Tag Archives: environment

ArtPrize entry of 100,000 bottlecaps was made for the people, by the people

October 28, 20253-bottom, Citizen Journalism, design, Environment, Going Local, Health, Kent County, Recycling, West MichiganAdrienne Outlaw, Art, ArtPrize, bottle caps, collaboration, Community, Creativity, environment, Grand Dome, GVSU, pollutionDeborah Reed

ArtPrize “Grand Dome” by Adrienne Outlaw (Courtesy, Outlaw)

By Koy Flores

WKTV Contributor

deborah@wktv.org

A holiday treat came early for 22 ArtPrize winners in the form of a $400,000 prize pool as the international art competition concluded Friday, Oct. 3.

Many stories were told through the 931 works submitted to ArtPrize by 1,100 artists. Among them was one of ecological stewardship told through a glamorous re-creation of our own waste.

Grand Dome is a 10-foot by 17-foot geodesic sculpture created by artist Adrienne Outlaw and currently on display at the Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Eberhard Center. The piece is made from more than 100,000 plastic bottle caps collected by community members who then helped Outlaw construct the piece in a collaborative project.

Protecting the world through art

Grand Dome is the latest in Outlaw’s national public art initiative, where she works with river cities to create large-scale collaborative artworks to promote ecological stewardship against plastic pollution. The sculpture took three months to make and is a follow-up to Outlaw’s Reef, a 6-foot by 8-foot sculpture also made of plastic bottle caps, that was showcased at ArtPrize 2024.

Outlaw said she has been “working with found objects and ideas for global consumerism” for most of her career. In 2019, Outlaw took a trip to Southeast Asia where she was blindsided by the effect of the U.S. plastic pollution on Asian countries, namely Singapore, Cambodia and Malaysia.

Looking up at the ceiling of Grand Dome from inside (Courtesy, Koy Flores)

“I worked with some artists there, and we would take microplastics out of the beach sand,” said Outlaw. “At the same time, China announced that they weren’t taking our waste anymore…then I started thinking of plastic as an issue.

“I moved to St. Louis in 2015 and started doing research. I realized the Mississippi Watershed drains 40% of the water waste from the U.S. Even Grand Rapids is connected to the watershed because of the lock system in Lake Michigan (The Great Lakes and the Mighty Mississippi).”

Outlaw stated that she is addressing these issues with river cities.

“[If] we allow these plastics to enter our waterways they will travel down the Mississippi River, into the Gulf of Mexico and out into the Atlantic Ocean, becoming microplastics.”

Meaningful…trash?

Outlaw expressed novelty for the project because it was a departure from the traditional solitary practice. People would email, call, text, or show up to help contribute to the project “every single day.”

“This project has changed the way I make art.”

Outlaw laughed while recounting how people loved to bring her their trash. “They offered me their labor, time and expertise. People want to do the right thing so badly.”

As fate would have it, one woman from South Haven, MI happened to be an avid bottle cap collector.

Inside the Grand Dome at night (Courtesy, Outlaw)

“She found out about my work through ArtPrize, tracked me down on the internet and asked if she could donate her collection,” said Outlaw. “I was able to meet up with her along the way to Grand Rapids. She gave me about three years’ worth of bottle caps that she had been collecting with the hope that she could donate them to something meaningful.”

After Outlaw collected the needed amount of bottle caps, she sent them to Michigan and invited Michiganders to help create the panels for Grand Dome. Outlaw’s studio did the mechanical work of putting the panels together, but Outlaw wanted to show community members the “value and joy of working with their hands.”

The main groups that assisted in the creation of Grand Dome were the Mint Artists Guild in Detroit, the GVSU art department and the First Presbyterian Church in Holland.

Outlaw attempts to be inclusive of all people with her collaborative works, providing people a range of participation opportunities from simply donating recyclables to actually putting the panels together with zip ties. Outlaw remarked that she invited participants to write their names on an ID tag before inserting them into the panels, making the experience even more empowering.

Awareness and emulation

Outlaw is proud of the amount of awareness Grand Dome has raised toward excessive consumption and harmful pollution.

“Having people approach the dome from a distance, not understanding what they’re looking at, but then they realize this is our waste,” said Outlaw. “They then realize how much plastic is in our trash. We can address this plastic pollution joyfully, from a grassroots movement, and creatively think about solving these issues. Instead of looking at it from a dismal ‘world is on fire’ mindset.”

Creative thinking and setting an example can lead to a healthier world (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

A few minor adjustments to our everyday lives can help procure a healthier world for the next generation. Outlaw is a believer in setting examples for emulation.

“You see studies where, if one person does something good, then the next person is likely to do something good,” said Outlaw. “You see that with trash. If one person throws things on the ground, but then you see someone else picking it up (instead) of walking past it or throwing something (as well), you can start collectively moving toward the good and away from the bad.”

Learn more!

To connect with Adrienne Outlaw and view her work, click here.

State and Federal agencies celebrate removal of Muskegon Lake from List of Most Environmentally Degraded Areas in the Great Lakes

October 8, 20253-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Environment, Great Lakes, Health, Kent County, West Michiganenvironment, EPA, Great Lakes, GVSU, Muskegon LakeCris Greer

From Left: Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership Chair Dennis Kirksey, Great Lake St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Project Manager Matthew Doss, Muskegon County Community Development Director Bob Lukens, City of Muskegon Mayor Ken Johnson, U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten, Michigan EGLE Director Phil Roos, U.S. EPA Regional Administrator Anne Vogel, West Michigan Shoreline Development Commission Executive Director Erin Kuhn. (Courtesy Photo)

By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org

After decades of work, Muskegon Lake has officially been removed from the binational list of “Areas of Concern,” and is no longer considered one of the Great Lakes’ most environmentally degraded areas. Muskegon Lake is the eighth U.S. Area of Concern to be delisted.

On Oct. 1, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Anne Vogel, along with Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy Director Phillip Roos, joined other federal, state, Tribal and local partners in Muskegon, Michigan, at an event to celebrate the cleanup and restoration of the Muskegon Lake Area of Concern, a 4,149-acre lake that flows into the eastern shore of Lake Michigan.

“The successful cleanup and restoration of the Muskegon Lake Area of Concern, achieved through decades of dedicated effort, marks a significant milestone in our ongoing work to restore and protect the Great Lakes,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator and Great Lakes National Program Manager Anne Vogel. “This accomplishment showcases the commitment and collaborative spirit of our partners in restoring not just the lake, but also the habitats and recreational opportunities that had been lost for so long.”

“Completing this long journey of recovery, restoration and renewal is a tremendous community achievement that EGLE (Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy) has been proud to assist,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “Alongside many partners, we celebrate today’s success and look forward to supporting tomorrow’s continued stewardship and growth.”

Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) said, “I’m thrilled to celebrate the restoration of Muskegon Lake, a body of water that is vital to both the local community and health of our Great Lakes. This achievement is a testament to the decades of collaborative efforts between federal, state, local and tribal partners to get the job done. During my time in the Senate, I’ve been proud to fight for continued funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to bolster cleanup across the state, including tens of millions of dollars to support this essential project, and I’ll never stop fighting to protect our Great Lakes for future generations.”

Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-MI-3): “Today is a huge milestone in Muskegon Lake’s comeback story. Once, this lake was a symbol of environmental degradation. Today, it is a testament to what a community can accomplish when it comes together to protect and restore our beloved public lands. Michigan’s lakes are treasures, and I will always fight for resources to protect our environment in Congress.”

Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI-4), Republican Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force: “The delisting of Muskegon Lake as an Area of Concern is a great bipartisan win for Muskegon, the Lakeshore, and the entire Great Lakes region. I am proud to have championed funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative which played a critical role in the recovery of Muskegon Lake. For years, I have discussed how the Great Lakes economy is directly tied to the ecological health of the Great Lakes. By cleaning up legacy pollution, removing contaminated sediment, and restoring natural habitats, Muskegon Lake has transformed from an area of environmental concern to a source of recreation and economic opportunity. The efforts to restore Muskegon Lake have demonstrated how local, state and federal partners can work together to reinvigorate communities, rebuild recreational opportunities, and make the Great Lakes even more enjoyable for the next generation.”

Michigan State Representative Will Snyder: “Muskegon is a city first and foremost set on Muskegon Lake; the lake has always been the lifeblood of the community, from the days of lumber, to the days of industry, to the tourism of today. This momentous day is the culmination of decades of hard work by hundreds of concerned active citizens partnering with government at every level to do big things. It’s exciting that we have restored Muskegon Lake to this degree. I look forward to the next decades of restoration.”

Mark Eisenbarth, Muskegon County Administrator: “Muskegon Lake is set to be delisted by the Environmental Protection Agency, the State of Michigan, Muskegon County, municipalities and WMSRDC marking the culmination of decades of dedication and collaboration. Through generations of environmental cleanup, municipal sewer lift station upgrades, and the steadfast participation of private partners, this achievement stands as a monumental milestone. This achievement restores cleaner water, healthier fisheries, improved wetlands, and stronger wildlife habitats. It also creates lasting recreational opportunities, protects public health, and ensures that future generations will enjoy the natural beauty and vitality of Muskegon Lake.”

Ken Johnson, Muskegon Mayor: “For decades, our community has worked with partners in the non-profit sector and every level of government to heal the wounds left by industrial pollution and to restore our treasured Muskegon Lake. Today’s delisting is not only an environmental victory, but a testament to what’s possible when people come together with a shared vision for a healthier, more sustainable future. Muskegon Lake’s recovery is ongoing, however, so we must be vigilant in protecting and cherishing the natural resources that define who we are as a community and a shoreline city, while we still look to our waterways to support economic growth.”

Dennis Kirksey, Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership Chair: “We are thrilled to share that Muskegon Lake has officially been delisted as a U.S. EPA-designated Area of Concern—a milestone that marks the successful restoration of our watershed. From improved water quality to revitalized habitats, the transformation of Muskegon Lake reflects years of dedicated work and collaboration. This achievement is the result of sustained efforts by local, state and federal partners, and especially the tireless contributions of volunteers through the Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership (MLWP), which has served as the local Public Advisory Council throughout this journey. We are already witnessing the benefits of this restoration—not only in the health of our environment, but in the vitality of our local economy. These improvements will continue to shape our community for generations to come.”

