Category Archives: Environment

Governor proclaims ‘May is Oak Wilt Awareness Month’

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Environment, , ,
One sign of Oak wilt is leaf margin browning progressing inward from the leaf tips to the leaf bases. (Public Domain)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Michigan Oak Wilt Coalition wants people to take action to prevent the spread of oak wilt, a deadly insect-borne disease that is destroying oak trees in Michigan.

“Oak wilt is different from other tree diseases where there is little people can do stop them from spreading,” said Julie Stachecki, ISA Certified Arborist and Co-Chair of the Michigan Oak Wilt Coalition’s awareness campaign. “like when Dutch Elm disease and Emerald Ash Borer took its toll on Michigan’s trees. Homeowners could not stop these pests from spreading. Oak Wilt is just as deadly, but with awareness and a few precautions, people can stop this deadly disease of oak trees from spreading through Michigan and beyond.”

To preventing the spread of oak wilt:

  • Avoid pruning April 15 through July 15
  • Paint immediately if wounds occur.
  • Prune oaks in winter when possible.
  • Do not move firewood.

Oaks are a valuable component to Michigan’s natural resources. May is the highest risk period for oak wilt infections. Preventing oak wilt is the best strategy for protecting Michigan’s oaks, and that means preventing cuts or wounds during the high-risk infection period of April 15 – July 15.

“Oak wilt has been reported in the Wyoming/Kentwood area,” said Estelle Slootmaker, chair of the City of Wyoming Tree Commission, “The Tree Amigos.” “Oaks are a legacy tree here in Wyoming. We have already lost too many to gypsy moths, development, and neighbors who don’t recognize the tremendous value of these trees to our health and environment. Yes, leaves can be a pain to rake, but the benefits far outweigh the hassle.”

When oaks are pruned or wounded, they attract native sap beetles, which carry disease spores from infected trees to open wounds on healthy oaks, starting new disease infections. Once infected, red oaks die rapidly, often within six weeks. The safest time to prune oaks is during the winter months. If wounds do occur, paint them immediately with a pruning sealer or latex paint. Don’t move oak firewood, which can carry the disease to new locations.

“Utility trims are also currently impacting our tree canopy, including oaks,” Slootmaker said. “If Trees LLC trims oaks in your yard, make sure that they immediately paint the wounds.”

One oak wilt-killed tree leads to many killed trees because they are linked together by their roots. When an oak gets infected, the disease moves into its roots and to other oaks within the root system, infecting and killing the trees as it progresses. Pockets of dead oaks from oak wilt can span huge areas if left unchecked. Michigan needs oaks for wildlife habitat, soil stabilization, water filtration, and clean air. Oaks are also often highly valuable and beloved landscape trees that deserve to be protected.

Fungal mats may develop beneath the bark. (Public Domain)

Since 2018, the Oak Wilt Awareness campaign has gained a lot of momentum. In 2021, the campaign received a boost through a grant from Michigan DNR to broaden oak wilt awareness. The coalition will publish informational brochures and posters for distribution through fourteen Michigan Welcome Centers and sponsor a May billboard along U.S. 23.

“Trees take care of us; we depend on them for clean air and so much more. Now we need more people to help us save the trees. With Oak Wilt Awareness, we can make a real difference.” said Ruth Dorando Marcy, “May is Oak Wilt Awareness” campaign co-chair.

For more information about oak wilt, to report infections, and find trained specialists go to MichiganOakWilt.org.  Watch for a Governor’s proclamation that supports “May is Oak Wilt Awareness Month” and additional oak wilt information as the campaign kicks off in May!

The Michigan Oak Wilt Coalition is a partnership between private, nonprofit, and governmental organizations. Led by ISA Michigan, the partnership includes representatives from Michigan State University, Michigan Departments of Transportation, Natural Resources and Agriculture and Rural Development, ReLeaf Michigan, Michigan Forest Association, Michigan Green Industry Association, electric utilities, private companies, and others.

City of Kentwood’s Community Cleanup Day, including old electronics, planned for Saturday, May 1

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Environment, Going Local, Local Business, Recycling, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
In addition to holding its annual Spring Cleanup Day this week, the City of Kentwood will continue yard debris drop-off program this spring. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

In addition to its ongoing yard waste drop-off program, the City of Kentwood is assisting residents with general trash and debris, as well electronics, disposal as it will again offer its annual Community Cleanup Day on Saturday, May 1 for residents wanting to “spring clean” their homes and yards.

In a Monday, May 26, announcement to WKTV, the city stated this year’s Community Cleanup Day will accept yard waste, trash and general debris 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.

Following the cleanup event, the city’s yard debris (including brush and leaf debris) drop-off sites, also located at Kentwood’s DPW facility, will remain open through Saturday, May 29. Hours of operation for the yard debris drop-off sites will be noon to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

“Our Community Cleanup Day offers residents a timely opportunity to dispose or recycle items as part of their spring-cleaning efforts,” John Gorney, Department of Public Works director, said in supplied material. “We encourage residents wanting to declutter their homes and property to take advantage of these free collection services.”

