The City of Kentwood will offer its annual Community Cleanup Day on Saturday, May 4 to help residents “spring clean” their homes and yards.
Residents can drop off household trash, general debris and yard waste for disposal and electronics for recycling from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE.
Public Works staff will be on-site during the Community Cleanup Day to accept trash and general debris, including mattresses, for disposal. Tires cannot be accepted. Yard waste such as brush, sticks, tree limbs and logs as well as leaves and grass clippings will be accepted. Leaves should be loose when dropped off – not left in bags.
Electronics will be accepted for recycling: cellphones, computers, fax machines and more.
Items that will not be accepted are: Hazardous material of any kind, batteries not integral to computer systems, smoke detectors and refrigerant/Freon.
“The City of Kentwood’s Community Cleanup Day offers residents a convenient location to drop off household items they no longer want,” said Chad Griffin, Department of Public Works director. “We encourage residents who are spring cleaning their homes to participate in this program, which we are pleased to provide at no additional cost to them.”
The Community Cleanup Day and brush and leaf drop-off service are available to Kentwood residents only. Anyone wishing to participate is asked to enter the drive off Breton Avenue, where staff will check ID for residency and direct traffic flow. The City has contracted with GFL environmental, Valley City Electronic Recycling and Mattress Shredderz to help recycle and dispose of the items received.
Items for donation and household hazardous materials will not be accepted during this year’s cleanup event. Residents looking to safely dispose of household hazardous materials may utilize the Kent County Department of Public Works’ SafeChem program, which remains available to residents at the Kentwood Public Works facility from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays.
After the cleanup event, the City’s brush and leaf drop-off site, also located at the Public Works facility, will remain open through Saturday, May 24. Hours of operation for the drop-off site are noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
The City of Kentwood will once again honor Arbor Day with a tree planting and celebration, which will include a free tree seedling giveaway.
Residents of all ages are invited to join Kentwood’s Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, April 26 at Pinewood Park, 1999 Wolfboro Drive SE. The event begins at noon with an Arbor Day proclamation, followed by a tree planting and a guided tree identification walk in the park. Complimentary refreshments also will be provided.
Arbor Day is an annual observance held each spring to recognize the impact of trees in the community and encourage tree planting.
“Our trees, of different species and sizes, offer more than just visual charm,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “They serve as vital contributors to a cleaner and healthier environment. Our Arbor Day Celebration is an opportunity to collaborate and encourage one another by not only planting new trees, but also protecting our existing tree canopy from invasive species for the preservation and enjoyment of today and future generations.”
Pick up your free seedlings April 23-26
Residents can pick up free tree seedlings at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, or at Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton SE, ahead of the celebration. The seedlings will be available during business hours Tuesday, April 23 through Friday, April 26 while supplies last.
Community members can check on tree seedling availability by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 616-656-5270. The Kentwood Activities Center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Residents are invited to share a photo of their planted seedling on social media using the hashtag #GreeningKentwood.
The Arbor Day Celebration is sponsored by Railtown Brewing Company and Metronet. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The Arbor Day Celebration is sponsored by Railtown Brewing Company and Metronet. Railtown Brewing Company also held a fundraiser through March where a portion of the proceeds from every Bike Ride Blonde ale purchased went towards supporting the planting of trees in Kentwood for Arbor Day.
More information about Kentwood’s Arbor Day Celebration can be found at kentwood.us/ArborDay.
Community members who are looking for more ways to get involved beyond Arbor Day are invited to join the Kentwood Park Stewards, an environmentally focused program that helps preserve and maintain neighborhood parks, trails and public spaces. More information about the program is available at kentwood.us/ParkStewards.
West Michigan resident and astronomy enthusiast Matthew Palmieri traveled to Lebanon, IN with his wife and two daughters over the weekend to view the 2024 solar eclipse.
Palmieri used his personal 6″ Newtonian telescope, reflected with a solar filter to make viewing safe, to capture stunning images of the eclipse.
(Courtesy, Matthew Palmieri)
The band director for Southwest Middle High School in Grand Rapids, Palmieri is as passionate about the cosmos as he is about music.
“Seeing the eclipse lets you see the solar system as a three dimensional place, and it gives you a glimpse of our place in the universe,” Palmieri told WKTV Journal. “The closest experience I’ve had to seeing the eclipse was seeing the Grand Canyon.”
WKTV Government Channel 26 is offering live coverage of the upcoming total solar eclipse!
Tune in Monday, April 8 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and see this stunning solar display live from NASA’s view.
Experience this amazing event with us as a total solar eclipse moves across Mexico, the United States and Canada, and see incredible views from various sites along its path.
Coverage of the eclipse courtesy of NASA TV. For more information about the eclipse, go to www.nasa.gov.
The Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) has released its annual Spring Recycling Guide. The Guide informs residents on what they can dispose of and recycle as they begin spring cleaning.
(Courtesy, Kent County DPW)
The Spring Recycling Guide shares valuable tips on recycling and properly disposing of waste, including everything from cartons and cans to bulky plastic containers to chemicals and cleaners and propane tanks. Properly disposing of these household items can help Kent County reach its goal to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
Multiple options are available for disposal
“So many items that get placed in residents’ trash bins can be disposed of in a better way, and the DPW’s Spring Recycling Guide offers helpful information to help protect our environment,” said Katelyn Kikstra, Waste Reduction Educator at the DPW.
“We encourage residents to use the guide and our online Recycling & Waste directory to help reduce landfill waste.”
(Courtesy, Kent County DPW)
The guide details what can be recycled in Kent County including paper folders and shredded documents, corrugated plastic yard signs, aluminum trays and foil.
If items cannot go in residents’ recycling bins, there are additional options that help avoid items being sent to a landfill. Many household items may not be recyclable but can still be safely disposed of including paints and stains, garden hoses and electronics.
Resources
The DPW also offers a newly updated and user-friendly online directory in which residents can search virtually any item and find out how to dispose of or recycle it.
A celestial phenomenon will sweep across North America and the Northern Midwest on Monday, April 8, 2024 – and Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is inviting visitors to join them inside and outside the Museum for an eclipse viewing party.
Supported by WOOD TV8, this event will feature live streams from the path of totality on the Meijer Theatre with commentary from Museum staff, a special planetarium show schedule, astronomy-themed activities with community partners, and access to solar telescopes on the Blue Bridge with the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association (GRAA).
What is a solar eclipse?
An eclipse is defined as a phenomenon where the moon passes in front of the sun, blocking it completely and casting a shadow onto our planet.
Two things need to occur at once to see a solar eclipse: the sun, moon, and earth need to be in a straight line, with the moon between the sun and earth; and you need to be standing in the correct spot on earth.
What you need to know
(Courtesy, GRPM)
All eclipse events inside the GRPM are free with general admission. Telescope access along the Blue Bridge is free to the public.
Protective eyewear is necessary to view the eclipse safely. Eclipse glasses are available for purchase in The Curiosity Shop while supplies last for $1.75. The Curiosity Shop is open to the public, no admission required.
Don’t miss this opportunity!
(Courtesy, Amanda Pitts)
April 8 will be the last chance to witness an eclipse this close to Michigan for decades.
Observe the awe of a total solar eclipse as it graces North America, journeying from Mexico, cutting through states like Texas, Oklahoma, and reaching 100% coverage in Ohio and Indiana, before continuing through the Northeast and entering Canada.
Find GRPM Total Eclipse Day viewing party and event details here.
Find more solar eclipse information and GIF animations here.
Spring officially begins Tuesday, March 19, but signs of new life are already showing at Buck Creek Nature Preserve in Wyoming.
This reporter spent her lunch break wandering the Buck Creek trail and basking in the sun streaming through leafless trees. The air – unseasonably warm for a Michigan March afternoon – stirred bare branches and fallen leaves.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Trilling birds and a bubbling creek lent a peaceful ambiance to the preserve. Flowers stretched their stalks and unfurled their petals while bushes flaunted brightly colored buds.
Wyoming residents can enjoy Buck Creek Nature Preserve, as well the other 20+ parks scattered throughout the city, as Michigan begins to bloom!
Rockford teen Emma Reed was on the way home from self-defense class Monday evening, March 4, when a lightning storm lit up the sky out the car window.
(Courtesy, Emma Reed)
Grabbing a phone, Reed proceeded to take video and pictures of the storm as her mother sought routes that would give her a clear shot of the lightning.
“It was so cool,” Reed told WKTV. “You could see the actual bolts of lightning.”
An electric phenomena
Considered dry lightning (lightning that occurs without rain nearby), the electric display was a prelude to rain that would make an appearance during the Monday night and Tuesday morning hours.
(Courtesy, Emma Reed)
Lightning is defined as an electrical discharge caused by imbalances within clouds, or between storm clouds and the ground. It is considered one of the oldest observed natural phenomena on earth.
In addition to being visible during thunderstorms, it can also be seen in volcanic eruptions, extremely intense forest fires, surface nuclear detonations, heavy snowstorms and large hurricanes.
(Courtesy, Emma Reed)
Learn more about lightning
Learn more about the phenomena of lightning on the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory website.
Enjoy an up-close encounter with thousands of unique tropical butterflies as they fly freely throughout the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory!
A global journey
Tailed Jay (Courtesy, FMG)
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park announces the return of the much-loved Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition, now in its 29th year.
The largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the United States, this event showcases the stunning diversity and intricate beauty of butterflies and moths.
Butterflies Are Blooming opens March 1 and runs through April 30. Visitors are invited to celebrate the unique spectacle of lepidopteran flight and the exquisite patterns of their wings in the lush environment of the Conservatory.
This year’s exhibition is a true global journey. More than 60 species from Africa, Asia, and Central and South America will be featured.
The five-story, 15,000-square-foot glass house provides the ideal tropical setting for these vibrant world travelers. Featured species include dazzling blue morphos, stealthy clearwings, majestic Atlas moths and elegant tree nymphs. Each species adds its own unique brushstroke to this living canvas of color and motion.