Erin Kuhn, West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission Executive Director: “I’m honored to have been part of the monumental transformation of Muskegon Lake. This achievement marks not only the end of an era, but the beginning of a new chapter, one that will shape our community for generations to come. As we close the book on Muskegon Lake’s designation as an Area of Concern, we celebrate a powerful moment in our shared history. It’s a privilege to stand together in this historic transition, and now we have the opportunity, and the responsibility, to redefine our lake and our future while never losing sight of how far we’ve come.”

Federal, state and local project partners remediated more than 190,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment in projects totaling approximately $47 million. EPA provided $21 million of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding and $9.2 million of funding under the Great Lakes Legacy Act cost-share program. These investments leveraged an additional $16.3 million from state and local partners through in-kind and cash contributions.

Partners completed seven habitat restoration projects in the AOC with $38 million in GLRI funding, restoring approximately 134 acres of habitat and over 6,000 feet of shoreline. These restored areas include nearly 100 acres of open water and emergent wetlands, as well as habitat for fish and native plants. Additionally, project partners removed more than 110,000 tons of logging-era sawmill debris from the lake, restoring habitat for bottom-dwelling invertebrates and for fish and wildlife populations.

Economic Impacts

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative investments to restore Muskegon Lake are already paying dividends. According to a study by Grand Valley State University, the remediation and restoration of Muskegon Lake is projected to increase local home values by nearly $8 million and boost the local recreation economy by $28 million annually. Muskegon has already seen a 19% increase in customers at the marina, and a 45% increase in hotel room tax collected by the county. Overall, the projections anticipate a 6:1 ratio of return on investment.

More information is available at the Muskegon Lake Area of Concern website.

Air quality advisory declared for July 30-31 in West Michigan

July 30, 2025Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Environment, Health, Kent County, Weather, West MichiganAir Quality, Air Quality Advisory, AirNow, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, environment, health, weather, West MichiganDeborah Reed

This advisory is due to smoke from Canadian wildfires moving into the Upper Peninsula Tuesday and into parts of the northern Lower Peninsula Wednesday morning (Courtesy, AirNow.gov)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

An air quality advisory is in effect for West Michigan through Wednesday and Thursday, July 30-31.

According to AirNow.gov, The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued an Air Quality Advisory for elevated levels of fine particulate (PM2.5) across the state of Michigan. The advisory is due to smoke from Canadian wildfires moving into the Upper Peninsula Tuesday and into parts of the northern Lower Peninsula Wednesday morning with hourly PM2.5 concentrations ranging from USG to Unhealthy.

Air quality advisories and alerts are designed to help those who can be affected by poor air quality (Courtesy, AirNow)

“Smoke from Canadian wildfires moved into the Upper Peninsula Tuesday and into parts of the northern Lower Peninsula Wednesday morning with hourly PM2.5 concentrations ranging from USG to Unhealthy,” said Stephanie M. Hengesbach, Meteorology Specialist, Air Quality Division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

“Models show the plume continuing its southern trek across the state as a cold front moves south into the Ohio River Valley. As the smoke moves in, PM2.5 concentrations in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) range will expand south, while concentrations of PM2.5 in the Unhealthy range are more likely across northern areas.”

Sensitive groups are encouraged to take precautions.

This forecast will be evaluated Thursday morning to determine if the current statewide air quality advisory will need to be extended into Friday.

The air quality in West Michigan is currently considered unhealthy for sensitive groups (Courtesy, AirNow)

EGLE recommends:

When possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory diseases like asthma.
- Monitor for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in nose, throat, and eyes.
Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as:
- outdoor burning;
- use of residential wood burning devices.
Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors and, if possible, run central air conditioning with MERV-13 or higher rated filters.

How air quality is measured

Air quality is an important measure for creating desirable communities and protecting public health. Air Quality Advisories and Air Quality Alerts are based on the Air Quality Index (AQI).

The AQI is a scale from 0 to 500 that indicates air pollution levels. Higher values mean higher pollution and more health risks. When AQI exceeds 100, it is unhealthy, starting with sensitive groups and worsening as it rises. There are six categories, each with a color, to easily gauge the level of health concern in communities.

Air quality advisories/alerts information:

Air Quality Advisory: Issued when ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5) or both are expected to reach or exceed the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) threshold. Those considered in the “USG” threshold include people with lung disease (such as asthma), children, older adults, people who are active outdoors (including outdoor workers), people with certain genetic variants, and people with diets limited in certain nutrients should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.

This is aimed to provide awareness for poor air quality, encourage people to limit activities that contribute to poor air quality, and to alert those who are especially sensitive to poor air quality.

Air Quality Alert: Issued when Ozone, PM2.5, or both are expected to reach or exceed the Unhealthy threshold or worse. This alert indicates a higher level of concern as everyone, not just sensitive groups, can be affected by poor air quality.

Updated Consumers Energy policy unlocks more energy bill assistance for those in need

July 14, 20253-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Economy, Environment, Finances, How-To's, Kent CountyCity of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Consumers Energy, energy bill assistance, energy savings, environment, Finances, State Emergency ReliefDeborah Reed

Consumers Energy’s electric and natural gas customers who qualify for State Emergency Relief funds may now qualify for additional assistance (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

Consumers Energy’s electric and natural gas customers who qualify for State Emergency Relief (SER) funds and haven’t received the full $500 annual payment credit may now qualify for additional assistance under a new Michigan Department of Health and Human Services policy in effect immediately.

State Emergency Relief dollars help certain income-qualified customers take control of their past due energy bills up to a maximum of $500. The one-time federal funds disbursed at the state level are distributed to customers who apply and whose household income is 150% of the federal poverty level or below.

How it works

Beginning July 7, new customer applicants who haven’t received relief in Fiscal Year 2025, which ends Sept. 30, are eligible to receive the $500 per commodity cap, regardless of their past-due balance.

Previous SER recipients who haven’t reached the $500 per commodity cap can apply for the remaining amount (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Previous SER recipients who have already received funding since Oct. 1, 2024—but haven’t reached the $500 per commodity cap—can apply for the remaining amount starting July 11 through Sept. 30. These payments may result in a credit on the customer’s account.

“We’re dedicated to equity, accessibility and affordability for Michiganders who count on us for reliable electricity and natural gas,” said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy’s senior vice president, chief customer and growth officer.

“Through our various energy savings programs, energy assistance offerings and partnering with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, we support the growing needs of our customers who experience challenges paying their bills.”

This new policy could allow customers to receive an additional $250 to meet the maximum annual allocation allowed (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Under the former policy, a customer who owes $250 to keep their account active could apply and, if approved, get a credit paid back in that amount but would not have been eligible for additional relief in the same fiscal year. Under the new policy, however, that customer could now receive an additional $250 to meet the maximum annual allocation allowed of $500 if they have accumulated additional arrears.

Additional energy assistance

Last year, 540,000 customers received $38.4M in State Emergency Relief funding. In total, 137,000 families across 30 Michigan counties received some type of energy assistance.

In addition to State Emergency Relief funds, there is additional help available for anyone who needs assistance with their energy bills by calling 2-1-1, a free resource that connects people with nonprofit organizations. Customers can also visit ConsumersEnergy.com/Assistance.

To make it easier for customers to find the help they need based on their situation, Consumers Energy recently launched “My Personalized Offerings,” an easy-to-use tool that empowers customers to identify and enroll in custom payment assistance and energy management programs. The optional tool is free and available to all customers at ConsumersEnergy.com/Offers.

More resources:

My Bridges – State Emergency Relief – see if you qualify or to apply

Contact your local DHHS office here

Federal poverty level guidelines

Air quality advisory (AQI Orange) extended through July 14 in West Michigan

July 14, 2025Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Environment, Health, Kent County, medical moment, Weather, West MichiganAir Quality, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, environment, health, SEMCOG, weatherDeborah Reed

The air quality in West Michigan is currently considered unhealthy for sensitive groups (Courtesy, AirNow.gov)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

An air quality advisory is in effect for West Michigan through Monday, July 14.

According to a statement released by Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), this advisory is due to elevated levels for fine particulate matter (PM-2.5). The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) cites wildfire smoke originating from Canada.

EGLE noted that levels of particle pollution are expected to reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG, Orange AQI) through all of Monday, July 14 in southern parts of Michigan.

Sensitive groups are encouraged to take precautions.

The air quality in West Michigan is currently considered unhealthy for sensitive groups (Courtesy, AccuWeather.com)

Air pollution cause

“Wildfire smoke from Canada continues to push into Michigan on Sunday, with additional plumes expected Monday,” said Stephanie Hengesbach, Meteorology Specialist, Air Quality Division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

Increased fine particulate levels due to smoke were seen Sunday morning across the Upper Peninsula into the northern portion of the Lower Peninsula. The smoke continues to track east and south, expanding across the rest of the state and with additional plumes forecasted to move in on Monday.

Hengesbach said southern locations can expect levels of fine particulate in the USG to Moderate range.

EGLE recommends:

When possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory diseases like asthma.
- Monitor for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in nose, throat, and eyes.
Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as:
- outdoor burning;
- use of residential wood burning devices.
Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors and, if possible, run central air conditioning with MERV-13 or higher rated filters.

How air quality is measured

Air quality is an important measure identified in SEMCOG plans and programs for creating desirable communities, protecting public health, and maintaining a positive regional image for Southeast Michigan. In partnership with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), SEMCOG is now implementing a two-tiered system of Air Quality Advisories and Air Quality Alerts.

This new system is based on the EPA’s U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI).

There are six categories, each with a color, to easily gauge the level of health concern in communities.

Air quality advisories/alerts information:

Air quality advisories and alerts are designed to help those who can be affected by poor air quality (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Buck Creek Nature Preserve is springing forth with fresh blossoms and energetic critters!

May 19, 2025Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Environment, Going Local, Kent County, Our Cities, Pets/Animals, RecreationBuck Creek Nature Preserve, City of Wyoming, environment, nature, signs of springDeborah Reed

By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org

Check out these signs of spring at the local Buck Creek Nature Preserve in Wyoming!

