Forums are a way to hear the perspectives of those with unique experiences on issues that matter. All of the forums here are focused on water, but each offers a new look at specific and relevant topics.

LGROW Spring Forum 2021

The Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds (LGROW), sponsored in part by the Making Waves Initiative, presents 11 days of learning, helping, and exploring the Lower Grand River Watershed. Instead of the usual half day in seat programing they have opted to extend it and spread it out over the entire Lower Grand River Watershed. They will host both in person and virtual events every day beginning June 10 and concluding on June 20. Events will include (but are not limited to) paddle trips, rain barrel workshops, green infrastructure tours, and virtual workshops and presentations. On June 11, join us for Kayaking with Making Waves.

For more information and for the schedule, check out LGROW's website.

GRAND RAPIDS CANAL HISTORY FROM WATER POWER TO HYDROELECTRICITY

Original program date: Friday, February 26, 2021 @ 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (EST)

Jim Winslow, Trustee of the Grand Rapids Historical Society, takes us on a trip back to the dawn of the new century and the developments of the industrial revolution as part of our webinar, "Grand Rapids Canal History from Water Power to Hydroelectricity." Although Grand Rapids best known for its fine furniture, it is not as well-known that the advances of water power and hydroelectric development had its beginnings here. Learn about the businesses that owe their advancement to the power of falling water. Jim Winslow, Trustee of Grand Rapids Historical Society, presents Grand Rapids history of water power and how it literally shaped the city and its future.

This presentation is part of our Grand Rapids Time Traveler Series.

The Story of Plastic

From June 1 to June 15th Making Waves partnered with the makers of the movie The Story of Plastic (https://www.storyofplastic.org/) to provide a screening and discussion opportunity.  This movie will change the way you view single-use plastics and how many of these items and not as easy as it seems to recycle.  The recorded Q & A session can viewed on the left.  If you are interested in a seeing the movie please e-mail us at [email protected]. 

The Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds (LGROW) was pleased to put on their 17th Annual Spring Forum, featuring a morning of conversation surrounding Watershed Resiliency. The Grand River Watershed is facing threats similar to other watersheds across the state, from shifting population densities in communities to weather-related disasters for farmers. This event showcases information on key issues and allows participants to discuss the findings.

View the Presentations Here

Forum Agenda

Friday May 8, 2020

follow along with the YouTube playlist

WELCOME

• Wendy Ogilvie, Director of Environmental Programs, GVMC & LGROW
• Maria Cimitile, Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, GVSU

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

• Beth Gibbons, Executive Director at American Society of Adaptation Professionals

‘SHED TALKS

• Assessing the short term effects of translocation on freshwater mussels: Is habitat or water quality more important? Josh Arnold, GVSU & GVMC
• Growing Partnerships: Building Urban Forestry Capacity in the Watershed Lee Mueller, Davey Resource Group
• Normalizing Climate Resiliency for Businesses and Institutions in West Michigan Dan Schoonmaker, Executive Director, West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum
• Grand River Restoration: A Community Rallying Around Its River Matt Chapman, Project Manager, Grand Rapids Whitewater
• Comprehensive Water Quality Sampling of the Grand River Peter Wampler, GVSU, and Jillian Ashton, GVSU
• Lower Grand River Watershed Resilience Plan: An Action Plan for Subwatersheds to Prepare for a Changing Climate Wendy Ogilvie, Director of Environmental Programs, GVMC

PASSING OF THE PADDLE

• Past-Chair Scott Conners, PE (City of Walker)
• Outgoing LGROW Chair Carrie Rivette, PE (City of Grand Rapids)
• Incoming LGROW Chair Aaron Vis (City of Wyoming)

LIVE QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION

1 p.m. on Friday May 8, 2020 join via Zoom