The science behind butterflies
Butterflies are cold-blooded insects requiring a body temperature of 85–105 degrees Fahrenheit to take flight. The black markings on northern species are not just for show, they are nature’s solar panels, absorbing sunlight to warm these delicate creatures.
Red Lacewing (Courtesy, FMG)
The dual-wing design of butterflies is a marvel of nature’s engineering, providing lift and precise steering. Witness the distinct flight patterns of each species, from the powerful and swift swallowtails to the playful, zigzagging flight of the large-winged morphos.
Up-close experiences
Chrysalides and cocoons can be seen at the Observation Station (Courtesy, FMG)
In addition to the butterflies’ aerial ballet, the exhibition offers guests unique up-close experiences at feeding stations brimming with nectar plants. At the Observation Station, thousands of chrysalides and cocoons emerge and reveal the magic of metamorphosis.
Approximately 1,000 chrysalides are delivered to Meijer Gardens each week of the exhibition. This year, grapevine spheres adorned with flowering vines and other tropical plants were introduced, creating enchanting landing spots for the winged guests.
“As we eagerly welcome the return of the Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibitionfor its 29th year, we invite guests to immerse themselves in the spectacular world of butterflies and moths here at Meijer Gardens,” said Steve LaWarre, Vice President of Horticulture. “This year’s exhibition is more than just a display; it’s a celebration of the breathtaking beauty of flight.
“Each visit is a unique journey through the vibrant patterns and unique flight dynamics of these enchanting creatures. We’re also thrilled to enhance this experience with special events, educational programs and exclusive member activities.”
FMG invites guests from near and far to join us in celebrating the wonder of these magnificent creatures. The Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition is a vivid reminder of nature’s incredible artistry, the beauty of flight, and the delicate balance of our ecosystem.
(Courtesy, FMG)
Exhibition rules:
Please do not touch the butterflies.
During the butterfly exhibition, tripods are not allowed in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. While monopods may be used, please be courteous to other guests.
Per USDA regulations, no butterfly or plant materials may leave the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.
Extended Hours & Exhibition Activities
Extended Spring Break Hours: Open until 9 pm March 29 and April 1–5.
Exclusive Member Early Hours: Members enjoy exclusive early open hours every Sunday morning in March and April, from 9–11 a.m.
Michigan residents in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties with property damage from the Aug. 24-26, 2023 tornadoes, severe storms and flooding may now call or go online to apply for disaster assistance from FEMA.
To start the application process, contact FEMA by going online to disasterassistance.gov, downloading the FEMA app or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. When calling the FEMA Helpline, multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).
Federal assistance may include temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-related expenses.
Have the following information ready when you apply with FEMA:
A current phone number where you can be contacted.
Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
Your social security number (or the social security number of a minor child in your household, if you’re applying on their behalf).
A general list of damage and losses.
Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.
Those who already made repairs or started their recovery should still apply.
FEMA inspectors are trained to recognize damage caused by a disaster even after recovery has started, and they will discuss that damage with you when they come to your home. Be prepared to show repair receipts, photos and any other disaster-related documentation as well.
FEMA offers tips on how to be prepared for the assistance process (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Important reminders after applying:
Keep important steps in mind when navigating your FEMA assistance process after the August severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.
Next, comes a call. Typically, after you apply, you will be contacted by a FEMA inspector to schedule an appointment. Be sure to answer the phone. The inspector’s phone number may be from out of state or show up on caller ID as “unavailable.”
Then, inspection day. The inspection includes looking at disaster-damaged areas of your home and reviewing your records. FEMA inspectors will carry an official photo ID and will never ask for bank information. They will also never ask for money and never require payment in any form.
The inspector will ask to verify the applicant’s name, address, contact information, occupancy, ownership status, household occupants and insurance coverage. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and ASL interpreters, are available to ensure effective communication with survivors.
Don’t forget to fill out and submit your U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application. After applying for disaster assistance, applicants may be referred to the SBA. There’s no obligation to accept a loan, but you may miss out on the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds if you don’t apply. If you don’t qualify for an SBA disaster loan, you may be referred back to FEMA for other types of grant assistance.
Finally, a decision will be sent to you. You will receive a letter explaining FEMA’s eligibility decision within 10 days after the inspector’s visit. Be sure to read it closely; it may explain additional steps needed to continue with the process. If you are eligible for assistance, you may receive a U.S. Treasury check or direct deposit based on what you selected during your application.
Getting help to those who need it most is FEMA’s priority. Recovery teams will be out soon in the neighborhoods affected by the disaster to provide one-on-one support to individuals. Recovery centers will also be opening for individuals to get additional in-person help.
For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4757.
Paris Grange fire on Jan. 7, 1938 (Courtesy, Kentwood Historic Preservation Committee)
By Kentwood Historic Preservation Committee
The Paris Grange No. 19 is the nation’s oldest national agricultural organization. Formed in 1873, the Grange members sought to improve the economic and social position of the nation’s farm population.
The historic beginning
The original Paris Grange No. 19 was organized April 10, 1873, with 26 charter members. During that same year, two other granges organized in the area—the Floral and Burton Granges. During the winter of 1877-1878, the Floral and Paris Granges united under the Paris name. In the 1880s the Burton Grange joined as well.
The Paris Grange Hall was constructed in 1879 at the southwest corner of Breton and 28th Street, which was known as Laraway Road at the time. The building was a two-story white clapboard establishment with a curved entryway and dark shutters.
A tragic fire rallies the residents
New Paris Grange Hall dedicated on Sept. 2, 1938 (Courtesy, Kentwood Historic Preservation Committee)
On Jan. 7, 1938, a fire broke out in the roof area of the Grange Hall. Although volunteer firemen from several local communities rushed to the scene, they were not able to save the structure and it burned to the ground.
The residents of Paris Township rallied to rebuild the Grange, despite the unfavorable economic conditions. Less than a year later on Sept. 2, 1938, the new Paris Grange Hall was dedicated.
One of the most important accomplishments of the Grange nationwide in the period between 1880 and 1890 was the promotion of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887. This Act contained two clauses of importance to farm families: ensuring that railroads would not charge farmers unreasonable rates and that no farmer could be charged higher rates than another.
In 1970, the Paris 19 Grange was turned into a real estate office. Grange members still met in private homes throughout the 1970s.
Thousands of Michigan children are at risk of lead poisoning (Courtesy, Midstory)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
Thousands of Michigan children are at risk of lead poisoning, but will soon be protected at schools and childcare centers.
On Oct. 19, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law “Filter First” legislation. This legislation consists of three bills that require the installation of lead water filters in all schools and childcare centers. Costs will be offset by $50 million dollars currently set aside in the state budget.
“Michigan lawmakers have just enacted the nation’s strongest measures protecting kids from lead in school and childcare centers,” said Cyndi Roper, Michigan senior policy advocate for NRDC. “These bills implement a solution that actually gets lead out of drinking water while also realizing dramatic cost savings over other approaches.”
“F” ranking prompts immediate action
The legislation’s passage comes after a nationwide Environment America report gave Michigan an F grade for its efforts to remove lead from school drinking water. With “Filter First” legislation becoming law, the ranking would be boosted to an A.
Lead levels are harmful in many locations (Courtesy, Midstory)
Research by Elin Betanzo, president and founder of Safe Water Engineering LLC, revealed that 89% of the 114 schools and childcare facilities that voluntarily submitted water samples to the state had dangerous amounts of lead in them.
Lead stunts mental, physical and social development. Young children, whose minds and bodies are growing most, are especially at risk. No amount of lead is safe.
“There has not been a bigger moment in the lead poisoning fight since lead paint was banned 45 years ago,” said Charlotte Jameson, chief policy officer for the Michigan Environmental Council. “Momentum is on our side. We can make lead poisoning history, not current reality.”
The filters schools and childcare centers will install prevent lead found in fountains and taps from leaching into the water children and staff drink. Lead leaching is possible in water fixtures new and old, and is especially prevalent in those left unused for long periods of time. That makes schools and childcare centers, with their many breaks and weekend closures, especially prone to lead contamination.
More about the “Filter First” method
The policy within the legislation, dubbed “Filter First,” is more effective than replacing water infrastructure outright because even new plumbing contains lead. It is also hundreds of millions of dollars cheaper and much faster to implement, according to an analysis prepared by NRDC for the Filter First Coalition.
“Michigan school water data shows that 89% of sampled buildings found detectable lead in their water,” said Betanzo of Safe Water Engineering. “Since Birmingham Public Schools switched its drinking water to all filter stations, there hasn’t been any lead in any of their filtered water samples.
“The Filter First law ensures that all drinking water in Michigan schools and childcare centers will be filtered, improving water quality at more than 3,000 schools statewide and achieving results just like Birmingham.”
The City of Kentwood will once again provide a free leaf and brush drop-off service to residents this fall.
Beginning Saturday, Oct. 14, residents may drop off loose leaves, brush, sticks, tree limbs, logs and grass clippings free of charge at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE. If brought to the site in bags, leaves must be dumped out and bags disposed of in the trash. Bags cannot be left in the leaf pile.
This service is available for Kentwood residents only, and proof of residency is required. Residents can drop off items noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 2. The site will be closed Friday, Nov. 10 in observance of Veterans Day and Nov. 23-24 for Thanksgiving.
The following materials won’t be accepted
trash
paper and plastic bags
dirt
concrete
asphalt
tires
rocks
stones
construction materials
glass
metal
The burning of leaves and brush as well as the accumulation of debris and leaves on a property or in the right-of-way are prohibited in the city of Kentwood. The drop-off service provides residents with a convenient way to keep their yards clear of leaves and debris during the fall.
“Autumn is busy this time of year, especially with additional yard cleanup created by falling leaves,” said Chad Griffin, Department of Public Works director. “We’re proud to provide our community with this valuable service, which helps residents keep their yards clean and helps us keep roadways and storm drains clear to ensure our infrastructure runs efficiently.”