During a walk through Buck Creek’s Nature Preserve, this energetic squirrel – let’s call him Sebastian – played peek-a-boo for a several minutes before WKTV’s managing editor Deborah Reed managed to capture his mischievous antics on camera.

While dandelions are often thought of as a nuisance and nothing more than a common weed. However, they are also viewed as symbols of hope, freedom, and transformation.

It is said that when the seeds of a dandelion are blown away, your wish is carried into the wind and into the universe. Read more here!

This shy deer was munching on grass when Reed walked closer than expected. The doe and managing editor contemplated each other for several seconds before the deer wandered away with two other family members.

Colorful flowers are springing forth amidst the grass, on bushes and along tree branches. Some of those blossoms have begun transforming into leaves that will remain through the summer months.

Small turtles can often be found sunning themselves in the pond near the start of Buck Creek’s walking trail located off Burlingame Avenue.

Growths of fungus called shelf or bracket fungi, related to puffballs and mushrooms, can be found adorning some nature preserve tree trunks.

A group of adult geese ushered their goslings around the nature preserve while side-eyeing Reed to make sure the managing editor did not wander too close.

City of Wyoming to host Arbor Day event and tree planting at Prairie Park on April 24

April 5, 20253-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Environment, Going Local, Kent County, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming EventsArbor Day, City of Wyoming, City of Wyoming Tree Commission, environment, The Tree Amigos, tree planting, VolunteersDeborah Reed

The Tree Amigos – City of Wyoming Tree Commission will host an Arbor Day event at Prairie Park on Thursday, April 24 (Courtesy Photo)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

The Tree Amigos – City of Wyoming Tree Commission will host an Arbor Day event at Prairie Park on Thursday, April 24 at 4 p.m. The event will include music and the reading of the Arbor Day Proclamation. In collaboration with the City of Wyoming Parks Dept., The Tree Amigos will plant a Brandywine Red Maple at Prairie Park after the ceremony.

Following the event, The Tree Amigos and volunteers will plant approximately 20 trees in the nearby neighborhood on Sharon Street SW, south of 28th Street. Volunteers are welcome!

Consulting arborist Lauren Davis, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks Director of Programs, recently surveyed the street for potential planting spaces. Tree Amigos Matt Ferris and Matt Jemilo followed up with door-to-door visits to see if residents at the selected addresses wanted a tree – and received an overwhelmingly positive response.

Friends of Grand Rapids Parks is funding the purchase of half of the trees. In addition, a donation from the Wyoming Lions Club will help purchase water bags and planting supplies.

The City of Wyoming Tree Commission, The Tree Amigos, is a volunteer board that seeks to
improve the City’s tree canopy with the goal of creating a healthier, more vibrant community.

A month of celebration: Rivertown Crossings announces first-ever BLOOM campaign

March 13, 20253-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, Environment, Going Local, Kent County, Kids Activities, Local Business, Our Cities, Recreation, Recycling, Upcoming Events, West MichiganBLOOM, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community, eco-friendly, entertainment, environment, family-friendly, Recreation, RiverTown Crossings, seasonal activitiesDeborah Reed

BLOOM’s month-long festivities allow greater Grand Rapids community members to take part in sustainable practices and seasonal activities (Courtesy, RiverTown Crossings)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

This spring, RiverTown Crossings is proud to present BLOOM, an innovative month-long event series dedicated to sustainability and community engagement.

Starting on March 15 and running through April 26, BLOOM will transform RiverTown Crossings into a vibrant hub of eco-friendly activities and events.

“BLOOM showcases RiverTown Crossings’ dedication to community connection, featuring eco-friendly initiatives and engaging family-friendly events,” says Melissa Brink, Marketing Manager at RiverTown Crossings. “We’re delighted to provide a program that brings together sustainability, creativity, and community to celebrate the season.”

BLOOM aims to inspire and educate visitors on sustainable living practices while fostering a stronger sense of community and promoting fresh beginnings.

A wide variety of fun activities are available for all ages, including:

Document Shredding & Recycling Programs – Saturday, March 15

In celebration of World Recycle Day and in partnership with West Michigan Shredding, the community is encouraged to bring sensitive documents for safe disposal at an on-site shredding truck from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located in the northeast parking lot near Dick’s Sporting Goods, guests may bring paper-based materials for shredding.

Participants who bring their documents to be shredded can text to enter a giveaway for a chance to win a $100 Uccello’s gift card.

Guests are also encouraged to visit several RiverTown Crossings tenants to support their recycling programs. Tenants include:

H&M – The retailer’s Garment Collection Program allows guests to drop off unwanted clothes from any brand, in any condition to recycle boxes in-store. The collected textiles are sorted for reuse, repurposing, or recycling to reduce waste.
American Eagle – Thinking of getting rid of that old pair of jeans? Bring them into an AE and get $10 toward a new pair! Shoppers must be a Real Rewards member to redeem this offer.
Sephora – Drop off your cleaned-out packaging to Sephora’s dedicated collection bins. In partnership with the nonprofit, Pact, the collected packaging will be repurposed into carpets, pallets, asphalt, new packaging and more.

BLOOM Bike Rodeo (Courtesy, RiverTown Crossings)

World Water Day – Saturday, March 22

In celebration of World Water Day, the center will host multiple environmental groups and vendors from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lower level Center Court, to provide eco-friendly education and activities. Guests can also sign up to receive a free ‘RiverTown Crossings’ branded water bottle, with purchase at select stores and while supplies last.

Spring Affair – Friday, April 4 through Saturday, April 19

Capture season memories with Easter Bunny photo sessions taking place in Center Court. Fresh from the Home & Garden Show in Grand Rapids, DeHamer Landscaping will install a vibrant display of live plants and flowers for a beautiful spring backdrop. Guests are encouraged to reserve their spots and review photo packages, as space is limited. To reserve a photo session, visit whereisbunny.com.

Spring Break Activities – Saturday, April 12

Celebrating the end of spring break, families are invited to visit the RiverTown Crossings for a series of activities including crafts, coloring, face painting, balloon animals and an egg hunt.

Earth Day: Bike Rodeo – Saturday, April 26

Local law enforcement agencies including the Grandville Police Department, Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Wyoming Police Department and the Walker Police Department are teaming up to host a free Bike Rodeo from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., located in the Dick’s Sporting Goods parking lot.

The event will teach kids essential bike safety skills, including bike repairs, helmet checks and safe riding techniques, and a skills course will be available for those looking to challenge themselves. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own bikes, though a limited number of loaner bikes will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Families can also enjoy exciting giveaways including a wildflower seed in Center Court, and bike raffles throughout the event.

For a full calendar of events, visit www.rivertowncrossings.com/bloom and follow RiverTown Crossings on Facebook and Instagram.

Education & Environment: Wyoming school joins new PaperGator recycling challenge, hopes to win big!

February 17, 20253-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Education, Environment, Finances, Going Local, Kent County, Kids Activities, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recycling, Upcoming Events, West MichiganAnchorPoint Christian School, City of Wyoming, Community, contest, Earth Day, Education, environment, local, PaperGator, recycling, studentsDeborah Reed

AnchorPoint Christian School in Wyoming is entering PaperGator’s first-ever Paper Recycling Contest in celebration of Earth Day (Courtesy, AnchorPoint Christian School)

By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org

AnchorPoint Christian School in Wyoming has entered PaperGator’s first-ever Paper Recycling Contest in celebration of Earth Day!

PaperGator is offering participating locations the chance to earn exciting rewards by increasing their paper recycling volume until April 11. Locations that show the greatest improvement will be awarded up to $5,000, with the option for bonus prizes. All participants earn double the usual payouts during the contest period.

Investing in the future

Located in urban Wyoming, AnchorPoint has been providing faith-based education to Preschool-6 students since its inception in 2010.

The PaperGator contest teaches students about the importance of recycling while also supporting education (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

AnchorPoint serves a diverse student body, including 44% of students from low-income households. The payouts from PaperGator have helped support the school for the past 15 years by providing funds for educational resources, learning materials and physical activity tools.

Holly Gomez, AnchorPoint teacher, said this contest is important to the school for two main reasons.

“First, we value teaching students about the importance of recycling and sustainability, which is crucial for the environment and for the future of our community,” said Gomez. “Second, it offers us an opportunity to raise funds to purchase Classroom Cruiser Bike(s) for our library.”

Gomez went on to say that the bikes will help create a more dynamic and engaging learning environment by allowing students to merge physical activity with academic work.

“Recent research highlights the benefits of movement in enhancing cognitive function and academic performance in young learners,” Gomez said. “Many of our students face challenges with staying focused during extended periods of seated instruction.”

Gomez believes the Cruiser Bikes are an innovative resource that will make a significant impact on AnchorPoint students.

“The introduction of Classroom Cruiser Bikes will allow students to engage in light physical activity while reading, researching, or participating in library-based activities, fostering both academic and physical well-being.”

The double participation payouts will significantly boost AnchorPoint’s incoming funds, helping meet the cost of the Classroom Cruiser Bikes and possibly provide additional support for other educational tools that will enhance students’ learning experiences.

“Providing equitable access to innovative learning tools like Classroom Cruiser Bikes ensures that all students can benefit from cutting-edge educational resources, regardless of their socioeconomic background,” said Gomez.

Contest award details

Winners will be determined based on the largest percentage increase in paper recycled from January to April 11, compared with the same period in 2024.

Grand Prizes:
- 1st Place – $5,000
- 2nd Place – $2,000
- 3rd Place – $1,000
Top 10:
- Double Earnings for the entire year of 2025!
Bonus Prizes:
- 5 randomly selected participants will win $500 worth of school supplies (to be awarded at the start of the 2025 school year).
- All participants will earn Double Earnings from January 2025 through April 11, 2025.

Winners will be announced on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22.

Contribute to the environment and education!

Recycling plays a vital role in protecting the environment for future generations (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

In 2024, the school averaged 1,000 lbs. per month, the equivalent of half a PaperGator full of recyclable material.

AnchorPoint is reaching out to their business partners, the community and local churches to let them know about the opportunity to recycle with the school in order to increase their volume.

AnchorPoint encourages everyone to participate in the PaperGator Recycling Contest and consider recycling their paper products.

