Project Description: Students brainstormed ideas about what they could do to improve a
retention pond near the Kent Conservation District's offices. They
agreed that they would plant native plants along the shore of the pond
on the north side. The goal was for the pond to not be moved to the
edge, which will allow the native plants to establish themselves and
help improve water quality. Students also did water testing in same
area to collect before and after the project. Geese were counted early
in spring as well as goose droppings. Data was collected and averages
found. This data will again be compared to data collected in 3 years.
Students also were also able to experience working on the Jackson- the
GVSU research vessel. After all of these experiences students on one
of the teams passed information along, in the form of
brochures/fliers, to others in the community so that what they learned
can help educate and inform others. Through all of these experiences,
students can feel like they have contributed to being good stewards of
the earth.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship: Students are aware of and can educate others about NPS pollution.
Partners: Kent Conservation District, Ada Township Parks, GVMC/LGROW
Teachers: 3
Students: 162
Funder: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Michigan
Department of Environmental Quality
Project Description: A retention pond at the corner of Leonard and Beltline
approximately one mile from the school needs renewal. It receives
runoff from the two streets and parking lots adjacent to it. The rain
from roofs of buildings surrounding the pond drain directly into it
and the lawn around it is fertilized, creating additional problems of
runoff into the pond. This pond is located in the Plaster Creek
watershed. Students are doing water quality checks, researching
strategies to clean the pond and implementing appropriate strategies
which include planting and cleaning. Students are also creating
instructional materials for the class the following year as they begin
their Groundswell work.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship: Students clearly have a greater sense of efficacy in being
environmental stewards. Students have already begun to apply what they
learned to their own home areas by discussing how to put more native
plants on their properties and how to have their parents use more
sustainable lawn care.
Partners: Kent Conservation District, Ada Township Parks
Teachers: 5
Students: 125
Funder: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Michigan
Department of Environmental Quality
Project Description: Like the last two years, students visited the retention pond on
the corner of Leonard and the Beltline and identified problems there.
They researched watersheds and runoff and specifically the pond area.
They looked at water quality and researched interventions to clean the
water and land around it. Learning from workshops, research materials,
and expert guests to explore the extent of the problem, students
developed strategies to reduce the pollution. They purchased and
planted native plants along the shore as a strategy to help clean the
soil and water as it runs off into the pond. The teachers participated
in hosting a “Green Tour” of the pond site for community members and
building management. Finally, students developed measurement
criteria/standards to determine the success of their selected
strategies, and they provided copy for signage that was created to
educate the public about the project. Students expanded upon this work
by identifying a project on our own property. The students completed a
needs assessment and would like for future groups to create a bioswale.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship: Students have realized they can make an impact on real world
problems at any age. They already are exhibiting behaviors of
stewardship and feeling good about their work. These attitudes and
behaviors are likely to continue into the future.
Partners: Kent Conservation District, Ada Township Parks, Plaster Creek Stewards
Teachers: 4
Students: 125
Funder: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Michigan
Department of Environmental Quality
Project Description: Students learned about quality water, did some water testing on
campus, and in the spring went on the WG Jackson to test water in both
Lake Muskegon and Lake Michigan.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship: They are able to understand that many components influence our
water quality and that it is our responsibility to help ensure that
our streams, rivers, and lakes are healthy.