The drop-off site will reopen in the spring after closing for winter in December.
More information about the City of Kentwood’s leaf and brush drop-off service is available at kentwood.us/BrushLeafDropOff.
Native plants flourish in Andrea Belden’s urban garden (Courtesy, Andrea Belden)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
Native plants not only beautify yards and natural habitats, they increase safe havens for pollinators and decrease effects of climate change.
A trillium flower flourishes in its natural habitat (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com, Nicholas A. Tonelli)
Friends of Buck Creek and Alysia Babcock, “The Garden Guru,” are hosting a free public event to teach the “hows” and “whys” of inhabiting land without damaging it.
“Gardens with native plants provide habitat for many organisms such as pollinators, birds, and small animals,” states Babcock on The Garden Guru Kzoo website. “These pocket gardens are safe havens that help reverse the effects of climate change. We need pollinators for our food crops, birds to distribute seeds, and small animals to keep garden pests at bay resulting in healthy viable plants.”
At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, Babcock will give an hour-long presentation titled “Cleaning Our Watershed and Beautifying Your Property with Native Plants” at Grandville Kent District Library. This presentation will teach how to beautify personal properties while cleaning stormwater and providing food and shelter for pollinators.
“I have always been an advocate for nature and find nature’s beauty everyday,” said Babcock on her website.
Native plants and flowers provide a natural habitat for many organisms (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
An Advanced Master Gardener, Conservation Steward and Master Naturalist, Babcock also has a Master’s Degree in Education, and is part of a newly formed Strike Team with the Rockford Sustainability Committee. Babcock is also the owner of The Garden Guru Kzoo LLC, a company dedicated to designing and implementing garden makeovers that specialize in native plants.
“I’d say [that] using native perennials in a landscape is a win-win-win-win,” said Martha Stout Vermeulen, founder and former President of Friends of Buck Creek-Michigan (FOBC). “Less money, less work, more beauty, healthier habitat.”
Vermeulen went on to explain that in the first year, native plants “sleep,” growing deep, water-cleansing roots. The second year they “creep,” beginning to beautify, and the third year they “leap” to their full glory.
Daisies come in several shapes, sizes, and colors (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
“Since caterpillars are a primary food source for our dwindling bird population, nibbled leaves mean the garden is doing its job,” said Vermeulen.
Native plants will be available for purchase after Babcock’s presentation.
Parking is available on the south side of the KDL Grandville Branch. The building is wheelchair accessible.
For more information or questions, contact Martha Stout Vermeulen at seasister8@gmail.com.
Monarch butterflies play an important role in supporting our natural environment (Courtesy, John Ball Zoo)
By John Ball Zoo
deborah@wktv.org
Monarch butterflies will be released into the wild at John Ball Zoo on Saturday, Sept. 9 as part of a wildlife conservation celebration.
During Monarch Day at the Zoo, butterflies will be released at one hour intervals amid family-friendly events designed to teach participants why the butterflies are so important. Butterfly releases will take place at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Monarch Day at the Zoo will feature several family-friendly activities and opportunities to learn about the butterflies (Courtesy, John Ball Zoo)
“We are so excited to welcome guests to experience the wonder of releasing monarch butterflies into the wild so their population can improve, and they can migrate to wintering grounds in Mexico,” said Dan Hemmann, area curator at John Ball Zoo. “People of all ages can enjoy the events of Monarch Day while learning about why this species is so important.”
From 9 a.m.-6 p.m., John Ball Zoo is offering fun, family-friendly activities and opportunities to learn about monarch butterflies and how pollinators help support our natural environment. Characters including Mirabelle, Rapunzel, Tinkerbell and Fawn will be present throughout the day to help spread the message on conservation efforts everyone can take to contribute to a healthy environment for pollinators.
Events also include story time with Circle Theatre at 11 a.m., as well as an aerial performance provided by Gemini Circus from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monarch Day will also feature live music by Kohns from 4-6 p.m., face painting, and animal activities throughout the day.
The massasauga rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in Michigan (Courtesy, John Ball Zoo)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is venomous, slithery, and not at all cuddly, but the conservation department at John Ball Zoo (JBZ) is working hard to preserve the endangered species.
The only venomous snake out of 18 snake species found in Michigan, the massasauga is an extremely valuable part of Michigan’s wetland ecosystem. Several other species, including butterflies, small mammals and amphibians, rely on the massasauga’s habitat to survive.
As a benefit to both wildlife and humans, the massasauga also consumes a large number of ticks.
“There are some studies that suggest that a healthy snake population actually helps reduce the number of ticks on the landscape,” said Bill Flanagan, Conservation Manager at John Ball Zoo.
As the JBZ conservation team works to preserve the massasauga snake population, they are also working to protect other endangered species in the area that live in the same kind of habitat.
“All the work that we do to protect the massasauga, or one of those other species, works for all of those species,” said Flanagan.
However, the massasauga is declining in numbers and considered a federally threatened species in Michigan due to fragmented habitat and habitat loss.
“This is a really unique, threatened species that is linked to Michigan in a large way,” said Flanagan, adding that Michigan has more massasauga populations than any other state or province. “Michigan is critical for the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. Whatever happens to the massasauga in Michigan will define the outcome for the species.”
Counting snakes and building fences
John Ball Zoo has partnered with Sarett Nature Center in a long-term monitoring program to learn more about the massasauga with the goal of helping their population recover and thrive.
“One of the biggest challenges with these kinds of efforts to save species is that it’s really hard to actually count them,” said Flanagan. “The methodology for counting them has evolved over the years.”
Severe damage can be done to the habitat simply by walking through it while counting the species.
“We want to be really cautious and figure out a way that we can do that without having to walk into the habitat as much as we have in the past,” said Flanagan.
Massasaugas have unique markings to help conservationists identify individual snakes (Courtesy, John Ball Zoo)
In May, members of JBZ’s conservation team began data collection at Sarett Nature Center using new technology that is less disruptive than the traditional approach of sending out conservation team members on foot. The conservation team set up a two-foot drift fence that runs across the habitat where the rattlesnakes are most active. The fence functions as a funnel, encouraging small animals to crawl through a bucket that has a camera.
“It’s a passive way to count and see what’s there,” said Flanagan, noting that massasauga snakes have a unique saddle pattern on their backs like fingerprints and unique markings on their heads that can help identify individual snakes.
The fence will stay up indefinitely and capture data when the massasauga is most active — in May and during the fall months of September and October.
“Working with Sarett Nature Center, John Ball Zoo has been able to monitor the massasauga rattlesnake,” Flanagan said. “This new monitoring system will be an excellent low-impact method to track massasaugas while protecting the habitat that supports them. What we learn from this program will help inform us for future conservation strategies.”
Preserving more than just snakes
This conservation project is part of the Zoo’s greater mission of preserving wildlife and wild places.
“Part of our mission is to protect wild animals, but also wild places,” said Flanagan. “The work we do to protect wild places is critically important for those wild animals, but it also makes a nicer place for people too.”
Enjoying the massasauga experience – from a distance
Some of the massasauga’s population decline, aside from habitat loss, is intentional killing due fear of it being venomous. Flanagan, however, said that massasaugas are shy and will often freeze and wait for human observers to move on, often rattling their tails as a warning if they feel threatened.
JBZ encourages those who encounter the species, or another type of snake, to leave it alone and do not attempt to handle it.
“Enjoy that experience – from a distance – if you encounter one,” said Flanagan, saying the best course of action is to take a picture from a safe distance and report the viewing. “That’s the kind of information that is really valuable for the conservation community and knowing where these (massasaugas) are.”
Volunteers with trash pulled from Buck Creek 2021 (Courtesy, Martha Stout Vermeulen)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
Volunteers of all ages are welcome to meet at Lemery Park in Wyoming at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19 to help remove trash from Buck Creek during the family-friendly 10th Annual Buck Creek Clean Up event.
Event team leaders will assist in finding sites that meet volunteer needs and will provide necessary information.
“It has been said that an individual’s effort is a single drop, but when a community gives effort, it is a tsunami,” said Martha Stout Vermeulen, Founder and former President of Friends of Buck Creek-Michigan (FOBC).
Trash lines a portion of Buck Creek near an EJ manufacturing facility (Courtesy, Martha Stout Vermeulen)
FOBC began as a grassroots group of concerned citizens that has evolved into a nonprofit watershed organization with hundreds of followers on Facebook and Instagram. FOBC’s focus is to inspire, initiate, promote, and engage in activities that improve and enhance both the environmental quality and the beauty of Buck Creek.
Over the past decade, Friends of Buck Creek-Michigan (FOBC) and Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited (SWMTU) have partnered to remove trash from the Buck Creek watershed in Grandville by organizing the annual Buck Creek Clean Up. On Aug. 19, current FOBC President Becky Dykhuis will extend the clean up into Kentwood and Byron Township.
Volunteer numbers have grown steadily since the event’s inception, with several tons of trash removed from the rare urban trout stream’s waters. Tires, shopping carts, microwaves, 55 gallon drums, and scary-looking dolls are only a few items removed from the creek.
The most frequent, and toxic, trash recovered is plastic and styrofoam.
A portion of Buck Creek after clean up near an EJ manufacturing facility (Courtesy, Martha Stout Vermeulen)
Vermeulen says she has observed several benefits resulting from the annual clean up, and a definite reduction in trash in areas that have been frequently cleaned.
“Getting citizens up close and personal with Buck Creek reveals problems that a disposable society creates, and increases awareness to reduce and reuse,” said Vermeulen. “Indeed, it takes a community to love a creek!”
The state of Michigan has allocated another $5 million to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to help with the development of the Sustainable Business Park in Kent County that will create jobs and increase recycling.
The budget allocation will support site infrastructure at the Sustainable Business Park and follows an initial $4 million state investment for the project in 2022. Last month, the Michigan Public Service Commission also granted a $5 million Low Carbon Energy Infrastructure Enhancement and Development grant for the Kent County Bioenergy Facility, the anchor tenant at the Sustainable Business Park.