“Beyond helping our school, recycling plays a vital role in protecting the environment for future generations,” said Gomez. “By supporting us in this contest, you’re not only helping AnchorPoint, but also contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for the children we serve.”

AnchorPoint’s PaperGator bin is conveniently located in their parking lot at 601 36th Street SW in Wyoming.

Check out accepted PaperGator materials here.

AnchorPoint Christian School

Learn more about AnchorPoint Christian School here.

More information on how to support AnchorPoint’s mission of inspiring and educating the community through innovative, Christ-centered learning can be found here.

The Rapid welcomes first fully electric vehicles to Go!Bus paratransit fleet

January 8, 20253-bottom, Citizen Journalism, design, Environment, Going Local, Kent County, Local Business, Our Cities, West Michiganeco-friendly, electric vehicles, environment, Go!Bus, public transportation, The Rapid, West Michigan, WM RidesDeborah Reed

The Rapid’s new electric vehicles sport vibrant flower power designs (Courtesy, The Rapid)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

The Rapid is thrilled to share that they have added their first 12 fully electric vehicles to the Go!Bus ADA paratransit fleet.

The EVs help reduce public transportation’s carbon footprint in West Michigan (Courtesy, The Rapid)

The EVs mark another step forward in environmental sustainability, complementing The Rapid’s eco-friendly propane fleet and further reducing public transportation’s carbon footprint in West Michigan.

Distinctly vibrant

Each electric vehicle displays a groovy saying on the bottom right panel (Courtesy, The Rapid)

These distinctly vibrant vehicles hit the streets on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. Wrapped in a groovy 60s flower power theme, the design features bold, colorful patterns with nods to the future and sustainability, highlighting The Rapid’s commitment to a cleaner and greener community.

“Our decisions in vehicle propulsion and fuel type matter to The Rapid, our community and our future,” said Deb Prato, Rapid CEO. “Over 85% of our fixed route fleet runs on renewable natural gas, and the 12 new EVs show our ongoing commitment to decreasing greenhouse gas emissions in our service area.”

Fully electric vehicles bring numerous benefits to both riders and the community, including quieter operation, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and lower maintenance costs. The new Go!Bus vehicles are part of The Rapid’s larger commitment to sustainable and innovative practices, aligning with the goals outlined in its Transit Master Plan.

Empowerment through transit

Go!Bus ADA paratransit empowers seniors and individuals with disabilities across the six cities, enabling them to access employment, healthcare, and meaningful social connections. In the 2024 fiscal year, The Rapid celebrated a remarkable 7% growth in ridership, delivering 228,320 rides.

Federal resources funded this milestone venture (Courtesy, The Rapid)

During a community survey, the transit system consistently received high ratings for “providing transportation options to people with special mobility needs,” (including seniors and individuals with disabilities). In the Spring 2024 survey, 91% of respondents found the service to be very or extremely valuable in this respect.

Milestone funding

This milestone was made possible by earmarked federal funding secured by former Congressman Peter Meijer. His efforts ensured federal resources were directed toward enhancing sustainable transportation options in the Grand Rapids area.

The Tree Amigos to “spruce up” Wyoming Veteran’s Memorial Garden on Nov. 6

November 5, 20243-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Environment, Going Local, Holidays, Local History, Upcoming Events, Veterans, VoicesCity of Wyoming, environment, Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance, memorial, The Tree Amigos, Veteran's Day, Veterans, Wyoming Historical Commission, Wyoming Veteran's Memorial GardenDeborah Reed

Volunteers of two local commissions will plant four redbud trees at the Wyoming Veteran’s Memorial Garden for WWII and Korean War veterans (Courtesy, The City of Wyoming Historical Commission)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

Members of the The Tree Amigos – City of Wyoming Tree Commission and the Wyoming Historical Commission will plant four redbud trees at the Wyoming Veteran’s Memorial Garden for WWII and Korean War veterans on Nov. 6 at 5 p.m.

Only one evergreen tree (not pictured) currently remains to the east of the monument. With funding from the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance, The Tree Amigos and Historical Commission plan to spruce up the memorial originally erected in 1945 at the intersection of Lee Street and Porter Street. Plantings adjacent to the monument will be updated in the spring.

(Courtesy, The City of Wyoming Historical Commission)

“The Wyoming Historical Commission is grateful to The Tree Amigos for beautifying the Wyoming Honor Roll Memorial dedicated to our veterans from Wyoming who served during WWII and the Korean Wars,” says Vicki Briggs, board member of The Historical Commission.

“This memorial was dedicated on May 30, 1945. The original plantings had been removed due to their age and now will be renewed.”

Tree dedication ceremony

A brief ceremony dedicating the trees and remembering the veterans named on the monument will take place at 12 p.m. on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11.

Representatives from the City of Wyoming and the Historical Commission will say a few words, along with American Legion Post 154 Post Commander Keith Wakefield. The Tree Amigos will also make an announcement about future projects.

“That’s so exciting, and I appreciate what Tree Amigos is doing to beautify the neighborhood,” says Kalene McElveen, owner of Tasteful Vegan Ice Cream Shop, a business adjacent to the planting site.

Local history

Boyce Slootmaker lied about his age to join the Navy at age 16 (Courtesy, Slootmaker family)

Among those named on the memorial are family members of The Tree Amigos chairperson, Estelle Slootmaker: Boyce Slootmaker (WWII), Howard Joyce (Korean War), and Clayton Burkholder (WWII).

Lieutenant Commander Roger B. Chaffee was added to the memorial in 1967. Born and raised in Wyoming, Chaffee died on Jan. 27, 1967 in the Apollo spacecraft flash fire during a launch pad test at Kennedy Space Center, FL.

Join hurricane relief efforts: GVSU partners with WLAV, SpartanNash and American Red Cross

October 10, 20243-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Environment, Food, Health, Upcoming EventsAmerican Red Cross, donations, environment, GVSU, hurricane relief, Natural Disaster, SpartanNash, WLAVDeborah Reed

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

Grand Valley fans are encouraged to join Grand Valley Athletics and its partners, WLAV, SpartanNash and the American Red Cross, in relief efforts for hurricane victims across the southeastern United States.

Donation items

The American Red Cross is asking the public for donations of individually-wrapped snacks such as granola bars; fruit cups; bags of pretzels, chips, popcorn, or crackers; juice boxes or beef jerky.

Help hit GVSU’s goal of contributing 150,000 individually wrapped snacks. Something to eat can make a big difference for someone dealing with the aftermath of a disaster.

Even something as small as a snack can help those in need (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Where and when to drop off

Lakers fans can drop off these items prior to Grand Valley’s home game against Northern Michigan from 3-7 p.m. on Oct. 12 in Parking Lot B2 at WLAV’s location in Tailgate Town.

Three SpartanNash store locations are also accepting donations through Saturday: Family Fare, 6370 Lake Michigan Drive, Allendale; D&W, 1116 Robbins Road, Grand Haven; and Forest Hills Foods, 4668 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids.

Learn more!

For more information, visit the Grand Valley Athletics website.

Ford International Airport achieves global airport carbon accreditation

September 19, 20243-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Travel, West Michiganenvironment, Ford Airport, Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Reducing Carbon Emissions, TravelCris Greer

By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org

Gerald R. Ford International Airport has been certified through the Airports Council International’s Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program. The program is recognized internationally, with airports across the globe participating.

ACA includes a framework that helps airports identify, manage and ultimately reduce carbon emissions. The program comprises seven levels of certification, each of which represents a unique phase in carbon emission identification and reduction.

The Ford International Airport was certified at “Level 2,” which recognizes ongoing reductions in carbon emissions and sets goals for future carbon management. To date, the Ford International Airport continues to transition light fixtures to LEDs throughout the terminal and on the airfield. In addition, the terminal lighting system integrates efficiency measures such as light sensors in all the restrooms, private offices and passenger space in Concourses A and B. The Ford International Airport’s newly expanded Concourse A includes energy efficiency design as well. The design of Concourse A focused on leveraging building performance to enhance energy efficiency; there is a 70% energy reduction goal from 170 kBTU/sf/year down to 51 kBTU/sf/year.

“The Ford International Airport is committed to environmental and sustainable leadership,” said Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. “This is just the beginning of ongoing efforts as we continue our journey to reduce our environmental footprint in the West Michigan community.”

As a part of the ACA program, the Ford International Airport has developed and is implementing a carbon management plan to continue reducing emissions from sources under its control. The Ford International Airport has published its carbon reduction policy commitment with a goal of 20% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions per passenger (measured in kilograms per passenger) by 2035 compared to 2021 levels.

“We are thrilled to receive this certification as it underscores our commitment to sustainable aviation and responsible carbon management,” said Michelle Baker, environmental manager for the Ford International Airport Authority. “Our team has worked incredibly hard over the past three years to reduce emissions.”

Recognition of the Ford International Airport’s certification took place during the Airports Council International – North America’s (ACI-NA) 2024 Annual Conference in Grand Rapids in September 2024. It is one of only 57 commercial airports in North America to successfully become certified through this program.

“Congratulations to the Ford International Airport,” said Kevin M. Burke, president and CEO of ACI-NA. “This achievement will contribute to our industry’s shared vision of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with airports to further reduce our collective carbon footprint.”

Experience “The Robot Zoo” before it leaves Grand Rapids Public Museum

August 28, 20243-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, Environment, Kent County, Kids Activities, Local Business, Pets/Animals, Recreation, Tech Trends, Upcoming Events, West Michigananimals, biology, Education, environment, Grand Rapids Public Museum, interactive, robotic animals, technologyDeborah Reed

The Robot Zoo is open through Sept. 22 and provides insights into biology and technology (Courtesy, GRPM)

By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org

Interactive activities illustrate animal characteristics (Courtesy, GRPM)

The Robot Zoo is available at Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) until Sept. 22 and features enormous and complex robotic animals.

This exciting exhibit provides new insights into biology and technology with eight robotic animals of considerable size. Visitors will discover how chameleons change color, giant squids propel themselves, flies walk on the ceiling and more.

Over a dozen hands-on activities illustrate fascinating real-life animal characteristics. Cutaways expose the mechanical animals’ insides as a host of easily recognizable machine parts and gadgets that demonstrate what makes them work.

