Loving our downstream neighbor

Plaster Creek Stewards is a collaboration of Calvin University faculty, staff, and students working with local schools, churches, and community partners to restore the health and beauty of the watershed. We focus on research, education, and on-the-ground restoration (working directly to restore the watershed).

“Do unto those downstream as you would have those upstream do unto you.” —Wendell Berry

A collaboration of Calvin University faculty, staff, and students working with local partners to restore Plaster Creek watershed

  • Raising community awareness about the watershed through workshops, seminars, presentations, and volunteer workdays
  • Monitoring stream health through a research methods class, part of the Biology curriculum
  • Implementing on-the-ground habitat restoration throughout the watershed

WELCOME TO THE PLASTER CREEK WATERSHED

Plaster Creek Background

The Plaster Creek watershed covers about 58 square miles, all in metropolitan Grand Rapids, Michigan. The creek itself is about 14 miles long. Its headwaters originate south and east of Grand Rapids, with many tributaries coming from agricultural areas around Dutton and Caledonia. The creek flows through commercial and residential areas of the city, and finally through industrial areas and low-income neighborhoods before emptying into the Grand River a mile south of downtown Grand Rapids.

RESTORE HEALTH & BEAUTY

Education and outreach

Education/Outreach

Raising community awareness about the watershed through workshops, seminars, presentations, and volunteer workdays

Research

Research

Monitoring stream health and restoration best practices through research methods class and summer research projects

Restoration

Restoration

Implementing on-the-ground habitat restoration throughout the watershed aiming for healthy neighborhoods and waters

Green Team

Green Team

Summer experience in watershed restoration, job skills, and college awareness for high school students in the Plaster Creek watershed

GET INVOLVED

Your time matters

Volunteers of all ages from the Grand Rapids area are one of our greatest natural resources. If you’d like to make a tangible difference, we need your passion and your talent. In return, you’ll find a welcoming, supportive, and appreciative environment. Opportunities are available for a variety of ages and groups.

Your generosity matters

Funding by numerous individual donors makes the summer high school Green Team a possibility. We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from the community. Your financial support enables Plaster Creek Stewards to engage in community building work that includes healthy plants, water, and neighborhoods. Contributions of $10, $50, $1000, or more will help us cover costs that will occur over time!

Your place matters

Have you ever considered “rainscaping” your yard? Native plants have deep roots that help filter and soak up stormwater, preventing runoff while also providing habitat for Michigan birds and butterflies. Contact us or another Native Plant Guild member for advice or help turning your space into a creek friendly yard.

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