Most electronics can be recycled at local community clean-up days, including one planned for Kentwood residents. (Supplied/Comprenew)

The City of Kentwood’s yard waste drop-off site includes accepting brush, sticks, tree limbs and logs at the brush drop-off site, as well as leaves and grass clippings at the leaf drop-off site. Leaves should be loose when dropped off, not left in bags.

Red Creek Waste Services will be on hand for Kentwood’s Community Cleanup Day to accept general debris and trash for disposal.

Comprenew will be on-site to recycle electronic waste, such as mobile phones, computers and fax machines. Individuals with questions about other electronics that can be accepted are asked to call the toll-free number at 833-266-7736.

Items for donation and household hazardous materials will not be accepted during this year’s cleanup event. Those 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 Department of Public Works facility, 5068 Breton Ave. SE, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., on Tuesdays.

The cleanup day and drop-off services 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 to maintain physical distancing. For the safety of City staff and community members, all participants are asked to adhere to CDC guidelines, including staying at least 6 feet from other people and wearing face coverings.

Kentwood to celebrate Arbor Day, Tree City USA designation with community event, tree seedling giveaway 

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Environment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,
Trees are good for everybody, and the City of Kentwood is now a Tree City USA. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

In honor of Arbor Day and Kentwood’s new designation as a Tree City USA, the city will give away 300 tree seedlings to residents throughout the week leading up to its Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, April 30 — a celebration which will include a tree planting.

Kentwood residents are invited to the city’s Arbor Day Celebration, planned to begin at noon on Friday, April 30, at Veterans Memorial Park, 355 48th St SE. The event will begin with an Arbor Day proclamation, followed by a tree planting in the park.

Arbor Day is an annual day of observance typically held in the spring to celebrate trees and encourage tree planting.

“The Arbor Day Celebration is an exciting opportunity to engage residents in improving the city’s tree canopy,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “Celebrating and planting trees in Kentwood will help generations to come enjoy a better quality of life with a healthier and more beautiful environment.”

Kentwood’s Arbor Day Celebration is also part of city’s participation in the Tree City USA program. Kentwood was recently recognized with the 2020 Tree City USA honor for promoting and caring for trees within the community, according to supplied material, and this is the first time Kentwood has received the designation.

In order to become a Tree City USA, cities must have an annual Arbor Day observance, a community tree ordinance, a tree board or department, and spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry activities.

“The (Tree City USA) program provides the necessary framework for communities to manage and expand their public trees, celebrate the importance of an urban tree canopy and improve care of vital city trees,” according to supplied material.
 

The city’s Arbor Day event will include free hot dogs and slushies, available at the concession stand. Attendees are reminded to wear face coverings, except when eating or drinking, and to follow physical distancing guidelines.

For more information on the City of Kentwood’s Arbor Day Celebration, visit kentwood.us/events.

Tree seedlings, park steward volunteer opportunities

Leading up to the Arbor Day celebration, city residents can receive free red maple or white pine tree seedlings at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, and at City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. The seedlings will be available during business hours Tuesday, April 27, through Friday, April 30, or until they are gone.

Residents are also invited to post a picture of their planted seedling on social media using the hashtag #GreeningKentwood.

The Kentwood Activities Center is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays. City Hall opens weekdays at 7:30 a.m., and closes at 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. City Hall closes at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and at noon Fridays. Face coverings are required for anyone who enters either building.

During Arbor Day week, residents can check on tree seedling availability by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 616-656-5270.
 

Additionally, residents can also get involved beyond Arbor Day by joining the Kentwood Park Stewards, a new environmentally focused program to help preserve and maintain neighborhood parks, trails and public spaces.

Kentwood Park Stewards will participate in a hands-on workshop to remove invasive garlic mustard at Paris Park, 3213 60th St. SE, at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 24, in collaboration with Kent County Parks. An online “lunch and learn” on the importance of trees will also be offered at noon Wednesday, April 28.

More information and registration details for both events are available at kentwood.us/ParkStewards.

Traffic Tuesday Answer: When it’s too much noise

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Environment, gov-order

By Officer Jenni Eby
Wyoming Department of Public Safety

A couple weeks ago, we talked about the general noise ordinance. Did you know that there’s a separate ordinance that addresses music from vehicles? It falls under “disturbing the peace”, and the ordinance divides the day into 7 a.m.-7 p.m. (daytime hours) and 7 p.m.-7 a.m. (nighttime hours).

This week’s Traffic Tuesday question: Fill in the blanks! 
It is unlawful for any person to disturb the public peace and quiet by operating or allowing a sound system of a vehicle to produce a clearly audible sound at a distance of ___ feet from the vehicle during daytime hours and ___ feet from the vehicle during night time hours. 

  1. 25 feet, 10 feet
  2. 50 feet, 25 feet
  3. 75 feet, 40 feet
  4. 100 feet, 50 feet

The answer is 2) 50 feet from the vehicle during daytime hours and 25 feet from the vehicle during night time hours.

Traffic Tuesday: When it’s too much noise

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Education, Environment, gov-order, Our Cities, ,

By Officer Jenni Eby
Wyoming Department Department of Public Safety

A couple weeks ago, we talked about the general noise ordinance. Did you know that there’s a separate ordinance that addresses music from vehicles? It falls under “disturbing the peace”, and the ordinance divides the day into 7 a.m.-7 p.m. (daytime hours) and 7 p.m.-7 a.m. (nighttime hours).

