News
College students develop stewardship skills for protecting water resources
July 07, 2023
By Kate Fariman, Grand Valley State University
I teach an integrative studies class at GVSU called “Wicked Problems in Sustainability.” Many students enroll in the course assuming a “wicked problem” is either an evil issue or one that is futile to address, but a wicked problem is a complex social issue difficult to define and solve because of its interconnectedness and different value perspectives.
What can be more complex than water? We think of water as a basic human right, but, even in beautiful northern Michigan, wastewater, stormwater, and pollutants in our freshwater can present wicked problems.
I was grateful to plan an immersive week in May for my students, providing them with opportunities for place-based learning about water while taking advantage of our region’s natural resources.
From kayaking on the Boardman River to sailing on the Inland Seas schooner while doing citizen science, my students researched issues with water quality, stormwater, septic systems, PFAS, dam remediation on the Boardman River, and other issues such as the public trust doctrine as it relates to water. The environmental curriculum for this class fits well with a place-based week of activities.
The students made this experience even better. A combination of integrative studies and allied health science majors brought different perspectives and experiences to the class. I worked closely with Shannon Owen and Jacquelyn Abeyta, from the GVSU Traverse City Regional Center, to plan activities and connect with area water experts, and include diverse viewpoints such as Native American perspectives on water.
In our region, it’s so important to talk about water and the environment. We emphasize a blue-green economy in northern Michigan and it’s important for students to meet stakeholders and understand the issues associated with water quality.
The schooner operated by the Inland Seas Educational Association served as our classroom one day during that week. Based in Suttons Bay, the schoolship’s instructors led students through four experiments, including trawling for microplastics and searching for invasive species, during the four-hour trip.
The students and I also biked along Boardman Lake, stopping at various points to talk about lake issues as well as visit the wastewater treatment plant. The end of week was capped with presentations before community stakeholders to solicit feedback on action plans for addressing water issues.
It was a successful and exhausting week for all. Looking at the big picture, doing these activities gave students an overview of wicked issues in the Great Lakes. These place-based experiences were great to build students’ intrigue for water. Their heart will then motivate them to act on environmental issues and develop a love for this type of work.