth
graders studied the watershed surrounding our school and then spent
two hours canoeing down the Rogue River in Rockford. This further
cements their connection to their watershed.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship: Students experienced a day of stewardship at Roselle Park after
being helped by Roselle Park staff throughout the school year. They
understand that the actions of a twelve or thirteen year old can
positively impact their community.
Partners: Ada Township Parks, River City Wild Ones