The Kent County Bioenergy Facility represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for West Michigan and the state to drastically increase recycling, reduce dependence on landfills, and create local jobs. The facility is a public-private partnership between the Department of Public Works and Anaergia. The Sustainable Business Park, planned for 250 acres adjacent to the South Kent Landfill in Byron Center pending approval by the Kent County Board of Commissioners, will be built on land that was initially purchased by Kent County to create a new landfill.
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“For too long, Michigan has been a dumping ground for trash and the Sustainable Business Park will help change that by increasing recycling and boosting our energy independence starting right here in Kent County,” said Dar Baas, director of the Kent County DPW. “We are thankful the state of Michigan recognizes the importance of reducing our dependence on landfilling so we can help protect our land, air and water, including our Great Lakes.”
The Kent County Bioenergy Facility is a mixed waste processing facility that will process up to 600,000 tons per year of municipal solid waste and 175,000 tons per year of organic waste to produce natural gas and fertilizer. The facility and greater Sustainable Business Park will help Kent County achieve its goal of diverting 90% of trash from landfills by 2030.
“Sustainable materials management is essential to Michigan growing a vibrant circular economy that puts Michiganders to work making new products from the materials residents take to their curb each week,” said EGLE Public Information Officer Jeff Johnston. “EGLE is eager to support projects that align with the State of Michigan’s new materials management plan to increase recycling, conserve natural resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) said, “Kent County’s Sustainable Business Park will define the future for waste management in Michigan and boost the viability of circular economy concepts.”
The new facility will also reduce Kent County’s reliance on landfilling municipal solid waste, meaning resources will not be spent constructing, maintaining, and monitoring additional landfills.
“Building the facility in Kent County will put West Michigan on the map as a national leader in recycling and reducing waste, as well as create jobs and investment from companies that can join the Sustainable Business Park and convert waste into usable products,” Bass said.
The Kent County Development of Public Works provides municipal solid waste disposal services to ensure the effective removal, storage and disposal of residential and commercial solid waste through various facilities and programs, including Waste-to-Energy, the Recycling and Education Center, North Kent Transfer Station, and South Kent Landfill.
An Air Quality Alert has been issued across Michigan due to wildfire smoke from Quebec, Canada that has blanketed West Michigan, creating a haze that has drastically reduced visibility and air quality throughout the state.
With 483 active fires across Canada and that smoke infiltrating the United States, an Air Quality Alert has been issued for all of Michigan through June 28.
Earlier this week saw the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Grand Rapids well over 200, firmly in the “very unhealthy” category. As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, the AQI is classified as “unhealthy” with AirNow placing Grand Rapids at 195 and IQAir at 192.
While these numbers fluctuate and are projected to drop over the next few days, the current air quality has prompted health advisories that remain in effect.
Recommendations:
*Avoid strenuous outdoor activities
*Shorten the length of outdoor activities
*Move physical activities indoors or reschedule them
Wyoming concert and Whitecaps canceled Tuesday night events
Several West Michigan activities were canceled or postponed, including the West Michigan Whitecaps game scheduled for Tuesday evening and the Wyoming Concerts in the Park performance by Cabildo. The Whitecaps game has been rescheduled to Friday, June 30 as the first game of a doubleheader.
“Having to reschedule activities due to poor air quality was new terrain for us,” said Krashawn Martin, Wyoming Parks and Recreation director. “While it was disappointing to postpone the concert, we are looking forward to rescheduling and hosting this community event. Public safety is of the utmost importance and that guides the decision to cancel or postpone programs.
“Stay tuned for Concert in the Parks updates by following us on social media.”
The Whitecaps posted a statement on Twitter stating, “In consultation with local weather and health officials, and for the safety of fans and players and in accordance with MLB safety guidelines, tonight’s game has been postponed due to poor air quality.”
While many outdoor events were canceled or postponed and others moved indoors, some events like the Michigan National Guard Air flyover on Tuesday still occurred, though those lining the Grand River were disappointed, unable to see the aircraft due to the smoke covering the sky.
West Michigan residents are urged to continue precautions and limit outdoor activities through Wednesday, June 28th.
For more information on the Canadian wildfires, visit the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre Inc website.
D. A. (Deborah) Reed is an award-winning author of young adult novels and a creative writing instructor from the Grand Rapids area. To find out more about D.A. Reed, visit her website: D.A. Reed Author
John Hartig, the retired director of the U.S.-Canada Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, North America’s only international refuge. Credit: University of Windsor.
A new book about the Great Lakes is written to reflect that their problems, solutions and champions are interrelated, much like the ecosystem it portrays.
“This whole thing of bringing stakeholders together, creating a vision, co-producing knowledge, co-innovating solutions is in the book,” author John Hartig said. “You don’t get that anywhere else.”
Hartig’s “Great Lakes Champions: Grassroots Efforts to Clean Up Polluted Watersheds” (Michigan State University Press, $24.95) highlights 14 people who created programs and solutions to help communities that depend on the lakes.
These leaders took on the goal of restoring the Great Lakes through service and guidance at such environmental hotspots as the Detroit River, River Raisin, Rouge River and Muskegon Lake.
They all are hardworking and determined and share the same love for the lakes, Hartig said.
“The pollution problems of the Great Lakes are really people problems,” he said. “People created these problems and to solve them it’s going to take people working together.”
The retired director of the U.S.-Canada Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, North America’s only international refuge, Hartig continues his lifelong Great Lakes work as a visiting scholar at the University of Windsor and member of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy board of directors.
Through research, education and advocacy, he has fought for the cleanup of the lakes, demonstrating why action is necessary and significant to the communities that benefit from them. And he’s paid attention to people who have done similar work.
Hartig profiled people he deemed as Great Lakes champions. They share the same passion and help their communities remember how important the lakes are for people.
“They’re wel- respected in the community and they have trust,” Hartig said. “It takes sometimes decades to get trust.”
Such trust comes from advocacy groups, religious organizations, governments and industry, he said.
“They were these facilitators of the process and that takes a rare person.”
The champions include a married couple working to clean up Green Bay,Wisconsin, drain commissioners who brought communities together to do group service, members of the Water-keeper Alliance that led many efforts in keeping the water clean and safe to consume, local government officials who fought to clean up industrial processes. Many of these people worked on environmental justice before it was fashionable, especially in Detroit, Hartig said.
These champions realize it is important to know that when you do not know the answer, you should create boundaries on what you are an expert on and what you need to seek more knowledge on, Hartig said. It is a strategy that creates connections. People who are okay with saying they do not know everything create a sense of modesty and open the door for collaboration, Hartig said.
John Hartig notes that new Great Lakes champions can apply lessons learned in the past to emerging problems. Image: Michigan State University Press, $24.95).
And new Great Lakes champions are emerging, he said. People strive every day to help the lakes out and to continue the work of the earlier champions.
The lessons learned by the generation of champions he wrote about should not get lost as today’s problems call for a new mechanisms and assets to solve them, Hartig said. Each generation comes with its set of environmental issues. Thirty years ago, science was more respected than it is now.
The misinformation that is prevalent today washes away the foundations of science, he said. Years ago, everyone just believed and trusted what was said about the environment.
That erosion of trust in science complicates problems like climate change. Emerging champions will have to learn to balance work in progress while staying up to date with what climate change is doing, he said.
“I think this generation has some other challenges to deal with like misinformation and disinformation,” Hartig said. “They have to fight that battle and then now I think they have to also be always thinking about climate change.”
Climate change is the most pressing environmental challenge of our time, he said.
It leads to intense storms, higher water runoff and more erosion that can contaminate food webs and chains. The emerging champions must have the same passion as the previous ones. But they are taking on distinct challenges with a new wave of environmental problems. Good facilitators and having a passionate support system fuels the involved individuals to becoming champions, he said.
What makes it different is that it manifests “the importance and the value and benefit of the ecosystem approach,” Hartig said.
Area residents are encouraged to bike, walk or share rides ruing Active Commute Week. (Pxhere.com)
Active Commute Week is underway in the Grand Rapids area with commuters having the opportunity to set up an account to log all “green” trips for a chance to win prizes.
Running through Thursday, June 15, Active Commute Week is hosted by The Rapid’s West Michigan Rideshare in partnership with the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum. The week-long event aims to promote positive changes in individual commuting habits within the community. Through friendly competition, participants are encouraged to embrace greener methods of transportation, such as taking the bus, walking, running and cycling to improve the environment and support a healthy lifestyle.
Commuters may set up an account with the option to join a team or register as an individual to log all “green” trips throughout the week for a chance to win prizes. These trips can be anything from biking to work, riding the bus to the grocery store, or carpooling to lunch. From the account portal, commuters will be able to monitor their reduction in carbon footprint to watch their real-time environmental impact.
The Rapid will host a variety of events from food trucks to free bike repairs with it all culminating in a community celebration set for Friday, June 16 from 4 – 4 p.m. The community celebration will be on the second floor of the Rapid Central Station and include a reward ceremony for the top commuters. There also will be a chance to win raffle prizes, enjoy beer from Brewery Vivant, pizza from Peppino’s, mingle with the active commuters, and enjoy artwork from students around the community.
All activities will be held around the Rapid Central station, 250 Ceasar E. Chavez Ave. SW.
Michigan grows more than 755 of the nation’s tart cherries with an annual crop valued at $280 million. (Pxhere.com)
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) recently announced that the U.S. International Trade Commission will begin tracking foreign imports of certified organic and conventionally produced tart cherry juice and tart cherry juice concentrate, and all other varieties of cherry juice, in order to more accurately measure the impact of trade on Michigan’s tart cherry industry.
In March, Stabenow and Peters urged the Commission to track this information in the wake of unfair and rising import competition of tart cherry juice harming Michigan producers. Michigan grows more than 75% of the nation’s tart cherries with an annual crop valued at $280 million, supporting hundreds of processing and retail jobs and a vibrant tourism industry in Northwest Michigan.