“By comparing the anatomy, environments, and size of the actual creatures to the mechanic counterparts, The Robot Zoo provides fantastic new insights into biology and engineering, and hands-on fun for all ages,” the website states. “This exhibit reveals the magic of nature as a master engineer.”

Plan a field trip!

Educators are invited to bring students to experience The Robot Zoo. GRPM’s Educator’s Guide can enhance your group’s visit with a fun collection of multidisciplinary activities.

Insect investigations, sensory experiences of the rhinoceros and additional crafts and experiments can be utilized before or after the exhibit experience.

Cutaways expose the mechanical animals’ insides as a host of easily recognizable machine parts and gadgets (Courtesy, GRPM)

Dive deeper with books!

The GRPM and Kent District Library have collaborated to expand learning opportunities about biology, robotics and biomechanics with a variety of English and Spanish book titles for all ages.

Explore the fascinating worlds of animals and machines with these books!

Calling all volunteers! Annual Buck Creek Clean Up will take place Aug. 24

August 12, 20243-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Environment, Going Local, Kent County, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Recycling, Upcoming Events, West MichiganBuck Creek Clean Up, City of Wyoming, environment, Friends of Buck Creek, VolunteerDeborah Reed

By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org

Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome to meet at Lemery Park in Wyoming at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 to help remove trash from Buck Creek during the Annual Buck Creek Clean Up event.

“This year’s clean up is expanding to new areas and is shaping up to be one of our best!” said Martha Stout Vermeulen, Founder and former President of Friends of Buck Creek-Michigan (FOBC).

A family-friendly, active event, volunteers will remove trash and debris from various sites in the Buck Creek Watershed. Now under the leadership of FOBC board members Grant Simons and Lizzy Rozeboom, the clean up is expanding to include the area south of M-6.

Trash pulled from previous Buck Creek Clean Up event (Courtesy, FOBC)

An environment in danger

Buck Creek is a tributary of the Grand River found in Kent and Allegan counties in the U.S. state of Michigan.

Stretching 20.3 miles long, Buck Creek consists of 37.5 acres in nature preserve and 32,392 acres in watershed. The creek is a source of abundant wildlife and a habitat for many aquatic and semi-aquatic species. It is also integral for clean water.

However, Buck Creek is a cold water resource that continues to be threatened because of its urban location.

“A clean and healthy environment is critical to the overall health of our waterways and communities,” the FOBC website states. Removing trash within the community ensures a swimmable, drinkable, and ﬁshable future for local waters.

Volunteers at the 2021 Buck Creek Cleanup (Courtesy, FOBC)

For over a 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.

Several tons of trash have been removed from the rare urban trout stream’s waters.

Tires, shopping carts, microwaves and 55 gallon drums are only a few items removed from the creek. The most frequent and toxic trash recovered is plastic and styrofoam.

“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 at a previous Buck Creek Clean Up event.

Clean up event details

Coffee and doughnuts will be provided at 8:30 a.m. clean up check-in at Lemery Park, along with gloves and bags. Insect repellant and poison ivy wipes will also be available.

Comfortable shoes or boots (that can get wet/dirty) and layered clothing are recommended. A long shirt and pants can help protect from bug bites and poison ivy.

Volunteers should bring a reusable water bottle. Work gloves, waders and grabber sticks are welcomed and encouraged.

Following clean up, lunch at Wedgwood Park in Grandville will be provided to volunteers, compliments of Grandville Mayor Steve Maas (tax money is not used for this meal).

It is not uncommon to find discarded tires during the clean up (Courtesy, FOBC 2021)

Registration and sponsorship

Sponsors of the annual clean up are welcomed and can email mibuckcreek@gmail.com for more information.

Event details and updates can also be found on the FOBC Facebook page.

Join the FOBC board!

The purpose of FOBC is to inspire, initiate, promote and engage in activities that improve the environmental quality and beauty of Buck Creek.

Volunteers are invited to take a more active role in “Friends of Buck Creek” by joining the board. Those interested can click here.

Frederik Meijer Gardens unveils landmark exhibition David Smith: The Nature of Sculpture

July 20, 20243-bottom, Citizen Journalism, design, Environment, Kent County, Upcoming Events, West MichiganArt, Creativity, David Smith, environment, exhibition, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, natureDeborah Reed

David Smith’s Helmholtzian Landscape, 1946 (Courtesy, FMG)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is proud to announce the groundbreaking exhibition David Smith: The Nature of Sculpture, showcasing the prolific and inventive work of David Smith (1906–1965). This landmark exhibition, the first to explore Smith’s deep engagement with nature, will open on Sept. 23, 2024, and will be on view through March 2, 2025.

The art of David Smith is profuse and inventive. Working in multiple media, formats, and scales, he blurred boundaries between painting and sculpture and between traditional genres such as landscape and figuration.

Smith’s bountiful oeuvre has secured him a firm place within art history, and his adventurous approach to three-dimensional form has permanently expanded the vocabulary and range of sculptural practice.

Forging new ground

Smith is widely hailed as the first American artist to make welded metal sculpture and to absorb industrial methods and materials into his creative repertoire. His inventiveness and contributions to sculptural practice extend far beyond machine vernacular and technique, however. Many have traced the origins of modern sculpture parks to Smith’s unprecedented outdoor installations on his Bolton Landing property in upstate New York.

David Smith’s Raven IV, 1957 (Courtesy, FMG)

For Smith, nature was not only a source of inspiration but also served as studio, accomplice and staging ground for his complex sculptural works.

“While David Smith is recognized as the most important sculptor of the 20^th century, there is still much to be learned about his expansive art, especially as it relates to the natural world,” says Suzanne Ramljak, Vice President of Collections & Curatorial Affairs at Meijer Gardens.

“We are excited to reveal this crucial and lesser-known aspect of Smith’s career at Meijer Gardens, where sculpture and nature are so intimately bound.”

What to expect:

David Smith’s Cubi XII, 1963 (Courtesy, FMG)

David Smith: The Nature of Sculpture will feature a selection of some 40 sculptures, alongside related paintings, reliefs, and works on paper, providing an in-depth exploration of Smith’s sustaining connection with nature.

Uniting key loans from major lenders—including The Whitney Museum of American Art, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and Storm King Art Center—the exhibition will be arranged in loose chronological order, beginning with Smith’s earliest sculptures from 1932 to the year before his accidental death in 1965.

Viewers will encounter nature-based work from every decade of Smith’s career, including:

1930s constructions with stones, shells, coral, and wood, along with biomorphic cast metal sculptures.
1940s and 1950s pictorial sculpture landscapes, a genre of Smith’s own invention, which he enlisted to address an array of themes—from autobiography, House in a Landscape and his epic Hudson River Landscape; to color theory, Helmholtzian Landscape; to social norms, Cloistral Landscape.
Mid-1950s bronze reliefs depicting botanic motifs such as Rose Garden, Wild Plums, and Skull and Tree.
Late 1950s and early 1960s avian sculptures, including a series focused on ravens.
A selection of outdoor works that find their completion in the company of sky, wind and earth, as Smith intended.

This exhibition will have a particularly strong resonance at Meijer Gardens, where Smith’s work will be in direct dialogue with the natural environment, including larger pieces situated out of doors. Witness David Smith’s thrilling sculptural translations of the natural world he knew and loved in this exclusive Grand Rapids exhibition.

For more information, click here.

Exhibition Catalogue:

David Smith: The Nature of Sculpture will be accompanied by an exhibition catalogue co-published by Meijer Gardens and Hirmer/University of Chicago Press.

The publication will feature contributions by the artist’s daughters, reflecting on Smith’s lived domestic experience of nature; an essay by curator Suzanne Ramljak, surveying Smith’s engagement with nature as material source, subject matter, and preferred site for his sculpture; appreciations by contemporary artists Beatriz Cortez and Mark di Suvero, addressing Smith’s contributions and connections to current art practice; and an illustrated artist’s chronology highlighting key nature-based events in David Smith’s life and art.

David Smith’s Steel Drawing, 1945 (Courtesy, FMG)

Exhibition Programming:

Unless otherwise noted, programs are included in the cost of admission and registration is not required.

Moving Out: David Smith & Outdoor Sculpture

Join Suzanne Ramljak, exhibition curator and Vice President of Collections & Curatorial Affairs, and Amber Oudsema, Curator of Arts Education, on a walk to explore David Smith’s lasting legacy. Discover his influence on sculpture parks as we know them and the many successful artists who followed in Smith’s creative footsteps.

This event will take place Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 2-3 p.m.

A full list of exhibition-related activities can be found here.

Extending gratitude

David Smith: The Nature of Sculpture is made possible by the Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation, Meijer Foundation, Bill Padnos and Margy Kaye, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation and Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

Two pollinators share flower space at Van Buren State Park

June 24, 2024Citizen Journalism, Environment, Kent County, Pets/Animals, Recreation, West Michiganbumblebees, butterflies, environment, Pollination, Van Buren State ParkDeborah Reed

An Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly shares space with a bumblebee on a milkweed plant (Courtesy, Cris Greer WKTV)

By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org

An Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly and a bumblebee were found sharing space on a milkweed plant at Van Buren State Park over the weekend.

Both pollinators, butterflies and bees are often drawn to brightly colored flowers, as well as open or flat tubular blooms with an abundance of pollen or nectar.

Butterflies

Butterflies typically probe for nectar, which is their flight fuel. Clusters of flowers that provide a stable landing platform and nectar deeply hidden inside the blooms are most popular.

Flowers containing nectar guides that help the bees find the flower’s center quickly are also a favorite – and facilitate rapid nectar collection and flower pollination.

Though an adequate pollinator, butterflies are not quite as efficient as its bumblebee partner due to their long, thin legs creating a higher perch on the flower. The thin legs and higher perch prevent as much pollen from sticking to the body of the butterfly versus that of the bumblebee.

Bumblebees

Fat and furry, bumblebees are slightly smaller than similar-looking carpenter bees. The hairs on their legs and body, called setae, help the bumblebee collect pollen and nectar.

Bumblebees are drawn to flowers in the ultraviolet color range, though they cannot see red like butterflies can. Fragrant flowers are particularly appealing to bees.

