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A collaboration of Calvin College 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.
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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 of the 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.
Education/Outreach
Raising community awareness about the watershed through workshops, seminars, presentations, and volunteer workdays
Research
Monitoring stream health and restoration best practices through research methods class and summer research projects
Restoration
Implementing on-the-ground habitat restoration throughout the watershed aiming for healthy neighborhoods and waters
Green Team
Summer experience in watershed restoration, job skills, and college awareness for high school students in the Rogue River and Plaster Creek watersheds
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.
Thanks to 65+ individual donors, over $20,000 has been raised for the new greenhouse. 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.