“Michigan’s world-famous tart cherries are a central piece of our ag economy,” Stabenow said. “But this industry cannot continue to flourish in the face of unfair and unaccountable competition from foreign producers. Today’s announcement is a welcome step toward ensuring an even playing field for our Michigan growers.”
In 2020, Stabenow and Peters similarly urged the U.S. International Trade Commission to collect statistical information on dried cherry imports after Turkish exporters continued to dump low-quality dried cherries into U.S. markets, creating a trade imbalance that hurt Michigan growers. The Senators’ request was approved and went into effect in July 2020.
“For years, Michigan cherry growers have been harmed by unfair trade practices that threaten their livelihoods and hurt workers. They deserve a level playing field. After pushing for this needed change, I’m pleased the ITC will now collect all available information on these imports so that our growers have a fair shot at competing on the world stage,” Peters said.
“The new categories for tracking imported cherry juice/concentrate are very important for the U.S. tart cherry industry,” said Julie gordon, president and managing director of the Cherry Marketing Institute. The new reporting will provide us specific information that was not previously available and will help us develop strategies for dealing with the influx of imports. We are grateful that the 484(f) Committee granted our request for the new codes and for the continued support from Senator Stabenow and Senator Peters.”
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
To help educate potential new drivers on the dangers of driving impaired, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety will be purchasing a distracted and impaired driver simulator thanks to a $25,000 grant from GM Motors Corporate Giving.
GM Grand Rapids Operations Plant Director Troy Comiskey (center) announces the 2023 GM Corporate Giving grant recipients from the Grand Rapids area. (WTKV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
The grant, which was given to the Wyoming Greater Resource Alliance for the public safety department’s use, was one of three grants awarded by the GM Grand Rapids Operations, which is located in Wyoming. The grants totaled $75,000 with the two other organizations also receiving $25,000 each was The Right Place and West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC).
“GM has made a concerted effort to bump up its local giving to the communities,” said Troy Comiskey, plant director for the Grand Rapids Operations. “They take corporate giving very seriously. They have upped it the last two years in a row with definitely a jump this year from the $10,000 mark to the $25,000 mark.”
Through the GM Community Grant program, the company has donated around $3 million to a 157 charities over the last year in U.S. communities that surround GM manufacturing sites. Since its inception, GM’s Corporate Giving has investing has helped communities across the U.S. in a variety of initiatives focused on STEM, vehicle and road safety and community impact.
Comiskey noted that the giving has gone beyond just monetary but with many of the Grand Rapids Operations employees giving time to a variety of events such as Teach for the Watershed, the Mayor’s Grand River Clean-Up, and FIRST Robotics programs. He noted this is on top of employees working sometimes 40-plus hours a week and taking care of their own families that “they still find time for a couple of hours per week or month to help local communities.”
From left, Lt. Eric Wiler from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, UAW Local 167 Chairman Chris Newman, The Right Place Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Brad Comment, WMEAC Director of Engagement Marshall A. Kilgore, and GM Grand Rapids Operations Plant Director Troy Comiskey (WKTV/Joanne N. Bailey-Boorsma)
Educating the Future about the Environment
One of the beneficiaries of that volunteer support has ben WMEAC which among its programs host the Teach for the Watershed. which is an interactive watershed education program based on Michigan Science Curriculum Standards, and the Mayor’s Grand River Cleanup, the state’s largest riverbank cleanup.
“We are so thankful to GM for this,” said Marshall A. Kilgore, WMEAC’s director of engagement. “This grant started back a few years ago at $200 with them kind enough to extend their philanthropy from $200 to $25,000.”
Kilgore said WMEAC has seen growth in its programs and through the grant will be able to reach more students about how to better take care of their environment.
“So we plan to use this money for the water that connects all of us here in West Michigan and also teach our youth how to be better stewards of their land, water and soil,” he said.
Making the Roads Safer
Lt. Eric Wiler said his department is working to purchase the distracted and impaired driver simulator which they are hoping to debut at this year’s National Night Out as well as other events, such as Metro Cruise. Plans are also in the works to bring the simulator to local school districts to educate potential new drivers about driving with cellphones or while intoxicated.
According to the Michigan State Police, 16,543 crashes in 2021 involving distracted driving. Fatal distracted driving crashes increased by 14% from 2020 to 2021. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, 3,522 people died because of districted driving in 2021.
To help combat the issue, the Michigan legislature passed a ban on using phones while driving in May.
Building a Workforce Pipeline
Brad Comment, senior vice president of strategic initiatives for The Right Place, said the organization plans to use its grant funding toward growing Michigan’s manufacturing, technology and life science sectors, which Comiskey had commented is “very near and dear to our heart here at GM because we have such a technical workforce.”
Through its programs, Comment said The Right Place will continue to work to bring students into manufacturing facilities and introduce them to careers in manufacturing and technology.
GM was started in 1908 by William C. Durant as a holding company for the Buick Car Company. Within two years, Durant brought some of the biggest names in the automotive industry, including Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Pontiac and the predecessors of GMC Truck. For more than 75 years, the GM Grand Rapids Operations, which is at 5100 Burlingame SW, has been producing high prevision, high volume automotive components for GM products as well as non-GM products.
By KatelynKikstra Kent County Department of Public Works
While batteries of any type should never go in your recycling cart or any recycling drop-off station, but what you should do with them instead oftentimes is not clear. Batteries can really trip folks up because the type of battery ultimately determines what we need to do with them. Read below to match what kind of battery/batteries you have to figure out your next actions.
Alkaline batteries
Alkaline batteries are typically the cell batteries (EX: AA, AAA, etc.) that are commonly used in a lot of household items, like toys, flash lights, radios, etc. Alkaline batteries are cell batteries that ARE NOT rechargeable.
Alkaline batteries should be taped on the ends and then placed into the trash. (Pxhere.com)
Alkaline batteries used to contain mercury, qualifying them as hazardous waste, so they would have been accepted through a household hazardous waste program for a really long time. However, around the mid- to late-90s, manufacturers changed how they made alkaline batteries (to no longer contain mercury) so these types of batteries no longer qualify as hazardous waste and cannot go to a hazardous waste program. Once taped on the ends/terminals, these batteries are OK to go in the trash because they are no longer hazardous.
Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of places that recycle them as the process is tedious and expensive. We do not know of any alkaline battery recyclers in Kent County. Instead, we encourage folks to use up their supply of alkaline batteries and make the transition to a rechargeable/reusable type of battery if possible.
These batteries should do contain hazardous materials and should be taken to a SafeChem location. (Pxhere.com)
All other batteries
“All other batteries” is a broad category but it includes (from left to right): button batteries, laptop/cellphone/electronics batteries, drill/weed trimmer/leaf blower batteries, lithium ion/cadmium batteries, auto/marine/ATV batteries, and RECHARGEABLE cell batteries (EX: AA, AAA, etc).
All of these batteries should never go in your trash, recycling bin or into any of our single-stream/mixed recycling drop-off stations as they contain hazardous materials and could easily start a fire at the recycling center, landfill or a garbage truck.
In the fall of 2020, the Wyoming Tree Commission (The Tree Amigos), with volunteer helped planted trees in the Godfrey-Lee area. (Courtesy, Wyoming Tree Commission)
Whether it be the shade from a hot summer day to the colorful leaves dropping that add nature’s beauty in the fall, trees can provide a natural respite for a community as well as improve air and water quality.
However, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, underserved communities tend to have fewer trees than other city neighborhoods and local organizations working to add tree canopy to those areas can face unique challenges.
To help make a difference in one such area are three organizations, the City of Wyoming Tree Commission – The Tree Amigos, the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, and ReLeaf Michigan. Tuesday, May 23, the groups will come together to plant 20 trees at the Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center, 961 Joosten St. SW, to plant 20 trees. Volunteers also are being sought to help with the project.
Building Shade Equity
“We are working in Godfrey Lee for two reasons,” said Estelle Slootmaker, who is a member and founder of Tree Commission (The Tree Amigos), which noted the group has planted trees in the Godfrey-Lee district in the past. “The area’s canopy has been disastrously decreased by storms and development.
“The neighborhood, like many U.S. neighborhoods experiencing income challenges, lacks shade equity. Shaded neighborhoods promote mental health, reduce crime, have cleaner air with less asthma and other breathing conditions, and higher property values.”
The other reason the commission has selected the Godfrey-Lee area was because of the advocacy of volunteers Susan VanBronkhorst and Rosemary Davis, who have advocated for planting in the neighborhood, and because of Godfrey-Lee science teacher Deb Truszkowski, who has been working to get The Tree Amigos active with the district.
Truszkowski said it was a National Geographic article that raised her awareness for the lack of tree canopies in underserved areas. She teaches a world disasters course at the high school which focuses on climate change.
“We are currently looking into areas that lack tree canopies and how that affects a community,” Truszkowski said, adding the classes have been discussing how redlining, where lenders refused loans to people living in a certain area, impacted a neighborhood and its environment, such as parks, green space and trees.
Students from two of Truszkowski’s classes will participate in the planting along with talking to volunteers and learning from ReLeaf Michigan.
Volunteer Opportunities
ReLeaf Michigan, a 35-year-old non-profit organization, partners with communities statewide to replenish community tree canopies through volunteer tree planting events. In 2022, the DTE Foundation granted $350,000 to ReLeaf for tree plantings in communities throughout the state.
Slootmaker said ReLeaf is providing the 20 trees and the organization’s forester helped select the planting sites. On planting day, ReLeaf representatives will be there to provide instruction and supervise the plantings.
“They will be providing information on the proper way to plant and for the trees,” Slootmacher said, adding it is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to learn more about planting and green spaces.
Those interested in volunteering — no planting experience is necessary — should wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing and bring a shovel, hard rake, and work gloves if they have them. The group will meet at Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center located, 961 Joosten St. SW, at 8:45 a.m. to sign in, enjoy refreshments, and watch a planting demonstration with ReLeaf Michigan’s tree experts.The event occurs rain or shine.
Pictured above is the Beverly Bryan Community Orchard, where the Wyoming event will occur. (Photo, Tree Amigos)
Arbor Day celebrates the gift of trees this Friday, April 28. The holiday is a day dedicated to encouraging individuals to plant trees, which are essential for our ecosystem, are a renewable resource, and offer many benefits to communities.
This year, the City of Wyoming Tree Commission, “The Tree Amigos,” is partnering with Wyoming’s West Elementary, 1840 38th St. SW, for its 2023 Arbor Day ceremony set for 10:30 a.m. The event will take place in school’s Beverly Bryan Community Orchard.
West Elementary students will share poetry, art, and songs at the event. The city will plant two fruit trees in the orchard to celebrate Arbor Day.
Mayor Kent Vanderwood, who was ab advocate in establishing the tree commission in 2015, will open the event with the Arbor Day proclamation.
“We are a group of citizen volunteers who want to improve the tree canopy for our city because it is so important to the health of the people that live here,” said Estelle Slootmaker, board member of The Tree Amigos.
The event will also recognize the City of Wyoming’s eighth consecutive year as a part of Tree City USA.
ArborFest celebrations will also occur this weekend, April 28-29, in Grand Rapids. During this event, the community will plant 200 trees and give away 150 in the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood.
Arbor Day originates from the Latin word “arbor,” meaning tree.
“Trees are as important to a healthy city as the water supply, the public works department, or the police force. Our job is to educate people so they (trees) are valued, planted, and maintained more,” Slootmaker said.
This holiday has been around for centuries, dating back to 1872 when journalist Julius Morton proposed a day to encourage his fellow Nebraskans to plant trees.
Morton filled his property (160 acres) with trees to enrich the desolate planes of Nebraska. He wrote for the Nebraska City News, where he encouraged community members to learn about the ecological importance of trees.
Morton’s articles resonated with the public. The agriculture board approved his proposal for a holiday, and community members planted more than a million trees on the first Arbor Day.
“We still have a mindset that trees are decorations, but they are so integral to our way of living,” Slootmaker said.
Trees play many roles in our lives. They provide oxygen for us to breathe. They are a renewable resource giving wood and paper. Trees provide fruit for food and are a habitat for wildlife. Trees can reduce air and noise pollution in busy neighborhoods and reduce heating and cooling bills. The benefits of trees extend long past a tree’s lifetime.
“We can reduce the impacts of climate change on neighborhoods. We can improve their air quality and reduce asthma rates,” Slootmaker said. “Trees have been proven to reduce crime and boost our mental health. There are lots of good reasons to plant trees.”
The Tree Amigos needs more board members. It is required to be a Wyoming resident. Any volunteers or inquiries can contact: treeamigoswyoming@gmail.com
John James Audubon (Courtesy, Library of Congress)
LANSING – A National Audubon Society decision to keep its name is bitterly dividing members, some of whom are pressing to distance the organization from namesake John James Audubon, who was an enslaver.
Many Audubon chapters across Michigan are still wrestling with what to do about the name on local levels.
There are more than 30 chapters across the state.
Well established brand
The organization was founded in 1905 and named after America’s most famous naturalist and bird artist, John James Audubon, who died in 1851.
Kirk Waterstripe, a board member of the Grand Traverse Audubon Club in Traverse City, said he learned about the national decision from another member.
He said the local discussion was limited.
“We all agreed that’s how things were done in the 1800s, and we can’t really judge that world by our moral and ethical standards,” he said.
“We’ve learned from that history. We wouldn’t do it now, but the brand is established,” Waterstripe said.
He said that the Aububon name has become synonymous with birding.
“People see (Audubon) and they associate it with birds,” he said.
Waterstripe said the Traverse City chapter board will discuss releasing a statement in its newsletter.
Some National Audubon Society chapters, including ones in Chicago and Seattle, have already put out statements opposed to keeping the ‘Audubon’ name.
In a press release, the Chicago Audubon Society said it will call on the National Audubon Society to change its name and, if that doesn’t happen, the chapter will select a new name.
“The Grand Rapids Audubon Club has been monitoring and carefully considering these important conversations that are happening at the local, state and national levels. At this time we will maintain our club name,” the statement said.
Some chapter members say they need more time to think about what to do.
Don Burlett, the president of the Oakland Audubon Society, said it is going to take some time to decide at a local level whether to change its name.
“We are in discussions, Burlett said. “There is a lot to be considered in the whole decision, but those issues are all being discussed and it may take some time before we make a decision.”
He said the chapter may survey its members to get their opinions and thoughts.
Name change does not impact affiliation
“For many people, it’s a personal decision as to whether they would want to keep the name or change the name,“ said Burlett.
If a chapter decides to change its name, it can easily do so.
“Any organization affiliated with National Audubon is completely free to change their name and it won’t affect the affiliation, ” he said.
At a national level, the process of determining whether to keep or drop the Audubon name took over a year and included consulting with local chapters and staff.
Three members of the national board resigned in mid-March to protest the majority decision to retain the name.
Sam Blatchford was born and raised in Orange County, California. He is working on his bachelor’s degree in journalism. He has a passion for both tennis and music. He aspires to be either a tennis reporter or a music journalist. His favorite tennis player is Nick Kyrgios, and his favorite genre of music is rock. Sam’s hobbies include playing tennis, recording music and watching as many sporting events as possible. He has written articles for 89 FM, the Impact.
The avian flu has not harmed Michigan’s commercial turkey farms to date. (Photo by Mikkel Bergmann)
LANSING – While avian flu has disrupted poultry flocks in Michigan and spurred higher egg and chicken prices, turkeys in Michigan – wild and farmed alike – have been spared from the virulent disease, industry leaders and government officials say.
Megan Moriarty, a wildlife veterinary specialist for the Department of Natural Resources, said the agency conducted surveillance for avian flu last spring and fall, finding the virus primarily in swan, geese, ducks, vultures and eagles and, on a lesser scale, hawks and falcons.
Moriarty said no cases of avian flu among wild turkeys were found.
Turkeys have less risk factors
Turkeys are at less risk of infection than many other bird species because of a handful of factors, Moriarty said.
Wild turkeys are not scavengers, so they don’t get sick from eating infected animals. They also don’t travel together in colonies, meaning mass transmission of avian flu is unlikely, she said.
No cases have been reported so far in 2023, according to the department’s communications director, Jennifer Holton.
Nancy Barr, the executive director of the Michigan Allied Poultry Industries, said avian flu has been spotted in one commercial flock of turkeys since the start of 2022, but turkey farmers have prevented its spread to other flocks since.
Barr said since that initial case in 2022, turkey farmers have implemented biosecurity measures like perimeter buffer areas that control which people and vehicles can enter a farm.
Not crossing the line
“They draw an imaginary line around the outside of the farm and they have certain restrictions for any vehicles or people that come across that line to make sure that they aren’t potentially bringing anything from the outside,” Barr said.
A more important biosecurity measure is the line of separation at a barn door, according to Barr.
That means only farmworkers can enter barns where turkeys are housed, she said. Those workers have had no contact with other poultry and change clothes and sometimes shower before going in.
“That’s probably one of the most primary things they do,” Barr said. “Equipment is cleaned or designated just for that house. So it’s thinking about every single thing that comes into that house to keep those birds healthy.”
Spring migration a concern
Barr said that turkey farmers are nervous about the upcoming northward migration of other birds from the South this spring.
According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, symptoms of avian flu in birds include sneezing, coughing, diarrhea, nasal discharge, swelling in body parts, loss of energy and appetite, discoloration and sudden death.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2021, Michigan ranked 10th in the nation for numbers of turkeys raised, with 5.1 million annually.
Ottawa and Allegan counties are the only two counties with more farmed turkeys than human residents, according to the USDA. Ottawa County produces 70% of Michigan’s commercially raised turkeys.
Protecting the local turkey industry
Ottawa County Emergency Management Director Louis Hunt, who handles avian flu matters, said the county takes the disease seriously because of the threat posed to turkey producers in the area.
He said when he has visited farms that have turkeys and other poultry, the precautions taken by the producers were “impressive.”
“First of all, you’re met with all the signs that these are biosecure facilities, and I guess that sounds intimidating,” Hunt said about his farm visits. “They have taken great pains to keep separated any potential vectors” of the disease.
On his visits, Hunt had to certify that he had no contact with any poultry in “multiple” days. He also had to be decontaminated and change his clothes.
He said owners of backyard flocks in Ottawa County have received information about what to watch out for and were ordered to immediately report any infection.
As for the upcoming migratory season, Moriarty said the DNR is preparing for a resurgence of cases in the spring and flu for wild birds, based on last year’s experience.
“Migration and large-scale movements of different bird species, it’s kind of a perfect scenario to have the virus be mixing and moving across the landscape,” he said.
Barr said Michigan is in the “Mississippi flyway,” a major bird migration route, producers will be watching their flocks diligently to ensure as little infection as possible.Most producers will assume the migrating birds are potentially infected.
Dan Netter is a journalist who started at Michigan State University in 2019. His interest in journalism includes policy reporting, identity reporting and a little bit of news design. Other places where Dan’s work has appeared include The State News and 101.9 WDET-FM. His favorite song is “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye.
The eaglets, E21 and E22. (Southwest Florida Eagle Cam Foundation )
After surviving the devastating hurricane Ian, losing the entire nest, returning as a couple to rebuild one stick at a time, delivering two healthy eaglets and then fending off attacks by owls and other eagles, our cherished eagle, Harriet, has gone missing…her fate is unknown at this time.
She was last seen Thurs., Feb. 2 leaving the nest located on the Pritchett property as she has countless times. A typical day…until it wasn’t! This time, she strangely has not returned. This is totally out of character and a sign something is very wrong. Meanwhile, M15 has been staying closer to the nest with the two eaglets doing double duties of both adult eagles. Many eagle watchers are deeply pained as we watch him so sorrowfully (yes, eagles speak in various tones with many meanings we recognize) calling out and looking for his loved mate. He even brought in her favorite treats, trying to entice her return.