This week’s Traffic Tuesday question: Fill in the blanks! 
It is unlawful for any person to disturb the public peace and quiet by operating or allowing a sound system of a vehicle to produce a clearly audible sound at a distance of ___ feet from the vehicle during daytime hours and ___ feet from the vehicle during night time hours.

  1. 25 feet, 10 feet
  2. 50 feet, 25 feet
  3. 75 feet, 40 feet
  4. 100 feet, 50 feet

Check back on Thursday to find out the answer.

City of Kentwood to resume spring brush and leaf drop-off for residents

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The City of Kentwood will continue a yard debris drop-off site this spring. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood will once again offer free brush and leaf drop-off services to residents this spring.
 

According to an announcement from the city, starting Saturday, April 3, residents may drop off brush, sticks, tree limbs, logs, loose leaves and grass clippings at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE. Drop-off is available noon-8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon-6 p.m. on Sunday, continuing through Saturday, May 29.

“As snow melts in the spring, getting yard and tree debris out of the right-of-way is incredibly important for our roadways and storm drains,”Jim Wolford, Department of Public Works supervisor, said in supplied material. “Clearing brush and leaves prevents buildup in these areas, keeping our infrastructure running smoothly throughout the city.”

The services are available to Kentwood residents only, and proof of residency is required. Materials that cannot be accepted include trash, paper and plastic bags, dirt, concrete, asphalt, tires, rocks, stones, construction materials, glass and metal.

In addition to making yard maintenance easier, leaf and brush drop-off services also help residents stay in compliance with city ordinances. The accumulation of leaves and debris on a property or in the right-of-way is prohibited in the City of Kentwood, as well as burning leaves and brush.

More information about Kentwood’s brush and leaf drop-off services is available at kentwood.us/BrushLeafDropOff.

Kentwood Mayor Kepley visits WKTV to talk new Wi-Fi project, park stewards program, 2nd Little Free Pantry

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Environment, Going Local, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Business, Local Faces, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood announced last week that it is seeking community volunteers to join its new Kentwood Park Stewards program, but that is just one of several big things happening in the city as it has also recently announced it will put free public Wi-Fi zones around the city and it has opened a second Little Free Pantry.

With so much happening, WKTV Journal In Focus decided to go to the top to get to the bottom of it all, so we invited Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley into our studio for a little talk.

In a quick 10-minute sit-down, we discussed the city working with the Kent County to provide free internet access to the community after setting up Wi-Fi service available at 13 locations including the city’s main campus as well as in city parks. We also talked about the importance of community involvement, past and future in protecting the city’s parks through the new Kentwood Park Stewards program, as well the launch of the city’s second Little Free Pantry.

WKTV previously also helped the City of Kentwood and Kent Conservation District’s Invasive Species Strike Team produce a video about how to identify and manage oriental bittersweet, an aggressive invasive species causing damage to trees in the Kentwood parks system and other communities. The problem is one of the efforts the new Park Stewards program will assist with.

Details of Kentwood Park Stewards program

The Kentwood Park Stewards is a new environmentally focused program created by the City of Kentwood and designed to engage residents in monthly activities involving invasive species control, native habitat restoration and park beautification to help preserve and maintain neighborhood parks, trails and public spaces.

According to supplied material, as a park steward, community volunteers will participate in hands-on workdays, educational workshops and other activities, such as cutting invasive vines, pulling invasive garlic mustard and planting native plants. The program also encourages neighbor-led cleanups, adopt-a-park projects and other park maintenance efforts.

“The Kentwood Park Stewards program strengthens the relationship between residents and their neighborhood parks while creating lasting benefits to the environment,” Kristina Colby, recreation program coordinator with the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, said in supplied material. “Opportunities for residents to get involved and care for their neighborhood parks helps foster a greater sense of community pride in our park system. The contributions of our Kentwood Park Stewards will support the natural beauty and appeal of our parks today and for future generations.”
 

The new program expands on several invasive species control trainings and workdays the city began offering last fall through a partnership with the Kent Conservation District Invasive Species Strike Team.

Since launching Kentwood Park Stewards earlier this year, Kentwood has joined the West Michigan Conservation Network and collaborated with the Kent County Parks, Rotary Club, Plaster Creek Stewards and gardening clubs, among others.

Those who are interested in signing up to join Kentwood Parks Stewards may complete a volunteer form online or contact the Parks and Recreation Department at eRecreation@kentwood.us or 616-656-5270. More information about the program is available at kentwood.us/ParkStewards.

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

Despite pandemic shutdown, Kent County Health Department reports progress on lead exposure reduction

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Environment, Health, WKTV Projects, , ,
Dr. Adam London’s presentation to Executive Committee of the Kent County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 25. (Kent County)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The pandemic has shut down many things, but not the efforts of Kent County and its partners to identify and reduce lead exposure in the community — a serious health hazard especially for children before, during and unfortunately likely to continue after COVID-19.

Kent County Health Department Director Dr. Adam London provided an update Feb. 25 to the Executive Committee of the Kent County Board of Commissioners. As part of the report, London detailed the “significant strides the department has taken over the last year to identify lead hazards and conduct education efforts,” according to a statement from the county, work which occurred despite the coronavirus pandemic shutting down site visits for approximately six months.