Like butterflies, bees are also attracted to clusters of flat or tubular flowers that provide a landing pad and a wealth of pollen and nectar.

Volunteers needed for Wyoming community tree planting event May 17

May 13, 20243-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Environment, Going Local, Kent County, LANDSCAPING & GARDEN CENTERS, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, Volunteers, West MichiganCity of Wyoming, environment, ReLeaf Michigan, tree planting, VolunteersDeborah Reed

Trees provide incredible benefits to the communities in which they are planted (Courtesy photo)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

ReLeaf Michigan, a statewide non-profit tree organization, in collaboration with the Wyoming Tree Commission: The Tree Amigos, Godfrey-Lee Public School District, and MDNR Urban and Community Forestry, is looking for volunteers to help plant 20 trees at the Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center on Friday, May 17 from 8:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.

This event is free, but RSVPs are appreciated and can be completed here.

Helpful event details

Volunteers are asked to 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 at 8:45 a.m. to sign in, enjoy refreshments, and watch a planting demonstration with ReLeaf Michigan’s tree experts.

Families are welcome! The event occurs rain or shine. No planting experience is necessary.

An environmental legacy

Trees provide incredible benefits to the communities in which they are planted. Trees improve air and water quality, reduce stormwater runoff, improve mental wellness, reduce childhood asthma rates, cool our neighborhoods, and enhance commercial and economic vitality.

Join us for the morning and leave an environmental legacy that will add to the beauty of your community for generations!

Additional information

Questions can be directed to Deb Truszkowski at dtruszkowski@godfreylee.org.

Funding for this project has been provided by the USDA Forest Service and MDNR Urban and Community Forestry Programs through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

The Northern Lights put on a show for West Michigan residents

May 13, 2024Citizen Journalism, Environment, Kent County, Weather, West Michiganatmosphere, Aurora Borealis, environment, natural phenomenon, Northern Lights, West MichiganDeborah Reed

West Michigan resident, Matthew Reed, was able to view the Aurora and capture stunning images of the lights from his own home in Rockford, MI (Courtesy, Matthew Reed)

By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org

Residents from all over West Michigan were treated to the bright lights and colors of the Aurora Borealis, also called the Northern Lights, over the weekend.

The Aurora showcased her beauty on the evenings of Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11. Reports of sightings began around 10 p.m. on Friday. According to the NOAA, the Aurora is usually best viewed between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.

What is the Aurora Borealis?

The Aurora occurs when there are collisions between electrically charged particles (electrons) from the sun as they enter earth’s atmosphere.

The electrons transfer their energy to the atmosphere, stimulating the atoms and molecules to higher energy states. When decreasing back to lower energy states, the electrons release energy in the form of light.

WKTV Managing Editor Cris Greer viewed the Aurora phenomenon at South Haven the evening of May 10 (Courtesy, Cris Greer)

What to expect when viewing the phenomena

While pale green and pink are the most common colors in auroral displays, blue, violet, green, yellow and red were also reported. The Aurora may also appear in various forms, from patches of light to arcs, rippling curtains or shooting rays.

The best way to view the Aurora

To view the Aurora, minimal light pollution is best. The lights will be visible on the northern horizon, or will appear higher in the sky if you are further north.

When taking pictures of the Aurora, longer exposure times will more clearly reveal the phenomenon’s colors that may only appear in faint hues to the naked eye.

Kentwood to celebrate Arbor Day with community event and tree seedling giveaway

April 17, 20243-bottom, City of Kentwood, Environment, West MichiganArbor Day, City of Kentwood, environment, Kentwood Arbor Day, tree plantingCris Greer

Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley (far right) at last year’s Arbor Day celebration. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org

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 shares glimpse of solar eclipse through personal telescope

April 9, 2024Citizen Journalism, Environment, Weatherenvironment, solar eclipseDeborah Reed

Photo submission of the 2024 solar eclipse by Matthew Palmieri

Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org

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.

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.”

Butterflies Are Blooming: Frederik Meijer Gardens announces 29th annual butterfly exhibition

February 29, 20243-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Environment, Going Local, Kent County, Kids Activities, Local Business, Pets/Animals, Recreation, Upcoming Events, West MichiganButterflies are Blooming, Butterfly exhibit, Ecosystem, environment, family-friendly, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids, West MichiganDeborah Reed

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

Enjoy an up-close encounter with thousands of unique tropical butterflies as they fly freely throughout the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory!

A global journey

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.

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.

Begin your journey amidst the tranquil beauty of the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse, setting the tone for an unforgettable visit.

“As we eagerly welcome the return of the Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition for 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.

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.

Exhibition activities information can be found at: MeijerGardens.org/calendar.

All ages can enjoy the butterfly experience (Courtesy, FMG)

Volunteers

Various volunteers jobs and shifts are available. Contact Tony England at aengland@meijergardens.org or 616-974-5221.

Online Ticketing

Guests can visit MeijerGardens.org/tickets to reserve and purchase tickets online. When on-site, head directly to the Entry Desk for easy entry.

“Garden Guru” Alysia Babcock to teach modern conservation, natural beauty with native plants Sept. 16

September 8, 20233-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Environment, Kent County, LANDSCAPING & GARDEN CENTERS, Upcoming Events, West Michiganenvironment, Friends of Buck Creek, Grandville, Kent District Library, native plants, The Garden GuruDeborah Reed

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.

Natural burials provide environmentally friendly, cost effective option for laying loved ones to rest

September 7, 20233-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, Kent County, West Michiganenvironment, Grandville, green burial, natural burial, Ridgeview Memorial GardensDeborah Reed

A wicker casket can be an environmentally friendly alternative (Courtesy, Ridgeview Memorial Gardens)

By Rachel Rickman

WKTV Contributor

When researching options for her husband’s burial in 2019, Stephanie Edwards believed natural burial fit perfectly with Tom’s life and his love of nature.

“I believe that Tom would have appreciated the ecologically friendly process of this burial,” said Edwards in a Green Burial Council testimonial about her husband’s burial at Penn Forest.

A family chooses to bury their loved one in a shroud at Ridgeview Memorial Gardens (Courtesy, Ridgeview Memorial Gardens)

Throughout preparation for the burial, Edwards also found the process to be one of healing.

“Funerals have always been traumatic for me, but this was a beautiful, healing experience,” Edwards said after Tom’s burial was complete.

What happens with our bodies after death is often discussed among loved ones, and available options are growing in number.

While not always a comfortable conversation topic, it is an inevitable occurrence, so why not have some say in the matter?

Familiar traditions and a new (old?) alternative

Embalming/burial and cremation are two familiar and popular traditions. However, a new option is a natural or green burial, which was recently approved in Michigan but only in certain cemeteries and locations.

In West Michigan, the only currently approved green burial location is Ridgeview Memorial Gardens in Grandville.

Proponents of green burials highlight minimal environmental impact, cost effectiveness, and peaceful, natural settings.

In total, Michigan has 14 designated green burial areas. More cemeteries are adding or looking to add a natural burial section as they grow in popularity. So why don’t more cemeteries offer this option?

“Because they’re more labor intensive,” says Ron Zartman, Executive Director of Ridgeview Memorial Gardens and member of the Green Burial Council.

Zartman explains that he has been contacted by other municipalities about adding a green burial option, but they find the labor-intensive aspect to be an obstacle.

Burial types and their environmental impact

A traditional burial involves a casket and vault made from concrete, creating little maintenance after the burial. With a natural burial, it is necessary to maintain and service the grave site three or four times as the earth settles.

Wood caskets and cremation containers are often used for natural burials (Courtesy, Ridgeview Memorial Gardens)

A green burial allows for natural decomposition as opposed to dealing with chemicals involved in the embalming process. Keeping embalming fluids and chemicals used on traditional burial sites—such as herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers—out of the equation lessens negative impact on the environment.

In a natural burial, even headstones are considered. While headstones have traditionally been made from imported stones such as marble, designated green burial sites are required to use stone native to the area. Using local stone guarantees all aspects of the site retain their natural integrity.

Embalming, while often still a popular option, is not required in Michigan, though it can be deemed necessary for purposes of transportation or in other specific circumstances.

During the embalming process, a body is drained of blood and those fluids are exchanged for embalming chemicals such as formaldehyde, which delays the body’s natural decomposition process. The practice of embalming has been around a long time—think Ancient Egypt and mummies—but it was popularized during the Civil War as a way to transport bodies home over a long distance.

Natural burials, in contrast, have been “the way the human race handled burial before embalming,” said Zartman.

Before the growing popularity of natural burials, cremation was considered a more natural and less environmentally impactful method of handling a body. However, cremation does carry an environmental footprint because it releases CO2 and other chemicals into the environment.

Costs and requirements

Many people associate death with a casket. However, Michigan law does not require a casket for burial or cremation.

Due to cost, caskets can often be one of the biggest expenses of a funeral.

Be sure to check with cemeteries about their burial requirements (Courtesy, Ridgeview Memorial Gardens)

Zartman stated that the “average funeral in Michigan runs $8,500, but people easily put $10,000 into a burial. Even cremation can be expensive.”

If cost is a consideration, know you have options when choosing a casket, and question if a funeral home or crematory service pressures you into purchasing one.

While you are not required to have a casket for burial, you will need to check with your chosen cemetery about their “container” requirements.

Zartman said that cost is a big factor in why people choose a natural burial. Natural burial services can cost as little as $3,200 compared to higher costs associated with other options. Alleviating more expensive items such as a vault and casket lowers the total cost considerably.

“80% come in cardboard boxes—cremation containers,” said Zartman. However, there are other biodegradable green burial containers available, such as wicker caskets.

Each state has their own rules and regulations when it comes to how a body is handled after death. Whether you or a loved one have chosen cremation, embalming and burial, or natural burial, there are specific guidelines to adhere to.

If you are looking for more information about green burials in Western Michigan for you or a loved one, Zartman is ready to answer your questions.

“Families need help,” Zartman said. “They need sound advice.”

Discussing what to do with your body or the body of a loved one after death is not a comfortable subject, but knowing your options and the costs associated can save a lot of stress during an emotional time.