Other eagles in the area
However, deeply concerning has been the presence of and attacks by other unfamiliar eagles entering the area, some as a grouping. After suffering through several brutal owl attacks in recent weeks, M15 bravely had to leave the eaglets unattended as he fought off three apparently invasive, attacking eagles at the same time. We held our collective breath wondering how one eagle could protect, feed and train two feisty eaglets alone…more so while fighting off multiple strange eagles at the same time. Yet, always amazing us, he has been doing all that and thankfully keeps returning so far.
While we pray and try to be positive, the attacking group of unfamiliar eagles is not a good sign, more so with Harriet’s mysterious, uncharacteristic absence. Did she try to fight them off? We know Harriet would not allow this and M15 can only do so much. Just leaving the babies unattended as he flies to get necessary food leaves the babies and nest vulnerable. It reminds eagle watchers of the horrific incident that took place during Christmas in the northwest area of Florida. After weeks of waiting, the shell broke open and the bird was almost out…but as the newborn was literally seconds from being completely out of its shell, an unknown eagle swooped down grabbed it, killed it in seconds in front of horrified eagle watchers. And we have not forgotten about Ozzie or how M15 came to the nest.
Leaving the nest alone
A 2016 photo of Harriet and M15 (Southwest Florida Eagle Cam Foundation)
Media and eagle groups are putting out much information. People in the area have been reminded of laws in place to protect eagles. Basically, reminding people the Pritchett family is allowed to have cameras up but laws to protect eagles and human property on which they nest will be enforced. There appears to be trouble with well intended people trespassing, disturbing the area as they search for Harriet and baiting. No one is allowed to bait the area (as it appears some have done) for many valid reasons. For instance, where did the meat come from, how was it handled, was it contaminated by salmonella or a creature that had eaten rodenticide, or hit with lead…things that could harm an eagle. Placing meat next to the road can be risky for the eagles as well as drivers. And, it can attract unwanted competitors…like the more aggressive eagles seeking new territory.
It has been reported the Pritchett family and eagle watchers are distressed but not giving up yet. They reportedly have been out searching their grounds, working with media to ask people to be on the lookout, to call authorities immediately if Harriet or an injured eagle is located, but to please not venture onto their private property.
The search for Harriet
One unverified report I saw claimed a person in the area saw Harriet Thursday, the day she left, struggling to cast a pellet (undigestible waste) but could not because it appears she had swallowed fishing line with a hook…which could be treatable if she is found but fatal if not. (That would be a mankind created crisis which would legally allow human intervention and treatment.) Is that report true? We do not know. Others question if an owl or unfamiliar eagle fought with her? She is a very old bird who has led a remarkable life…anything is possible.
I stated early on this season that territorial fights for food and nesting would be intense this year after Hurricane Ian came through the area. Just look at the photos of all the downed trees with nests in them!!! None of us, however, foresaw Harriet missing while M15 fought three eagles at once without her protecting their territory or babies. If Harriet can, she will return. If she cannot, we do know M15 will risk his life to save all and assume her duties. Can he continue doing that? It is rare, but has happened elsewhere and the season ended with strong birds.
One thing about this nest which continues to impress is how for years it joins thousands of people across the globe together…how we share in learning, joy, pain and support. Today, we sadly brace for the worst but collectively hope and pray for another miracle.
Kent County’s Waste-to-Energy facility. (Courtesy, Kent County Department of Public Works)
Vicinity Energy, a decarbonization leader with the nation’s most extensive portfolio of district energy systems, will partner with Kent County Department of Public Works to operate the Waste-to-Energy facility in Grand Rapids.
Vicinity and Kent County have entered into a long-term service agreement that ensures the facility will operate safely and efficiently. The partnership will save Kent County in operating costs annually while reinforcing its commitment to quality service, the environment, and the local workforce.
“For more than 30 years, Waste-to-Energy has been a key part of Kent County’s integrated waste management system, and it allows our community to responsibly and reliably dispose of solid waste while producing local energy and reducing the amount of waste going into landfills,” said Dar Baas, director of the Kent County Department of Public Works. “We’re continuing to invest in the Waste-to-Energy facility, and this new partnership with Vicinity will ensure it operates safely and efficiently for years to come.”
Vicinity has welcomed the existing plant employees to its team and will hire more team members to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable services are delivered to the residents and businesses served by the facility. This partnership marks a critical milestone in Vicinity’s commitment to sustainability and bringing new jobs and services to West Michigan.
“We are proud to serve as the new operator of this critical piece of Kent County’s waste management system and look forward to continuing to work with the community well into the future,” said Kevin Hagerty, deputy CEO and chief operating officer of Vicinity Energy. “In addition to ensuring a smooth transition from the prior operator, our team has been hard at work on providing the most reliable, resilient, and sustainable services possible.”
The Waste-to-Energy facility incinerates non-hazardous solid waste from municipal and commercial operations in Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming. Each year, the facility prevents 190,000 tons of waste from going to landfill, generates enough energy to power 11,000 homes, and recovers enough steel to make 3,000 cars.
The Waste-to-Energy facility upholds the highest environmental standards, achieving Michigan’s Clean Corporate Citizen (C3) designation each year since 2006. The facility also meets or exceeds the strictest federal standards set forth by the EPA and other regulatory bodies and employs sophisticated clean-air technologies to achieve superior environmental performance. The plant operates, on average, 90% below permit limits.
“We are thrilled to partner with Kent County and welcome the new members to the Vicinity team in Grand Rapids,” said Jesse Douglas, vice president and general manager of Vicinity’s Grand Rapids operations. “This transition of operations is an exciting step for both the County and Vicinity to bring innovative solutions to the communities we mutually serve.”
Vicinity also owns and operates the heating and cooling facility that provides clean steam to about 10 million square feet of space in downtown Grand Rapids. Vicinity’s district energy system maintains between 90-95% efficiency year-round. All Grand Rapids customers connected to district energy have a 38% lower annual carbon footprint than if they were to self-generate heat, with future improvements intended to offer renewable, carbon-free energy solutions as part of Vicinity’s Clean Energy Future plan.
Digital rendering of residents of Veridian at County Farm near the Honey Locust Farm Shop in the neighborhood. (Courtesy, THRIVE Collaborative)
LANSING – A new way of exploring the universe has been under our noses for years.
Scientists are only now discovering this by looking at the sky from a different perspective. A recent study shows how we can use existing technology to better understand distant objects with strange, previously unseen behavior.
It’s a two-for-one: Technology that detects heat in the sky can also find supernovae and other cosmic explosions.
“There are many explosive events occurring in the cosmos,” said Brian Metzger, an astrophysical theorist at Columbia University, who contributed to the study in the Astrophysical Journal. “These events appear bright but then fade away quickly.”
These blasts of material from star collisions and explosions happen so fast that they’re hard to study, he said. That makes them a mystery to astronomers.
The behavior of these objects – called transients – is largely unknown. They last only days to weeks. That makes them hard to find.
Telescopes would need to look at the whole sky constantly to observe more transients, Metzger said.
Think of finding transients like a kid looking through an “I Spy” book. Radio telescope surveys search the sky, sorting through stars, galaxies, dust, planets, and other celestial objects.
All of that is to find one specific type of object.
But scanning the sky isn’t as easy as finding a marble on a page of random objects.
Instead, it’s akin to being put into a library of “I Spy” books and told to find one object, in one specific book, on one specific page. The only problem? You aren’t told where it is.
The sky is huge, and according to Nathan Whitehorn, a Michigan State University astrophysicist, it’s crucial to know what you’re looking for and where you can find it.
The good news is that there already is technology that examines the whole sky – it’s just being used for something else.
Cosmic microwave background surveys use telescopes and other scientific instruments to scan the sky for heat. They usually focus on leftover heat from the Big Bang, the explosion theorized to bring the whole universe into existence in one quick burst.
But if scientists know where to look, they can use this technology to uncover more transient data.
“One of the things we realized a few years ago was that [these] telescopes can detect more [than just] cosmic microwave background,” Whitehorn said.
That’s where the new study comes in.
Astronomers took what little data there is about these mystery explosions and created a simulation.
Through their results, they were able to predict where transients might be, how long they’ll last and how many we can expect to find.
Until now, these surveys haven’t been used for finding transients, Whitehorn said.
The information from the study gives an idea of what transient data the surveys could gather if they looked at more than just the distributed heat leftover from the Big Bang.
“Although these surveys are designed for cosmic microwave background science, we can use them to get this transient science return for free,” the study’s lead author, Tarraneh Eftekhari, wrote in an email.
Eftekhari, a radio astronomer at Northwestern, emphasized that using these surveys can give unexpected free data.
As surveys monitor large parts of the sky at a time, they’re more likely to observe short-lived events. And based on the simulation by Eftekhari and her team, there will be many events to observe.
Metzger said using cosmic microwave background surveys differently helps an understanding of a part of the universe we don’t know much about, Metzger said.
LANSING – My favorite summertime activity has always been biking or walking to the best ice cream shop in Lowell: Ball’s Softee Creme.
Ball’s Softee Creme sign in Lowell. (Courtesy, Mackenzie DeRaad)
Situated at the end of town by the Flat River, Ball’s Softee Creme is the perfect place to grab an ice cream cone with friends during the summer months.
You can get anything your heart desires at Ball’s — the best pulled pork sandwich ever, a glacier, which is half slushie-half vanilla ice cream, the largest plate of bean and chili cheese nachos you can imagine and a simple chocolate-vanilla ice cream twist in a cake cone.
Ball’s Softee Creme is the oldest ice cream shop in Lowell, celebrating its 51st year of operation in 2022. Many generations have enjoyed its sweet treats.
Now, I mentioned global warming in the title of this commentary.
Ball’s Softee Creme has nothing to do with global warming, of course, but it is benefitting from it.