“There is no safe level of lead in children and it is toxic to everyone,” London said in supplied material. “We have to keep the momentum of this work going to mitigate long-term negative impact of lead exposure on our community.”
 

The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) manages three lead programs including the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), the Multiple Elevated Blood Level (MEBL) list, and part of the county-funded Ready by Five effort.

According to the Kent County announcement, since December 2019, several actions have been taken, including: 161 ongoing or completed investigations at properties that have/had potential lead hazards, and 81 properties on the MEBL List out of 427 properties identified by Lead Action Team; 57 site visits for lead inspection, risk assessments and home health screenings; and 39 homes cleared of lead hazards including helping remediate/abate lead hazards at 28.

In addition, the effort has attained regulatory compliance through working with residents and landlords and initiated enforcement activities at five properties. Also, the lead team has been fully staffed with five lead sanitarians, a health educator, and a lead clerk.

 
“I am very proud of our team,” Brendan Earl, KCHD supervising sanitarian, said in supplied material. “We have been able to continue the critical work of reducing lead exposure despite the setbacks caused by COVID-19.”

 
Additionally, according the announcement, the KCHD will be “working in the months ahead to re-engage the Lead Action Team which was formed in February 2020 to bring together local units of government and a multitude of other partners to make our community safer from the harms of lead exposure.”

For more information on the Lead Action Team’s goals, visit here. For more information on the Lead Action Team’s accomplishments, visit here.

For more information about the health impacts of lead, how to prevent lead poisoning, and where to find help visit dontplayaround.org/.

 

City of Kentwood confirms Tesla planning a vehicle service center and gallery facility in the city

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Environment, Going Local, Hard News, Local Business, Tech Trends, ,
Tesla Model X (Tesla press photo)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

After City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley briefly discussed the likelihood of Tesla building and opening a facility in the city, recorded as part of the WKTV Community Media’s coverage of the Jan. 11 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters meeting, the city today confirmed it has issued a building permit for a Tesla service center and gallery.

According to the Tesla official website, there are only two other Tesla store and galleries in the state of Michigan, one in Clarkston (Detroit) and the other in Troy. The location of the Kentwood facility is unannounced at this time.

“We look forward to welcoming Tesla’s new service center and gallery to Kentwood later this year,” Mayor Kepley said in a Jan. 13 statement to WKTV. “Our city continues to be a destination for retail, drawing some of the nation’s premium brands to our community. It’s particularly gratifying to see investment during the pandemic, which is a testament to optimism in our economy. Kentwood remains open — and eager — for business.”

Tesla, according to its website, was founded in 2003 by a group of engineers “who wanted to prove that people didn’t need to compromise to drive electric – that electric vehicles can be better, quicker and more fun to drive than gasoline cars.” Currently, Tesla builds not only all-electric vehicles but also “infinitely scalable clean energy generation and storage” products.

According to various media reports, electric-car maker Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) was worth about $700 billion to end 2020. The stock was recently added to the S&P 500 index as its fifth largest constituent. Tesla’s vehicle deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2020 were reported to be about 180,600 units.

Elon Musk, head of Tesla and the Space X enterprises, recently was reported to have become the world’s richest person, with a net worth of about $185 billion.

To see the on-demand recording of the recent WKTV Government Matters program, visit WKTVlive.org.

Local Feeding America non-profit celebrates 40-year history with the public invited to share stories

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Environment, Food, Going Local, Health, Local Faces, Local Food, Local History, Non-Profits, WKTV Projects, ,
Feeding America West Michigan, along with its partners and supporters, have been fighting hunger alongside in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula for 40 years. (FeedWM)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Feeding America West Michigan is celebrating its 40th year of fighting hunger alongside its partners and supporters in 2021. And, throughout the year, the local non-profit will be honoring 40 people who have been part of this journey through its “40 Years 40 Faces” series.

While the group announced its first honored person last week — the Rev. Donald Eddy, who in 1980 worked with Grant-area farmers to get unmarketable fresh vegetables into the hands of the needy and hungry — the local Feeding America is looking for the general public to submit stories and persons who have helped “feed America” locally.

“Countless people have played a role in our 40-year history,” Molly Kooi, Feeding America West Michigan’s communication manager, said to WKTV. “We want to honor 40 of them in our 40 Years 40 Faces series … (and the public can) nominate someone to be featured, or to share your own story.

To share a story or nominate someone, go to FeedWM.org/40-years and click on the share your story button, she said.

People, stories of people feeding people

Rev. Don Eddy (FeedWM)

The Rev. Eddy’s story is a prime example that small actions can make a difference. In early 1980, he saw a truckload of perfectly good carrots being composted on a farm in Grant, according to supplied material. As director of United Methodist Metropolitan Ministries, he knew many people who faced hunger, so he asked the farmers to stop dumping them and said he could ensure the carrots got to families who could really use them.

A year later, on April 23, 1981, the food bank that became Feeding America West Michigan (FeedWM) formed. That small beginning has culminated in the food bank’s current network that serves 40 counties across West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

As the year 2021 goes on, each 40 Years 40 Faces story will be shared on social media (@feedingwestmich) and on the food bank’s website (FeedWM.org/40-years).

The series will feature FeedWM staff — like its longest tenure executive director, John Arnold and current CEO, Kenneth Estelle, as well as board members, volunteers, farmers, donors and others who have been part of the food bank’s ongoing journey toward a hunger-free community. And there are opening for others.

Mobile Food Pantry boxes, undated. (FeedWM)

In addition to the story series, the food bank will release a historical timeline and photo album. The food bank welcomes the public to submit photos here to be included.

“We are excited to share about the food bank’s 40-year journey and honor some of the many people who have been a part of our story,” Estelle said in supplied material. “Our partners and supporters have made and continue to make our work possible.”

  

Serving local families in need since 1981, Feeding America West Michigan reclaims millions of meals’ worth of safe, surplus food from various sources, according to supplied material. With the help of countless volunteers, the food bank sorts, stores and distributes this food through a network of more than 900 partners to fill hundreds of thousands of neighbors’ plates instead of landfills.

For more information, visit FeedWM.org or call 616-784-3250.

World Affairs Council’s virtual Great Decisions series coming soon, but special event offered Jan. 14

Area Education, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
President Donald J. Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, shake hands as they meet for the first time, June 12, 2018, at the Capella Hotel in Singapore. (state.gov)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The World Affairs Council of West Michigan (WACWM) knew all about virtual discussions long before the pandemic, so you would expect nothing less than a stellar series of “Great Decisions Global Discussions” in 2021.

The Monday night series starting in February and running through March will include in-depth discussions on hot-button topics ranging from “The Melting Arctic” to “North Korea: Getting Diplomacy Back on Track” on the schedule.

While the Great Decisions series will be available to the general public for a modest series and individual event cost, a prelude to the series will be presented Thursday, Jan. 14, with a free special mid-day event, “The Korean-U.S. Alliance”.

Scheduled for noon to 1 p.m., the virtual discussion will offer expert information from Mark Tokola, vice president or the Korea Economic Institute, and Dr. Jennifer Brannan, Office of Korean Affairs at the U.S. Dept. of State. The webinar will be viewable live and as an archive, and while the event is free it does require registration.

The scheduled topics are relevant: A new forthcoming administration in the U.S., historic elections in South Korea, persistent global challenges including nuclear security issues and the COVID-19 pandemic — “For these reasons and more, focusing on one of the allies of the United States in East Asia is a timely conversation,” according to WACWM website.
 

The World Affairs Councils of America, in partnership with the Korea Economic Institute, will provide “a wide-ranging presentation on the relationship between the U.S. and the Korean Peninsula” and will  “dive deep into politics, trade, and the economy, and the many ties that bind these two countries together.”

For more information and registration for this event visit worldmichigan.org/futureofkorea2021.

Great Decisions series starts in February

The WACWM’s Great Decisions Global Discussions series will be live-streamed to YouTube Mondays from 6-7:15 p.m., starting Feb. 8 and running through March 29. The public is invited and the webinars will be viewable live and as archived on-demand. The cost to the public is $10 per discussion, $60 for a series pass, with prior registration required.

“Diplomats, policy makers and practitioners, think tank specialists and journalists lead conversations on global issues that impact us locally,” according to the WACWM website.

The series dates, topics and guest speaker are as follows: 

Feb. 8, “North Korea: Getting Diplomacy Back on Track” with Susan DiMaggio, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Feb. 15, “Have We Learned Anything about this Pandemic?” with Andrew Natsios, director of the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs, The Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University.

Feb. 22, “The European Union: The New Agenda Post-Brexit” with Tomas Baert, Head of Trade and Agriculture, European Delegation to the U.S.

March 1, “The Future of Business and Global Supply Chains” with Judy Samuelson, founder and executive director, Aspen Institute Business and Society Program, with moderator Brian Kraus, vice president of global manufacturing at Amway.

March 8, “Sustainable Globalization Post COVID-19” with Julia Luscombe, managing director of strategic planning at Feeding America.

March 15, “The Melting Arctic” with Kaare Sikuaq Erickson, North Slope science liaison, Ukpeaġvik Inupiat Corporation, and Bob Hollister, Leader of the Arctic Ecology Program (AEP) at Grand Valley State University.

March 22, “China in Africa and the Case of Ghana” with Elizabeth Asiedu, Professor of Economics, University of Kansas.

Mar. 29, “The Saudi-Arabian-U.S. Relationship: Decades in the Making” with Thomas W. Lippman, author, consultant, and lecturer.

Those persons and companies wishing to support the series can do so through the Friends of Great Decisions campaign.

“Now in its 71st year, the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan continues its mission to empower the people and organizations of West Michigan to engage thoughtfully with the world,” according to the WACWM website. “All general donations between now and the start of our Great Decisions series will go towards sponsoring one of our speakers, through the Friends of Great Decisions campaign.”
 

For more information and to register, visit worldmichigan.org/greatdecisions2021.

Small coffee shop, industry group welcomes Kent County move to make ‘cup o’ joe’ recyclable

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Environment, Food, Local Business, Our Cities, Recycling, WKTV Projects

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Know it our not, the plastic lids and cardboard sleeves of your on-the-go cup o’ joe have always been recyclable by Kent County Department of Public Works. But now, thanks to local retailers and a food packaging group, even the cups themselves can be kept out of the landfill.

Kent County announced this week that it had become one of a growing number of Michigan communities to add coated paper cups — both hot and cold beverage cups — to its recycling program, thanks to a partnership with the Foodservice Packaging Institute and the buy-in of local retailers and, hopefully, the public.

Until recently, the plastic lining that coats the rim and inside of the cups prevented Kent County Recycling & Education Center from accepting these materials because the material was not accepted by paper mills that purchase recycled material.

At a pubic event Tuesday, Nov. 10, one Grand Rapids coffee shop owner — Lori Slager-Wenzel of The Sparrows Coffee & Tea & Newsstand — detailed how the change fits in perfectly with her Earth-friendly business model, and maybe makes sense for other small shops as well.

“I don’t think it will be very difficult for businesses to get involved and switch to paper cups because it is not that much more affordable,” Slager-Wenzel said to WKTV. “We are excited because our compostable cups were never really making it to the compost. Most of them have to be in a high-heat compost … recyclable paper cups make it easier for our customers and for us.”

But the ability for Kent County Department of Public Works to now recycle those paper cups is not just for businesses recycling but at home recycling as well — residents are encouraged to empty and clean their paper coffee and soda cups, and place them in their recycling cart or drop them off at one of the county’s recycling centers.

Lauren Westerman, recourse recovery specialist with Kent County Pubic Works. (WKTV)

The county processes recyclables at its recycling sorting facility, the Recycling & Education Center in Grand Rapids. After sorting the various materials, the county sells them to companies that can make new products with recycled materials, according to supplied material. Recycled paper, including paper cups, goes to paper mills in the region and is made into new recycled-content products.

“None of the (recycling processing) machines at Kent County have changed, it is the downstream processors, there is a new technology that allows them to take the paper cups and separate the plastic fro the paper,” Lauren Westerman, recourse recovery specialist with Kent County Pubic Works, said to WKTV.

So now all three items in most coffee and beverage cup purchases — cups, lids and coffee cup sleeves — are recyclable, she said. But “all three do need to be separated.”

The paper cup recycling effort is just one part of Kent County’s commitment to reducing landfill waste by 90 percent by 2030, according to information supplied by the Department of Public Works.

Grants and industry advocacy 

A key element in the county move to recycle lined per cups was a grant and work with end-user recyclers by the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI).

Ashley Elzinga, director of sustainability and outreach at the Foodservice Packaging Institute. (WKTV)

“We worked with Kent County, gave them a grant to separate the paper cups as part of their recycling,” Ashley Elzinga, director of sustainability and outreach at the Foodservice Packaging Institute, said to WKTV. “And we are able to sell that material to a re-processor now. … We have worked with the (paper) mills, the processors, to help unlock that market.”

As part of its community outreach effort, the county will also conduct a public education campaign thorough various social media and other communication programs. And the addition of paper cups to its recycling efforts continues an on-going campaign.

In 2019, Kent County received an education grant from FPI to promote recycling of take-out items, such as plastic cups, milk cartons and paper carryout bags already accepted in the county’s recycling program with new bilingual flyer design, trailer signs and drop-off center signage.

Then and now, a key element of the county’s public awareness campaign is the importance of recycling only clean and empty materials, “leftover food and liquids in any recyclable container create costly and unsanitary problems for recycling,” according to the county.

To learn more and see a list of all items accepted for recycling in Kent County, visit reimaginetrash.org.

Kentwood volunteers battle strangling vines that endanger city parks

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Environment, Going Local, Local Faces, Recreation,

By Tom Norton

tom@wktv.org

What’s in a weed? While for many of us our notion of weeds are the pesky and unwanted plants that compete for light and nutrients in our gardens, but a forest or the wooded section of a park has a much broader and even more sinister experience with weeds.

 

The Bittersweet vine is a problem across the nation and in Michigan. And Kentwood’s park trees are not immune. (WKTV)

These are the invasive species — species of plants that include certain types of vines that grow so aggressively so as to literally kill not only surrounding plants but even large trees.

For Jessica Schulte, district manager for Kent Conservation District, it all starts innocently enough; an attractive wreath sheathed in golden and red berries is purchased by a homeowner who enjoys the wreath and some point will discard it.

If the wreath has the attractive red and gold berries, chances are this is one of the versions of Bittersweet vine that has been dubbed one of the most invasive plants species in North America. The plant is capable of killing large trees and, with its aggressive growth, it will completely envelope a forest habitat, choking off all other growth and changing the forest forever.

And this is the challenge for Schulte.

Every summer and fall, Schulte and a group called the “Invasive Species Strike Team” fan out to West Michigan forests and residences to yank, cut and remove the vines of the Bittersweet and other invasive species.

Kentwood vs. a ‘Godzilla’ of a plant

With the Bittersweet growing to more than 66 feet in height, it might somewhat be likened to confronting a Godzilla in the forest. In a very short period of time, the Bittersweet will completely envelope a tree’s canopy, blocking sunlight while the vines have a remarkable ability to choke off the flow of nutrients by literally strangling the trunk.