Rachel Rickman is a freelance writer, editor, and former university English Instructor with a BA, MA, and MFA focused on writing. She grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but currently resides in Rosarito, Mexico with her husband and son. Much of her work focuses on “narrative recipes”—personal essays with recipe/cooking ideas.

Rachel’s work can be found on her blog: jezebelstable.com; Instagram: aroundthetablerr; and Patreon: www.patreon.com/AroundtheTableRR.

Monarch butterflies will be celebrated and released at John Ball Zoo on Sept. 9

September 6, 20233-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Environment, Kent County, Kids Activities, Pets/Animals, Upcoming Events, West Michiganenvironment, family-friendly, Grand Rapids, John Ball Zoo, Kent County, Monarch butterfliesDeborah Reed

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.

Tickets are available online or at the Zoo.

John Ball Zoo’s conservation program works to preserve Michigan’s only venomous snake

August 23, 2023Citizen Journalism, Environment, Kent County, Pets/Animals, West MichiganConservations, environment, Grand Rapids, John Ball Zoo, Massasauga Snake, West MichiganDeborah Reed

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.”

Reports can be made to the Michigan Natural Features Inventory or to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources “Herps of Michigan” iNaturalist project.

If bitten by any snake, call 911 and seek immediate professional medical care.

“With modern treatments for snake bite, a fatality from a massasauga bite would be extremely rare,” said Flanagan.

Safe viewing at John Ball Zoo

An option for safely observing a massasauga snake can always be found at the Treasures of the Tropics building at JBZ.

“We feel it is important for people to see and appreciate (the massasauga) and meet Michigan’s rattlesnake,” said Flanagan.

Volunteers will gather at Lemery Park in Wyoming on Aug. 19 for annual Buck Creek Clean Up

August 8, 20232-row, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Environment, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, West Michiganannual event, City of Wyoming, clean up, environment, Friends of Buck CreekDeborah Reed

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.

Breakfast will be provided for volunteers by Marge’s Donut Den and Steenstra’s Royal Dutch Bakery, along with Littlefoot Coffee Roasters. Volunteers are also invited to a post-clean up lunch at Wedgewood Park, compliments of Grandville Mayor Steve Maas.

“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!”

Volunteers can register at: Volunteer – Buck Creek Clean Up.

A full schedule of the event can be found at: Facebook Buck Creek Clean Up.

If you are interested in being a sponsor of this year’s clean up, email mibuckcreek@gmail.com.

More information can be found at: mibuckcreek.org.

State allocates new $5M in additional funding to support Sustainable Business Park in Kent County

July 27, 20233-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Environment, Kent County, West Michiganenvironment, Kent County, recycling, waste management, West MichiganDeborah Reed

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

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.

“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.

West Michigan under Air Quality Alert due to Canadian wildfires; air labeled “unhealthy”

June 28, 20233-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, EnvironmentAir Quality, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, environmentCris Greer

By D.A. Reed

WKTV Contributor

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 28^th.

You can find air quality information at: Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), AirNow, and IQAir

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

Global warming, climate change, and my ice cream

January 6, 20233-bottom, Environmentclimate change, environmentJoanne

By MacKenzie DeRaad
Capital News Service

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.

Mackenzie DeRaad reports for Great Lakes Echo.

Environment links to cancer focus of new Michigan study

November 11, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Environment, Great Lakes, Healthcancer, environment, Michigan, ResearchJoanne

By Cameryn Cass
Capital News Service

A new University of Michigan study aims to understand how environmental exposures in Michigan contribute to cancer.

Sara Snyder is project director of the Michigan Cancer and Research on the Environment Study, or MI-CARES. (Credit: University of Michigan)

The Michigan Cancer and Research on the Environment Study, or MI-CARES, is largely motivated by Michigan’s history of toxic environmental exposures and environmental injustice, said Sara Snyder, the project director.

Researchers are recruiting 100,000 ethnically diverse, cancer-free Michiganders ages 25 to 44. It’s a statewide survey, but they’ll focus enrollment on what they’ve identified as six major environmental injustice hotspots: the Detroit metropolitan area, Saginaw, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and Flint, Snyder said.

Environmental injustice refers to people who belong to groups that are discriminated against and are disproportionately exposed to contaminants and other health hazards.

June 1 marked the soft launch to test the website used to recruit candidates. People enroll every day, but the study’s full launch was earlier this fall.

A first in Michigan

“Nothing like this has been done in the state of Michigan before, which is almost shocking if you know about the levels of environmental injustice that have taken place,” said Lilah Khoja, a doctoral student at the University of Michigan on the MI-CARES team.

“There isn’t a community in Michigan that hasn’t been impacted in some way by environmental injustice,” she said.

It dates back decades: the PBB contamination of dairy products in the 1970s, the Flint water crisis, industrial pollution in Detroit and now PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment, Snyder said.

The project, funded by the National Cancer Institute and the University of Michigan, will track participants through annual questionnaires for at least six years, Snyder said.

They’ll be asked about employment and residential histories, race, ethnicity, major health and life events and overall lifestyle to gauge participant health and previous exposures to industrial chemicals or other contaminants, Snyder said.

Beyond cancer, the surveys might also shed light on how exposures to chemicals in the environment cause heart disease, asthma or even Alzheimer’s disease, said Dana Dolinoy, the principal investigator of biomarker evaluations for MI-CARES.

Compiling the data needed for change

Such surveys have a proven track record. For instance, cancer rates are significantly higher in Flint compared to the rest of Genesee County and the state after lead contaminated the city’s water supply.

“My cousin, my aunt, my friend have all died of cancer,” said Arthur Woodson, a Flint resident and community activist. “People are dying in high numbers here of cancer.”

Community activists at the Pittsfield Farmers Market offer information about MI-CARES. Credit: MI-CARES.

Such anecdotal reports can be reinforced by hard data produced by health studies from the Genesee County Health Department proving elevated cancer levels in the area.

A study recently published in JAMA Network Open found that 1 in 5 Flint residents have presumptive major depression and another 1 in 4 have presumptive post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“They fixed the water, but they didn’t fix the people,” Woodson said.

Providing people with the data they need

A large goal of MI-CARES is to give people access to data that will help them advocate for a cleaner environment and a healthier life, Khoja said.

“You can’t advocate for change if you don’t have the numbers to show that this is why it needs to change,” she said.

Cancer-centric studies like this one, whether linking it to smoking, a lack of physical activity or poor diet, played a role in a 29% drop in cancer death rates between 1991 and 2017, according to the American Cancer Society.

MI-CARES’ data will help improve Michiganders’ health while informing policy to reduce environmental injustices and harmful exposures, Snyder said.

Researchers looked at what was going on in the state and narrowed the study’s focus to the most prominent of the 80,000 chemicals in the environment: exposure to metals, like lead, chemicals in personal care products, air pollution and PFAS, Dolinoy said.

Addressing the issues

Michigan has the highest known PFAS levels of any state.

To measure some contaminants like lead, participants from the six environmental injustice hotspots will send in blood and saliva. These measurements, called intermediate biomarkers, show if a past environmental exposure changed the epigenome – the instruction book telling genes how to behave – to make them more susceptible to cancer and other diseases, Dolinoy said.

The study focuses on a younger population so that researchers might recognize any diseases before they manifest, Dolinoy said.

“This gives us time to intervene and treat individuals, because when the disease is already on board, it’s really hard to reverse it,” she said.

There’s evidence, though, that relatively easier things like changes in lifestyle and diet might reverse changes to that epigenetic instruction book, especially early in life, Dolinoy said.

Building a better tomorrow

The hope is to inspire policy intervention with MI-CARES findings, forcing industry and other institutions responsible for poisoning the environment to change. That is a challenge that the health survey hopes to meet.

“It’s very difficult to translate some of this science in a way that will directly change the economics of a company,” Dolinoy said. “But studies like MI-CARES can provide a weight of evidence that shows our environment can negatively contribute to disease status.”

To apply to be part of the survey, visit https://micares.health and click “Join the Movement!” Applicants must be 25 to 44 years old and cancer-free.

Cameryn Cass reports for Great Lakes Echo.

A Kentwood business joins others in support of state’s climate controls

April 22, 20223-bottom, City of Kentwood, Environment, Great LakesBrewery Vivant, Broad Leaf Brewery, climate control, environment, Governor Whitmer, supportJoanne

By Lindsay M. McCoy
Capital News Service

LANSING – Fifteen businesses across the state, including Ford Motor Co. and two West Michigan microbreweries, have written to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in support of her administration’s carbon neutrality goals.

Broad Leaf Brewery’s owner Kris Spaulding signed a letter in support of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer administration’s carbon neutrality goals. (WKTV)

The goal to be a carbon-neutral economy was laid out in a 2020 executive order that also created the Council on Climate Solutions.

The Whitmer administration’s newly released MI Healthy Climate Plan would generate 60% of the state’s electricity from renewable resources, phase out all remaining coal-fired plants by 2030 and build infrastructure to support 2 million electric vehicles on the roads by 2030.

“The companies that signed this letter know that climate action and statewide strategies are not only an economic opportunity for the state, but also a business imperative for them,” said Deana Dennis, the senior manager of state policy at Ceres.

Ceres is a Boston-based nonprofit that advocates for sustainability by working with investors and the companies that initiated this letter.

In Michigan, the organization works with companies to advocate policies to achieve a carbon neutral economy, which would reach zero net emissions through carbon offsetting practices and projects.

“We’re hearing regularly from our companies that they need supportive policies at both the federal and state levels that will help achieve their climate pollution targets,” she said.

It’s also important that these businesses’ goals be achieved as equitably and cost-effectively as possible, said Dennis.

Dearborn-based Ford is taking action to reduce emissions from its operations, according to its website. Previously, the company installed LED lights throughout its plants, updated its painting operations and reduced its emissions by 15.1%.

Asher FreedmanClimate solutions logo.

Ford plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and use 100% local renewable energy in all of its manufacturing by 2035, according to its website.

Dennis said the companies that sent the letter have ambitious climate goals and know they need to ramp up their own efforts and advocacy work.

“That’s why they want to see Michigan take the lead on statewide strategies, such as through the governor’s MI Healthy Climate Plan,” she said.