The last eight years were the hottest ever recorded, according to a World Meteorological Organization report.
The small, family-owned shop is open only in the warm season, and because of global warming, that season is rapidly lengthening.
In 2022, Ball’s opened for business on April 2 to celebrate another year. In 2020, it opened on March 11 and stayed open into September.
March 11 is more than two months earlier than its opening day in the first years of operation, which hovered around Memorial Day.
Believe me, I love this little ice cream shop, so I can’t complain that it’s opening its windows earlier and keeping them open later in the year.
But I can’t stop thinking about climate change.
Lowell sits at the intersection of the Flat River and Grand River, so it’s no surprise that much of the community is a floodplain.
2013 brought one of the largest floods Lowell has ever seen, caused by days of constant, heavy rain.
Lowell isn’t the only place experiencing heavier rains though.
Aerial view of 2013 flood in Lowell. (Coiurtesy, NOAA)
A study by researchers at Northwestern University compared rainfall from two periods — 1951 to 1980, and 1991 to 2020 — and found that climate change is causing rains to be heavier in the United States.
The central and eastern parts of the lower 48 states are experiencing the most extreme rainfalls, and Lowell is at the center of it all.
Lowell wasn’t spared then, and record-breaking floods are still occurring each year. 2018 brought the fourth-largest flood Lowell has ever experienced, just shy of the 2013 flood level.
I remember my mom packing my brother and me up into the car to drive as far as we could into town to check out the damage. We sat in silence as we passed through downtown and parked by the city hall.
We saw our friends, our neighbors, our community members kayaking and canoeing down the streets because they couldn’t drive anywhere.
A local company, Timpson Trucking, donated sand from its sand mine to help residents fill sandbags.
There were sandbags stacked around homes and businesses, cars trapped under the murky water and paramedics, cops and firefighters on call.
Ball’s Softee Creme even had sandbags up to protect its shop about half a mile from the rising river.
It was like doomsday on Main Street.
Catastrophic.
So there I sat on that mild April day, wondering how my community would recover from this.
And now I sit, eating my melty chocolate cheesecake flurry, wondering how my community is going to recover from global warming.
LANSING – A chalk mural by Grand Valley State University student Jacob Yingling depicts what he studies: yellow perch in drowned river mouth systems.
Jacob Yingling’s chalk mural took him two hours to create and many more hours to plan. It reads, “Yellow Perch Condition in Drowned Rivermouth System.” Credit: Jacob Yingling
Through the data Yingling collected for the university’s Annis Water Resources Institute, he discovered that the average weight and health of fish captured at Lake Macatawa is significantly below standard levels.
His artwork was part of a recent Grand Valley Chalk Art Symposium, where dozens of students showcased their work on the Pew Library plaza.
“This was my first time doing something like this,” Yingling said. He said he loves drawing landscapes in his free time and was excited to be a part of the event.
Combining science with artwork allowed people who wouldn’t have otherwise seen his research to see it, said Yingling. “I believe science is really for everyone.”
Attendees approached Yingling throughout the day to find out more about his research.
“A lot of people thought it was cool, and they stopped to ask what it meant and how it was impacting them,” he said.
Great Lakes river mouths are home to ports and cities that have lots of human interaction, according to a 2013 article in the Journal of Great Lakes Research.
The activity can harm marine health through factors such as runoff and improper waste disposal.
Sharing scientific research through artwork is a growing trend, said Michigan State University Museum Creative Director Mark Sullivan.
“Science gives artists opportunities for an approach they have never taken before,” he said. Artistic expression and interpretation can improve the observational skills of scientists, too.
Science and art have come together all over the scientific community, according to another Annis researcher, Michael Hassett.
Institutions nationwide promote seminars through colorful posters, feature artwork in their studies and have even spread water awareness through interpretive dance.
You don’t have to be an activist to take action.
According to Yingling, the people viewing his mural often asked how they could help preserve yellow trout along Michigan’s west coast.
“The best way for us to generate funding is to get the public interested in what we’re doing,” he said.
Just like Yingling, Sullivan’s team gets out into the community with artistic exhibits and performances based on research subjects like climate change, immigration and technology.
“We’re not about sitting on the shelf, but taking action,” Sullivan said.
Snowy weather is here which means making sure you have checked that your car has all your survival essentials. (WKTV/Maggie Carey)
With the colder months approaching quickly, it is important to stock your car with items that will help you through the winter. Winter weather can leave you stranded and having a kit of essentials can get you back on the road faster or make your time waiting for assistance more comfortable in the frigid temperatures.
Winter essentials for the car can include:
Ice scraper. This is an essential that can be found almost everywhere. Car scrapers with a brush end and scraper end are best (see image right) as they help remove both snow and ice from your car. Not only is it safe for you to clear your car of snow, it is also safe for those around you as snow falling off your car can impair their vision while driving.
A car scraper with a brush and scraper end is recommended.
Portable Shovel. Small portable shovels can be helpful when digging a car out from snow or when trying to leave a snowy street in the morning. If you have a big enough trunk, consider keeping a full-sized shovel on hand to make the process smoother.
Cat litter or salt. Did you know that cat litter can help budge a stuck car more than salt? Cat litter absorbs all the moisture around the tire and makes the surface dry to drive on. If you are stuck in snow or ice, pour small amounts around your wheels and slowly accelerate to dislodge your car. This can also be an affordable alternative to keeping salt in your car. Or if you want to keep it classic, salt does the job too. Be sure to have one on hand though as we enter the Michigan winter.
Extra warm clothes. Having extra clothes on hand can be helpful if your car has died and you are waiting for assistance on the side of the road. Put together a tote with a coat, gloves, hat, scarf, socks and if you have the room, a blanket. These items can help regulate your temperature while waiting for assistance and could potentially save your life.
Food and water. Some types of food, like non-perishables, can stay in your car for the winter months and come in handy for those unpredictable winter weather emergencies. Trail mix, granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, and canned foods can be kept in cold temperatures in your car. You should also keep water in your car. Stainless steel bottles are the best method of storing water, just remember to only fill them ¾ of the way as the colder temperatures can make the bottle burst if too full.
Take the time now to think about what you need and stock up your car essentials to keep you and your family safe during your winter travels.
LANSING – As warmer-than-average growing seasons caused by climate change become more common, they bring new invasive species to Michigan.
Tar spot is a fungus that attacks corn and causes production losses. Credit: Michigan State University
“Insects that like warm weather are finding that Michigan is becoming more and more life-sustaining than ever before,” said Bruno Basso, a professor in Michigan State University’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
And that requires new ways to fight them.
“These invasive species to Michigan are resistant to pesticides that farmers previously relied upon,” Basso said. “So farmers are looking for new ways to improve the ecology of their crops and improve their resistance.”
Identifying the threats
Two new threats are “tar spots,” in corn, and spotted wing drosophila, said Laura Campbell, a senior conservation and regulatory relations specialist at the Michigan Farm Bureau.
Tar spots are raised black dots on the ears of corn caused by a fungus called “phyllachora maydis,” Campbell said. An outbreak in a corn field causes production losses and economic disaster for the farmers.
Spotted wing drosophila is an insect that attacks soft fruits, a big problem for Michigan’s cherry orchards, Campbell said.
The female insects lay eggs inside the fruit, causing brown, sunken spots. As the larva eats the fruit it becomes rotten and non-consumable.
Using technology in the fight
Farmers attack new insects with technology, Basso said. Drones can pinpoint where an insect or weed is on their farms. Then they spray the specific area before it worsens.
Another example of emerging technology is the advancement of Enviroweather, a Michigan State -based weather service that can help farmers anticipate threats to their crops, Campbell said. The site tracks invasion trends, warning farmers ahead of time if pests are headed their way.
“Preventative pesticide spraying is best, because it will deter the invasive insects and weeds from being able to attack the crops,” Campbell said. “This greatly reduces the amount of pesticides needed, which is good for the farmer and the surrounding land and water.”
Scientists are also making advances in the kinds of products used on farms, Basso said. Biodegradable plastic mulch is replacing synthetic mulch that does not decompose. More plant-based pesticides and herbicides are becoming available.
A local perspective from Ada
Heather Anderson, the owner of Green Wagon Farm, in Ada, uses all-natural products to combat insects and weeds on her certified organic farm.
Spotted wing drosophila is an insect that lays its eggs on the inside of fruit, like this raspberry, causing it to rot. Credit: University of Minnesota Extension
“We are constantly vigilant for new threats to our crops,” Anderson said. “We don’t do preventative spraying, instead we scout the farm ourselves, and pick weeds by hand.”
At 18 acres, Green Wagon Farm is much smaller than the average U.S. farm size of 211 acres, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Removing weeds by hand becomes more difficult on large farms.
“It’d be nice if all farms could be fully biodegradable and have no waste, but sometimes synthetic products are unavoidable,” Basso said.
This is not to say that farmers aren’t looking for more sustainable methods.
“Pesticides are incredibly expensive, and it would be more cost-effective to spray one small area than to have to spray an entire field,” Campbell said. “There’s a notion that farmers want to spray pesticides everywhere, and don’t care about the impacts on the land and water. But the land and water is their livelihood.”
Keeping the lines of communication open
A challenge is the communication between farmers and scientists, Campbell said.
Scientists lack the hands-on experience of being a farmer, and this makes it difficult for farmers to trust that their advice is best.
Money is also a big factor, according to Basso.
“Farmers have historically been more conservative when it comes to implementing new practices,” Basso said. “They have a financial risk, because if they change a way of doing something and it doesn’t work out, they lose that money that they would’ve made before.”
But as the weather gets warmer, farmers understand that their practices have to change or they will not be able to survive, Campbell said.
“Farmers want to do the right thing,” Campbell said. “I’ve never met a farmer who said they don’t care when it comes to the environment.”
Sarah is a junior at Michigan State University double majoring in Social Relations & Policy and Journalism. She is interested in writing about how politics affects local communities and making information accessible for everyone. In her free time, she likes boxing, yoga, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog.