Jessica Schulte, district manager for Kent Conservation District, inspecting one of Kentwood’s parks. (WKTV)

“There are no insects, molds or fungus growth to keep the Bittersweet vine in check,” Schulte said in a recent telephone interview with WKTV, as she was busily preparing another team for a site visit that would determine the extent of Bittersweet vine damage.

“We have a huge infestation in the Ada and Cascade region,” she added also pointing out that Michigan currently lacks formal regulation of invasive species.

But now Schulte seems to have attracted a significant ally.

City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley attacks some of the Bittersweet vines in a city park. (WKTV)

Mayor Stephen Kepley of the City of Kentwood was on a walk this spring in one of the city’s parks and noticed large canopies of vine growth covering some of the trees along with vines literally strangling the trunks of trees.

Mayor Kepley reached out to the Kent Conservation District and further investigation found that there was more than just one area in Kentwood that the Bittersweet vine was invading.

“I’m actually surprised that more cities, like Kentwood are not taking action against the Bittersweet,” Schulte said, “because the damage they cause can be prevented.”

Formation of Kentwood’s ‘strike team’

Like horticultural super hero figures, the Kent Conservation District has created “strike teams” of volunteers to fan out into urban wooded areas and forest to identify and remove the problem vines and weeds.

Bittersweet vines will choke out trees. (WKTV)

While our gardening grandfathers and grandmothers might have reminded us that regular weeding was the equivalent of an ounce of prevention being worth more than a pound of cure, that prevention/cure from the strike team is underway in Kentwood.

In early October, Mayor Kepley joined with community volunteers in training for the task of ridding Kentwood parks of aggressive weeds, like the Bittersweet, that threaten the parks.

Now there are more training sessions available through the winter and into the spring. And given the speed at which the vine grows and its capability of ruining the appearance of city parks, Schulte points out that the more volunteers the better.

To assist with awareness and sign-ups, Kentwood has set up a page within the city’s website that allows residents to learn more about the invasive vine and how they can join to stop the spread.

You can find more at: kentwood.us/vinevolunteers.

Good vines and bad vines

Schulte hastens to add that the Bittersweet is not like the wild grape vines or other indigenous vines like the Virginia Creeper. She points out that even poison ivy in the forest is good because the berries it produces have a high fat content which help birds survive the long winter.

Oriental Bittersweet in winter. (Wikipedia Commons)

While birds also feast on Bittersweet berries, they also spread the seeds which only contributes to forest damage.

 

At the same time, Schulte states that while beneficial vines and trees are falling victim to the spread of the Bittersweet, it is also affecting wildlife.

“Migrating birds are down by 40 percent because often these city parks serve as stopovers for food, but the Bittersweet is enveloping and destroying the wooded canopy and eliminating the food supply,” she said.

At the training sessions, volunteers learn how to recognize invasive weeds and vines from the beneficial ones and how to effectively remove them. Schulte points out that volunteers will also need to be trained on how to effectively remove enough of a vine to prevent it from growing back.

“If homeowners would like they can reach out to us with pictures and we can help identify if they have problem vines,” said Schulte.

For more information on the Kentwood vine volunteer program, visit the kentwood.us/vinevolunteers. To sign-up as a volunteer, contact Public Works Supervisor Jim Wolford at wolfordj@kentwood.us or call him at 616-554-0817.

To contact Jessica Schulte, email her at KCD@macd.org and to join the strike team, email kentstriketeam@gmail.com.

Kentwood to again offer brush and leaf drop-off programs to city residents

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Environment, Going Local, Recycling, Upcoming Events, ,
The City of Kentwood will continue a yard debris drop-off site this fall. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood will again offer its Brush and Leaf Drop-Off programs to residents this fall. According to a statement from the city, both sites will run from Saturday, Oct. 17 through Sunday, Dec. 6, from noon to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Residents can drop off brush, sticks, tree limbs, logs, loose leaves and grass clippings at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE.

“With the change of seasons, getting debris out of the right-of-way is incredibly important,” Jim Wolford, Department of Public Works supervisor, said in supplied material. “Clearing brush and leaves prevents buildup of material in the roadway and storm drains, keeping our infrastructure running smoothly throughout the city.”

Beyond helping make yard maintenance easier, leaf and brush collection services also help residents stay in compliance with city ordinances, according to the statement. The accumulation of leaves and debris within the lot line of a property or upon the adjacent right-of-way is prohibited in the City of Kentwood, as is burning leaves and brush.

The service is available to Kentwood residents only. Anyone wishing to drop off items must show proof of residency.

Materials that cannot be accepted include: trash, plastic bags, dirt, concrete, asphalt, tires, rocks, stones, construction materials, glass or metal.

For more information visit kentwood.us.

Kentwood seeks volunteers to help save trees by combating vines

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Environment, ,
The City of Kentwood has partnered with Kent Conversation District Invasive Species Strike Team to help remove invasive plants from the city. (Kent Conversation District)

By Faith Morgan
WKTV Intern

Wanted: residents willing to roll up there sleeves, who do not mind getting dirty, and want to protect and improve the tree canopy within the City of Kentwood.

The City of Kentwood is tackling the issue of invasive species, specifically vines harming trees in the City of Kentwood. To aid in the cause, the city recently partnered with the Kent Conservation District Invasive Species Strike Team to educate community members on common invasive species.

These invasive species are incredibly harmful to trees. The vines can strangle a tree blocking it from delivering nutrients from the sun and rainfall to its roots. Over time this can cause the tree to wilt and eventually die.

“The City is pleased to join forces with the Kent Conservation District to educate residents on how to save our trees from the invasive vines that are harming them throughout the community,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “All residents are invited to participate in one of the education sessions for the training necessary to stop the on-going damage to our trees.”

KCD Invasive Species Strike team is having training sessions on the following dates (you do need to attend one training to participate in the program):

  • Monday, Sept. 28, 6-7 p.m. at Northeast Park (1900 Middleground Dr. SE)
  • Tuesday, Sept. 29, 6-7 p.m. at East Paris Nature Park (5995 East Paris Ave. SE)
  • Wednesday, Sept. 30, 4-5 p.m. at Stanaback Park (3717 Whitebud Dr. SE)
  • Thursday, Oct. 1, 6-7 p.m. at Stauffer Station Park (2360 52nd St. SE)
  • Saturday, Oct. 3, 10-11 a.m. at Covenant Park (3402 36th St. SE)

At these sessions you receive a hands-on experience to learn what invasive species are, what they look like, and how to dispose of them.

Wild grapes in southeast Michigan. (Wasrts / CC BY-SA)

After attending one of these training days, volunteers are invited take part in tackling vines in Northeast Park from 9 a.m. to noon on Sat., Oct. 10. The Kent Conservation District will guide volunteers and provide any necessary equipment. For this event, volunteers are recommended to wear clothing appropriate for physical outdoor work and weather conditions, such as long sleeves, pants and closed-toed shoes.

Trees in City of Kentwood are immensely important as they help to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Trees also help to remove pollutants from the air and soil. More importantly, for homeowners, trees can increase property value.

These invasive species combat the growth of trees in City of Kentwood. Some of these even release toxic chemicals into the soil which can harm native plant species. Some of the more commonly known species in Michigan are oriental bittersweet, wild grape and poison ivy.

Trained residents also have the option to do self-directed work as long as they communicate with the Department of Public Works on where and when the work was completed, so staff can follow up if necessary. The City hopes to host more trainings and events in other parks in the future.

For more details, community members may visit kentwood.us/vinevolunteers.

Signs installed opening the 99-mile Chain of Lakes Water Trail

3-bottom, Environment, Great Lakes

By Ellie Kirkpatrick
Paddle Antrim

Paddle Antrim announced that signs have been installed along the Chain of Lakes Water Trail, Northern Michigan’s only state designated water trail. From small lakes to big lakes, and meandering rivers, this trail provides a paddling experience for all skill levels. Whether kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding or fishing, there are opportunities for all to enjoy along this 99 mile long trail.

“While the lakes have always existed, the water trail provides the information people need to make decisions on where to paddle,” said Deana Jerdee, Executive Director of Paddle Antrim.  “We have worked with our partners to identify 84 access sites and consolidate the information so people know where they can launch, what amenities are available, what distances they will travel and more to help create a quality paddling experience.”

The Chain of Lakes Water Trail offers paddlers access to quaint communities along the trail including Ellsworth, Central Lake, Bellaire, and Elk Rapids. These towns all have access points that allow paddlers to easily walk into town to enjoy the plentiful amenities including restaurants, retail stores, outfitters, art galleries and more. “Over the last few years we have seen a steady incline in our paddle sport rentals,” said Patrick Boyd, owner of Paddles and Pedals, located in downtown Bellaire.  “Word about the water trail is getting out and with the current pandemic more people are craving access to nature. We love seeing paddlers out on the water enjoying the beauty of the area.”

Paddle Antrim has been working on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail since 2015. The trail depends on access sites identified and approved by 19 governmental and nonprofit entities.  Signs have been placed near the water’s edge at each access site so paddlers can identify where to exit from the water. Additional information on stewardship, safety, paddling experiences, and more can be found on kiosks at main and secondary access sites. “The emphasis on stewardship included in the water trail signs is essential to educate new and experienced paddlers about ways to protect our waterways,” said Christine Crissman, Executive Director of The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay. “The appreciation paddlers have for clean, healthy water distinctively motivates them to prevent concerns such as shoreline erosion and spreading aquatic invasive species.”

In addition to the signs being installed, Paddle Antrim has launched a new website with all the Chain of Lakes Water Trail information that paddlers need in order to plan a safe and fun trip. The non-profit is in the final stages of developing a waterproof Paddler’s Guide which will be available for purchase on their website. These tools are meant to help paddlers plan ahead to ensure a fun and safe experience and remind them of safety measures and stewardship.

 

Paddle Antrim raised $275,000 for the launch of the water trail, which includes the installation of these signs. The non-profit is grateful to Consumers Energy Foundation, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Rosso Family Foundation, Rotary Charities of Traverse City, The Harry A. and Margaret D. Towsley Foundation and many other donors, partners, and supporters who helped make this project a success.

For more information about the Chain of Lakes, visit Paddle Antrim’s website or visit www.michiganwatertrails.org.