The plan’s goals include developing new clean energy jobs by putting the state on a path towards becoming carbon neutral by 2050. It also proposes to reduce emissions from heating homes by repairing and improving buildings, triple the state’s recycling rate to 45% and cut food waste in half by 2030.

The businesses’ letter to Whitmer said, “We are committed to locally sourcing our purchases, including agricultural inputs, both in support of our local economy and in an effort to reduce transportation.”

Brewery Vivant in Grand Rapids signed the letter “to show that businesses are in support of the government taking action to address climate change,” said Kris Spaulding, who owns it and Broad Leaf Brewery in Kentwood.

They are the first microbreweries in the world to be certified in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, through their efforts to minimize waste and energy use.

The two microbreweries are also committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% and energy intensity over the next decade, according to the letter.

Dennis said Crystal Mountain in Benzie County’s Weldon Township, which signed the letter, is working to become greener.

The resort has opened walkable and bikeable grounds, provided free electric vehicle charging for guests and invested in other energy-efficient infrastructure such as LED lights and energy-efficient water pumps.

“Respecting the environment is one of our core values, and we strive to ensure our resort is committed to more sustainable solutions,” the company said in the letter.

The signers are from diverse business sectors, and Dennis said one goal of Ceres is to show unified support from businesses.

“The state needs to consider sector-wide strategies,” she said. “That includes the power sector, how we generate electricity. That also includes transportation, which is nationally the sector with the highest amount of emissions.”

Spaulding said, “There is often a feeling that businesses are opposed to any additional regulation, but without us, we as a greater society won’t be able to tackle this pressing issue.”

The other companies signing the letter are Ben & Jerry’s, DSM, EILEEN FISHER, General Mills, General Motors Co., IKEA, JLL, Johnson Controls, Siemens, Uplight and Worthen Industries.

Fresh produce more accessible for low-income Michiganders

September 30, 20213-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Environment, Food, Great Lakes, Health, Local Food, Senior Livingenvironment, food, fruits, health, Nutrition, vegetablesJoanne

More fresh produce will be available to low-income Michigan residents. (supplied)

By Barbara Bellinger
Capital News Service

LANSING — A program that gives low-income Michigan residents fresh fruit and vegetables and a path to healthier nutrition recently got a $2 million boost from state lawmakers.

That’s up from the $900,000 they allocated last year for the Double Up Food Program. The program gives participants a dollar-for-dollar match on fresh fruits and vegetables. Families receive twice the quantity of produce for half the price.

“It feels as if when this program was started, it was just a crazy idea,” said Alex Canepa, the policy manager for the Fair Food Network, which manages the program. “Now it’s time has come. Both Lansing and D.C. (legislators) are talking about the importance of nutrition security.”

Michigan’s Double Up program launched in 2009 as the first state in what is now a 29-state program run by the Fair Food Network based in Ann Arbor. The program has grown from five Detroit-area farmers markets to around 250 farmers markets, mobile markets, food stands and independent grocers.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded the food network a four-year, $12.5 million grant in 2019 for program expansion. But to get the money, the program needs a 50% match, Canepa said.

“The state money allows us to draw down the full remaining balance,” Canepa said.

This added benefit is necessary for a state that has 1.9 million people who are food insecure, according to a Food Security Council report.

“One administrative change the state made early in the pandemic was to eliminate the $20-per-day limit for Double Up Food Bucks,” Julie Cassidy, the senior policy analyst for the Michigan League for Public Policy, wrote in an email. “This helped families stretch their food assistance dollars as far as possible when so many were suddenly struggling, food prices were skyrocketing, and local pantries were pushed to the limit.”

“It gives customers really good options,” said Courtney King, the manager of King Orchards in Kewadin and Central Lake in northern Michigan. “I love that it’s just for like fresh produce, which really helps us and them.”

Michigan farmer markets and farm stands are part of the Double Up Food Bucks program. (Supplied)

Becoming a Double Up Food Bucks retailer requires a lot of accounting, but it’s a great way to provide fresh produce to people who might otherwise think it is too expensive, King said.

“It’s a multi-pronged process,” said Joe Lesausky, food access director for the Michigan Farmers Market Association.

Farmers markets and farm stands first apply to be approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a vendor for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. Then they must contact the Michigan Farmers Market Association to apply to become a Double Up Bucks retailer.

The program is in 67 of Michigan’s 83 counties and adds about 10 new sites a year, Lesausky said. Officials say they hope to reach all of the state’s counties in the next three years.

“We saw an increase of Double Up spending before the pandemic in even middle and upper-middle class communities,” Canepa said.

“Nutrition insecurity isn’t always where you expect it to be.”

ABOUT BARBARA BELLINGER

Barbara Bellinger is a master’s student in journalism at Michigan State University. Her journalistic interests include undocumented immigration, international journalism and the criminal justice system. She hopes to become a reporter for CNN, NPR or a local Michigan news outlet.

Michigan DNR expanding accessibility for more visitors

September 29, 20213-bottom, Environment, Great Lakes, Recreation, Travel, West MichiganDNA, environmentJoanne

Michigan Department of Natural Resources: A visitor uses a track chair to access the beach. Unimproved areas are otherwise inaccessible to those in wheelchairs

By Nicholas Simon
Capital News Service

LANSING — Trails that can accommodate strollers, wheelchairs with tank treads and baby changing stations in men’s bathrooms are part of a push to accommodate a surge of new visitors at Michigan state parks.

The parks system has taken an interest in serving new parents, people with physical disabilities and people who live in urban areas of the state, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials said.

One reason is that the pandemic sparked an influx of new visitors, according to the agency.

The system saw 35 million visitors in 2020, a 30% increase over the previous year, according to the department.

Pampers, a major diaper manufacturer, is partnering with the department as part of its #LoveTheChange campaign. Pampers says that nine out of 10 fathers have gone into a restroom without a changing station.

“Pampers reached out to us and asked if there was a need in the state parks,” said DNR Fund and Resource Development Coordinator Michelle O’Kelly. “They supplied us 186 units to be distributed over 52 locations.”

O’Kelly says that parks have been receiving these units over the summer and fall and that they should be installed for use by next season because the workload this year has been intense for DNR workers.

Michigan Department of Natural ResourcesPark workers use a helicopter to install a new pedestrian bridge at Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

“The parks are at capacity,” O’Kelly said. “On weekends that we would normally never fill, we are filling all our parks”

O’Kelly said that she thinks that the large number of people working remotely has been pushing back traditional vacation seasons, so maintenance that would traditionally be done in fall had to be pushed back as well.

The department is also working to pave miles of trails across the state, a welcome relief for more than just parents, said Jon Spieles, the agency’s interpretative manager.

“One of the coolest things about our efforts to improve state parks accessibility is how those improvements work for parents with strollers and all kinds of wheeled equipment.” Spieles said. “The fact is we will all benefit from these great steps forward at one point or another.”

The DNR lists over 30 trails and recreation areas with paved or accessible trails and plans to increase that number. But for areas without paved access, the DNR has also started to provide tracked chairs, which look like wheelchairs equipped with tank treads.

Video of the device provided by the department shows the chairs going over sand, forest floors, tall grass and even deep snow. These chairs are available at nine parks, but officials hope that donations to the program will allow the DNR to provide these chairs to more sites across the state.

Urban residents are the least likely to visit the park system, according to a report by the Dow Sustainability Fellows of the University of Michigan. It cited lack of access to transportation as a major reason that urban Michigan residents don’t take advantage of the state natural areas.

State officials announced this summer the creation of a state park in Flint.

The $26.2 million investment in a former industrial site was targeted to reach people disproportionately affected by COVID19.

Spieles, who primarily works with educators and children, says one of the best state parks for kids is in an old Detroit warehouse, not a location typically associated with the great outdoors.

“An opportunity for families and school or youth groups is at the Outdoor Adventure Center in William G. Milliken State Park in Detroit,” Spieles said. “The center provides a taste of Michigan’s great outdoors with hands-on activities, exhibits and simulators.”

The facility includes a multi-story waterfall, a re-creation of a Michigan oak tree and a fishing game, that allows urban park goers to learn about the outdoors and inspires future visits to the actual wilderness.

O’Kelly said that public-private partnerships like the Pampers deal are welcome additions, but most state park initiatives are funded locally.

“It’s all just based on need,” O’Kelly said. “Some of our parks have formal nonprofit ‘friends of the park’ groups. So if a park need a new playground, there is usually a strong (local) campaign to secure funding.”

Officials say that such bottom-up strategies will help the state park system meet the changing needs of visitors in both the short term and for projects in the future.

ABOUT NICHOLAS SIMON

Nicholas Simon is a multimedia reporter from South Haven, Michigan. His areas of interest include international relations, commercial spaceflight, ecology, and globalization. He has covered events for both print and broadcast outlets ranging from protests to presidential debates and currently covers the Grand Ledge community for the Spartan Newsroom.

Wyoming Tree Commission looking for volunteers to help plant

September 28, 20213-bottom, City of Wyoming, Environment, Our Cities, Upcoming EventsCity of Wyoming, environment, Planting, TreesJoanne

Tree Commissioner Estelle Slootmaker holding the tree. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.staff

The Wyoming Tree Commission is looking for a few more people to help with tree plantings this weekend and next.

Plantings are set for the morning of Oct. 2 and 16, which are both Saturdays. For more information on helping, email treeamigoswyoming@gmail.com.

Recently, the Tree Commission received a DTE Energy Tree Planting Grant of $3,000. With an additional $1,000 from the commission’s funds, was able to purchase about 25 8-foot and 10-foot trees. More than a dozen residents have signed up to receive a tree. The trees are free to residents but they are required to help plant it and commit to maintaining the tree.

The city’s recently revised Master Plan calls for the city to set a tree canopy goal. the Tree Commission recommendation was a goal of 40%, the same goal as many cities have set such as the City of Grand Rapids. Currently, Wyoming has an approximate tree canopy of 13.5%, as determined by an iTree survey that looks at aerial photographs.

The Tree Amigos is a volunteer City of Wyoming commission seeking to improve the city’s overall tree canopy. They meet every second Monday of the month at 12:30 p.m. at the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW.