County Parks Join City Nature Challenge
Get ready to be part of one of the largest community science events in the world! From Friday to Monday, Ottawa County Parks will join forces with John Ball Zoo and other local partners to participate in the City Nature Challenge — a global bio-blitz created in iNaturalist.
This event invites individuals from around the world to document nature and contribute to scientific research by identifying local wildlife.
What is a BioBlitz? A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time.
To get involved, download the iNaturalist app. Not sure how to use iNaturalist? Learn more at help.inaturalist.org.
From Friday to Tuesday, take photos of plants, animals, and fungi and upload them to iNaturalist within Ottawa, Allegan, Kent and Barry counties.
Spread the word. Tell three people in your life about the City Nature Challenge and invite them to join.
You can participate anywhere in the counties of Ottawa, Allegan, Kent, and Barry. Whether you’re in your own backyard or exploring a local park, your observations will count. Ottawa County Parks are also hosting several programs during the event, so don’t miss your chance to get outdoors and make a difference.
How will my participation help? Your observations will directly contribute to documenting and understanding the biodiversity of West Michigan. Every photo you submit provides new insights into the region’s plant and animal species, helping scientists track and protect wildlife. By participating, you're actively contributing to global scientific research. Plus, the event will raise awareness and encourage others to get involved in community science.
Ottawa County Parks will have the following programs Friday to Tuesday:
Friday – Twilight Hike (8:30-10 p.m.) at Upper Macatawa Natural Area: In spring, as light of day turns to dark of night, wildlife springs to life. Come experience your favorite parks in a whole new way as you explore them by the light of fading day.
Saturday – Bird Walk (8-10 a.m.) at Grand River Park: Whether you are an avid birder or are just desiring to experience birds beyond your backyard, join us and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of spring bird migration.
Saturday – Family Nature Day & Drop-in Garlic Mustard Workshop (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) at Pigeon Creek Park: Celebrate Earth Day with family-friendly activities and volunteer to help remove invasive garlic mustard. No registration required.
Saturday – Bald Eagle Walk at Grand Ravines: Take a guided hike to learn about the Grand Ravine’s resident bald eagles and view their nesting activities.
1-2:30 p.m., 2-3:30 p.m., 3-4:30 p.m. and 4-5:30 p.m. sessions available.
Sunday – Sunday Stroll (2-3:30 p.m.) at Hemlock Crossing: Hemlock Crossing is a special place to many people, for many reasons. On this hike, you'll explore the park's history, ecology, greenway, and more. You'll deepen your knowledge of the park and how it represents something greater than itself, the mission of Ottawa County Parks.
Registration is highly encouraged for most programs. Register at miottawacountyweb.myvscloud .com/webtrac/web.
This event invites individuals from around the world to document nature and contribute to scientific research by identifying local wildlife.
What is a BioBlitz? A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time.
To get involved, download the iNaturalist app. Not sure how to use iNaturalist? Learn more at help.inaturalist.org.
From Friday to Tuesday, take photos of plants, animals, and fungi and upload them to iNaturalist within Ottawa, Allegan, Kent and Barry counties.
Spread the word. Tell three people in your life about the City Nature Challenge and invite them to join.
You can participate anywhere in the counties of Ottawa, Allegan, Kent, and Barry. Whether you’re in your own backyard or exploring a local park, your observations will count. Ottawa County Parks are also hosting several programs during the event, so don’t miss your chance to get outdoors and make a difference.
How will my participation help? Your observations will directly contribute to documenting and understanding the biodiversity of West Michigan. Every photo you submit provides new insights into the region’s plant and animal species, helping scientists track and protect wildlife. By participating, you're actively contributing to global scientific research. Plus, the event will raise awareness and encourage others to get involved in community science.
Ottawa County Parks will have the following programs Friday to Tuesday:
Friday – Twilight Hike (8:30-10 p.m.) at Upper Macatawa Natural Area: In spring, as light of day turns to dark of night, wildlife springs to life. Come experience your favorite parks in a whole new way as you explore them by the light of fading day.
Saturday – Bird Walk (8-10 a.m.) at Grand River Park: Whether you are an avid birder or are just desiring to experience birds beyond your backyard, join us and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of spring bird migration.
Saturday – Family Nature Day & Drop-in Garlic Mustard Workshop (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) at Pigeon Creek Park: Celebrate Earth Day with family-friendly activities and volunteer to help remove invasive garlic mustard. No registration required.
Saturday – Bald Eagle Walk at Grand Ravines: Take a guided hike to learn about the Grand Ravine’s resident bald eagles and view their nesting activities.
1-2:30 p.m., 2-3:30 p.m., 3-4:30 p.m. and 4-5:30 p.m. sessions available.
Sunday – Sunday Stroll (2-3:30 p.m.) at Hemlock Crossing: Hemlock Crossing is a special place to many people, for many reasons. On this hike, you'll explore the park's history, ecology, greenway, and more. You'll deepen your knowledge of the park and how it represents something greater than itself, the mission of Ottawa County Parks.
Registration is highly encouraged for most programs. Register at miottawacountyweb.myvscloud .com/webtrac/web.
Huckleberry Finn Catfish
Eric Payne shows off a 32-inch catfish that he caught.
Photo courtesy Jack Payne
Photo courtesy Jack Payne
By Jack Payne
One of my favorite species to fish for is the old channel cat. Cats can get large, and there are often plenty of them. They are rarely picky about what they eat. They can be caught from shore or a boat.
Our best channel catfishing days are a throwback to Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Drifting on a river or a lake is peaceful and very productive. Our second-best option would find us sitting on a riverbank with a crackling fire, cooking a few dogs, and reeling in ole whiskers. A third option would be to go to the piers connecting to Lake Michigan.
All of our catfishing takes place in the daylight, and we catch plenty of nice fish.
Before we get into the details, here are a few of our favorite locations: Lake Macatawa in Holland, Muskegon Lake, the Grand River system, the Kalamazoo River system, the Black River in South Haven, and the St. Joe River. Any river connecting to Lake Michigan will host fat cats. Many inland lakes have large populations. The quickest way to locate these spots would be to call your local sports shop or check the DNR website and survey results of lakes in your area.
My favorite bait would be some type of cut bait. It could be a sucker, a bluegill, or a smelt. The second choice would be a large, raw uncooked shrimp. Hot dogs work well and will land a pile of smaller fish. You need to nuke your hot dogs before using them. Otherwise, the skin is too soft and they will fall off of the hook. We soak any of the above baits in anise oil and pack them into small sandwich baggies.
Let’s not forget perhaps the top producer: Stink baits! Stink baits catch tons of fish. I mean, this bait is a huge producer of cats and many a serious cat angler will swear by a certain company or secret concoction.
A word of advice: use a stick or a dipping tool. We skipped the dipping tool and went with our fingers a few years back. A terrible mistake gets into your skin, on your face and it takes days to get rid of the odor.
Tackle requirements are basic. You need bell sinkers, hooks, and a rod. If using the dip bait, then you need the plastic lures mentioned. We use 14-pound test line but you can go heavier if you are targeting large cats. Go lighter and you might break off on occasion, but hey, the fun is in the fight. We release all of our cats, but they do make great table fare.
Large hooks are required. You need a hook that can hold a piece of meat. Hook sizes from 0 to 3/0 are very common. You need the point of the hook to stick out beyond the bait that you are using to ensure a good hookset.
Some anglers want a slip sinker so they can feed or let the catfish run. Others use a 3-way rig. We go with the 3-way rig where your mainline is tied to a swivel. A 1-foot dropper is tied onto a swivel and then to your sinker. We then tie on a 3-foot dropper and attach our hook or our plastic tubes, etc. You need to experiment with your dropper lines.
Shorebound anglers should look for bends in the river, log jams and current breaks. Anglers drifting a river should try the deeper water first and then the shallower flats. In a lake, we drift the flats.
Some days, it might be the 5-10 foot flats, and other days the deeper flats. As we move deeper into spring work the weedlines. When summer arrives, find the deepest water that is the closest to the weeds.
Starting in mid-April and lasting through May we spend most of our time near the big lake. Generally, our best locations will start in the lake or river within 400 yards of the pier. We will drift halfway through the channel before setting up another drift.
Channel catfishing is relaxing, full of surprises and just plain fun. Stop in at Grand Valley Sport Shop for your fishing and turkey hunting products.
One of my favorite species to fish for is the old channel cat. Cats can get large, and there are often plenty of them. They are rarely picky about what they eat. They can be caught from shore or a boat.
Our best channel catfishing days are a throwback to Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Drifting on a river or a lake is peaceful and very productive. Our second-best option would find us sitting on a riverbank with a crackling fire, cooking a few dogs, and reeling in ole whiskers. A third option would be to go to the piers connecting to Lake Michigan.
All of our catfishing takes place in the daylight, and we catch plenty of nice fish.
Before we get into the details, here are a few of our favorite locations: Lake Macatawa in Holland, Muskegon Lake, the Grand River system, the Kalamazoo River system, the Black River in South Haven, and the St. Joe River. Any river connecting to Lake Michigan will host fat cats. Many inland lakes have large populations. The quickest way to locate these spots would be to call your local sports shop or check the DNR website and survey results of lakes in your area.
My favorite bait would be some type of cut bait. It could be a sucker, a bluegill, or a smelt. The second choice would be a large, raw uncooked shrimp. Hot dogs work well and will land a pile of smaller fish. You need to nuke your hot dogs before using them. Otherwise, the skin is too soft and they will fall off of the hook. We soak any of the above baits in anise oil and pack them into small sandwich baggies.
Let’s not forget perhaps the top producer: Stink baits! Stink baits catch tons of fish. I mean, this bait is a huge producer of cats and many a serious cat angler will swear by a certain company or secret concoction.
A word of advice: use a stick or a dipping tool. We skipped the dipping tool and went with our fingers a few years back. A terrible mistake gets into your skin, on your face and it takes days to get rid of the odor.
Tackle requirements are basic. You need bell sinkers, hooks, and a rod. If using the dip bait, then you need the plastic lures mentioned. We use 14-pound test line but you can go heavier if you are targeting large cats. Go lighter and you might break off on occasion, but hey, the fun is in the fight. We release all of our cats, but they do make great table fare.
Large hooks are required. You need a hook that can hold a piece of meat. Hook sizes from 0 to 3/0 are very common. You need the point of the hook to stick out beyond the bait that you are using to ensure a good hookset.
Some anglers want a slip sinker so they can feed or let the catfish run. Others use a 3-way rig. We go with the 3-way rig where your mainline is tied to a swivel. A 1-foot dropper is tied onto a swivel and then to your sinker. We then tie on a 3-foot dropper and attach our hook or our plastic tubes, etc. You need to experiment with your dropper lines.
Shorebound anglers should look for bends in the river, log jams and current breaks. Anglers drifting a river should try the deeper water first and then the shallower flats. In a lake, we drift the flats.
Some days, it might be the 5-10 foot flats, and other days the deeper flats. As we move deeper into spring work the weedlines. When summer arrives, find the deepest water that is the closest to the weeds.
Starting in mid-April and lasting through May we spend most of our time near the big lake. Generally, our best locations will start in the lake or river within 400 yards of the pier. We will drift halfway through the channel before setting up another drift.
Channel catfishing is relaxing, full of surprises and just plain fun. Stop in at Grand Valley Sport Shop for your fishing and turkey hunting products.
DNR Announces New Record for Tree City USA Communities
In 2024, three new Michigan communities joined the increasing number of cities, villages and townships to be certified as a “Tree City USA” community for their efforts to promote and care for public trees within the community.
Tree City USA is one of Arbor Day Foundation's flagship programs celebrating communities that meet its standards for caring for and celebrating trees.
The city of Iron Mountain, city of Flushing and village of Grand Beach are among 131 Michigan communities, 10 college campuses and seven healthcare campuses recognized through their respective programs for work accomplished during 2024. There were also 16 communities that received Growth Award recognition for going above and beyond. All recipients will be receiving their award materials in the coming weeks.
“Our Arbor Day Foundation Program participants have done an amazing job with their tree work this past year," said Lawrence Law, Michigan Department of Natural Resources urban forester and partnership coordinator. “This is my third year managing this program for Michigan, and it's great to talk to these communities and groups that want to do more and participate in these programs.”
The Tree City USA program recognizes cities and towns that demonstrate a strong commitment to urban forestry. To earn the Tree City USA title, a community must meet four core standards: maintain a tree board or department, have a community tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and hold an annual Arbor Day observance and proclamation. Receiving this award signifies that the community values its trees as vital infrastructure and is dedicated to maintaining a healthy, sustainable urban forest.
The 131 recognized communities mark a new record for the Michigan. As the 50th anniversary of Tree City USA approaches, it is important to take pride in the work our communities do and reflect on why we celebrate. Tree City recognition comes with years of work, dedication and participation for the enjoyment and benefit of current and future community members.
"The Arbor Day Foundation's and Michigan Department of Natural Resources' support for our communities is unwavering as we continue to empower our tree programs throughout the state," Law said. "This year was so successful, from continued interest of communities to recertification by communities formerly within the program and the addition of new communities. We thank and congratulate all awardees as we prepare to celebrate 50 years of Tree City USA."
To learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation’s various Tree USA programs, visit arborday.org/programs.
Tree City USA is one of Arbor Day Foundation's flagship programs celebrating communities that meet its standards for caring for and celebrating trees.
The city of Iron Mountain, city of Flushing and village of Grand Beach are among 131 Michigan communities, 10 college campuses and seven healthcare campuses recognized through their respective programs for work accomplished during 2024. There were also 16 communities that received Growth Award recognition for going above and beyond. All recipients will be receiving their award materials in the coming weeks.
“Our Arbor Day Foundation Program participants have done an amazing job with their tree work this past year," said Lawrence Law, Michigan Department of Natural Resources urban forester and partnership coordinator. “This is my third year managing this program for Michigan, and it's great to talk to these communities and groups that want to do more and participate in these programs.”
The Tree City USA program recognizes cities and towns that demonstrate a strong commitment to urban forestry. To earn the Tree City USA title, a community must meet four core standards: maintain a tree board or department, have a community tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and hold an annual Arbor Day observance and proclamation. Receiving this award signifies that the community values its trees as vital infrastructure and is dedicated to maintaining a healthy, sustainable urban forest.
The 131 recognized communities mark a new record for the Michigan. As the 50th anniversary of Tree City USA approaches, it is important to take pride in the work our communities do and reflect on why we celebrate. Tree City recognition comes with years of work, dedication and participation for the enjoyment and benefit of current and future community members.
"The Arbor Day Foundation's and Michigan Department of Natural Resources' support for our communities is unwavering as we continue to empower our tree programs throughout the state," Law said. "This year was so successful, from continued interest of communities to recertification by communities formerly within the program and the addition of new communities. We thank and congratulate all awardees as we prepare to celebrate 50 years of Tree City USA."
To learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation’s various Tree USA programs, visit arborday.org/programs.
Outdoor Truths
By Gary Miller
If you have hunted for a considerable amount of time, you can trace your evolution. While once any deer would do, soon you held your shot for something larger. But then what?
I met a man years ago who made recurve bows. He took each piece of wood and allowed its own characteristics to determine what it would ultimately look like. Most had some type of crook that didn’t allow a perfect product, but they were extremely effective in the hands of a skilled archer.
Not only did he make these bows, but he hunted with them as well. And I remember the pictures of success with both turkeys and deer. Most of the deer he took would be considered small by most seasoned hunters.
He was especially proud of a four-pointer that was still in velvet. One picture showed his trusty handmade bow lying across the young deer. I can imagine how close he really had to get in order to make that shot.
And therein lays the evolution. During the last few years, I have noticed my most memorable hunts were not determined by the size of the animal, but by how close I could get to it.
Just the other day, I was amazed as four jakes came within a few yards of my seat and stayed there without ever noticing my presence. There have been other times in the past where I have stalked within a few feet of other turkeys. I have also done the same with deer. One of my favorite hunts was crawling to a deer in the rain and making the perfect shot with my bow.
This, however, is not usually the case. Most of the time I left empty-handed. But the memories of even those days are always fresh.
I have also noticed this evolution in my Christian life as well. I can remember the time when I was all about all the things that make for the front page of the magazines. It was all about the numbers and the image.
I really didn’t know I was that vain, but after years of being able to look back, it is clear I was more interested in the trophy than in seeing just how close I could get to the real prize.
Since that time, I have thrown away most of the equipment I thought I needed and have realized to get the closet, sometimes you have to get rid of the stuff you thought you needed the most.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoortruths.org
If you have hunted for a considerable amount of time, you can trace your evolution. While once any deer would do, soon you held your shot for something larger. But then what?
I met a man years ago who made recurve bows. He took each piece of wood and allowed its own characteristics to determine what it would ultimately look like. Most had some type of crook that didn’t allow a perfect product, but they were extremely effective in the hands of a skilled archer.
Not only did he make these bows, but he hunted with them as well. And I remember the pictures of success with both turkeys and deer. Most of the deer he took would be considered small by most seasoned hunters.
He was especially proud of a four-pointer that was still in velvet. One picture showed his trusty handmade bow lying across the young deer. I can imagine how close he really had to get in order to make that shot.
And therein lays the evolution. During the last few years, I have noticed my most memorable hunts were not determined by the size of the animal, but by how close I could get to it.
Just the other day, I was amazed as four jakes came within a few yards of my seat and stayed there without ever noticing my presence. There have been other times in the past where I have stalked within a few feet of other turkeys. I have also done the same with deer. One of my favorite hunts was crawling to a deer in the rain and making the perfect shot with my bow.
This, however, is not usually the case. Most of the time I left empty-handed. But the memories of even those days are always fresh.
I have also noticed this evolution in my Christian life as well. I can remember the time when I was all about all the things that make for the front page of the magazines. It was all about the numbers and the image.
I really didn’t know I was that vain, but after years of being able to look back, it is clear I was more interested in the trophy than in seeing just how close I could get to the real prize.
Since that time, I have thrown away most of the equipment I thought I needed and have realized to get the closet, sometimes you have to get rid of the stuff you thought you needed the most.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoortruths.org
A Sustainable Lawn Starts with the Right Grass Seed
A healthy lawn starts with selecting the right grass seed.
Photo courtesy Outsidepride
By Melinda Myers
Growing a healthy lawn in a more sustainable manner is better for the environment and can also help reduce maintenance. As a major component of landscapes, they provide living surfaces for play areas and pathways while protecting the soil from erosion and slowing stormwater runoff.
When starting a new lawn, selecting the best lawn grass is as critical as selecting the right plant for your gardens. Look for a mixture of grasses that thrive in your growing conditions and activity level, provide the aesthetics you prefer and with the care you are willing and able to provide.
Fescues are known for their shade and drought tolerance and ability to thrive in warm and cold climates. Tall fescues are among the toughest with their dense root system, ability to tolerate heavy foot traffic and other wear and compaction. Turf-type tall fescues have finer leaf texture, denser growth, and tend to spread better than the bunching tall fescues.
When selecting a tall fescue grass seed, look for one with several varieties to create an attractive, resilient and low maintenance lawn. Varieties like Annihilator, Marauder, Rhizing Moon, and Bloodhound have excellent heat resistance while Channell is great for high traffic and low maintenance areas. Barbarian can be managed at a moderate height. Roman tolerates diverse soils and Warhawk produces a beautiful dark green lawn.
Using a mixture of grass seed allows the various varieties to fill in where they excel, tolerate the often-challenging growing conditions and work together to create an attractive lawn. Grass seed mixes, like Combat Extreme Transition Zone (Outsidepride .com), contain several tall turf type fescue seeds to create a heat, cold, and drought resistant lawn that looks good and requires less watering and fertilizing and is suitable for zones 3 to 8.
Prepare the soil and begin planting the seeds when the soil temperature is 55 degrees and warmer or up to six weeks before the first fall frost. Use this seed calculator to help you determine how much seed you’ll need.
Broadcast the seed over the soil surface and lightly rake to ensure adequate seed to soil contact. Water often enough to keep the soil slightly moist and mulch to conserve moisture. Look for seedlings to sprout in 7-14 days and be ready to start mowing in 21-30 days.
Mow high, two-and-half to three inches, and often enough to remove no more than one inch at a time. Regular mowing is less stressful on the lawn and the short clippings quickly decompose, adding nutrients and organic matter to the soil.
Save even more time, fuel, and water with sharp mower blades when cutting the grass. You can cut more efficiently when the blades are sharp, your mower will consume 22% less fuel, and the lawn will use up to 30 percent less water when using sharp blades.
Put away the rake and mow over fall leaves in the lawn. As long as they are the size of a quarter or less, they will not pose a problem to the grass. You may need to make several passes, but the leaf pieces will decompose, adding nutrients organic matter to the soil for your lawn to benefit.
Selecting the best grass seed for your climate and growing conditions and making a few changes in maintenance can help you grow a beautiful lawn.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Outsidepride for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
Growing a healthy lawn in a more sustainable manner is better for the environment and can also help reduce maintenance. As a major component of landscapes, they provide living surfaces for play areas and pathways while protecting the soil from erosion and slowing stormwater runoff.
When starting a new lawn, selecting the best lawn grass is as critical as selecting the right plant for your gardens. Look for a mixture of grasses that thrive in your growing conditions and activity level, provide the aesthetics you prefer and with the care you are willing and able to provide.
Fescues are known for their shade and drought tolerance and ability to thrive in warm and cold climates. Tall fescues are among the toughest with their dense root system, ability to tolerate heavy foot traffic and other wear and compaction. Turf-type tall fescues have finer leaf texture, denser growth, and tend to spread better than the bunching tall fescues.
When selecting a tall fescue grass seed, look for one with several varieties to create an attractive, resilient and low maintenance lawn. Varieties like Annihilator, Marauder, Rhizing Moon, and Bloodhound have excellent heat resistance while Channell is great for high traffic and low maintenance areas. Barbarian can be managed at a moderate height. Roman tolerates diverse soils and Warhawk produces a beautiful dark green lawn.
Using a mixture of grass seed allows the various varieties to fill in where they excel, tolerate the often-challenging growing conditions and work together to create an attractive lawn. Grass seed mixes, like Combat Extreme Transition Zone (Outsidepride .com), contain several tall turf type fescue seeds to create a heat, cold, and drought resistant lawn that looks good and requires less watering and fertilizing and is suitable for zones 3 to 8.
Prepare the soil and begin planting the seeds when the soil temperature is 55 degrees and warmer or up to six weeks before the first fall frost. Use this seed calculator to help you determine how much seed you’ll need.
Broadcast the seed over the soil surface and lightly rake to ensure adequate seed to soil contact. Water often enough to keep the soil slightly moist and mulch to conserve moisture. Look for seedlings to sprout in 7-14 days and be ready to start mowing in 21-30 days.
Mow high, two-and-half to three inches, and often enough to remove no more than one inch at a time. Regular mowing is less stressful on the lawn and the short clippings quickly decompose, adding nutrients and organic matter to the soil.
Save even more time, fuel, and water with sharp mower blades when cutting the grass. You can cut more efficiently when the blades are sharp, your mower will consume 22% less fuel, and the lawn will use up to 30 percent less water when using sharp blades.
Put away the rake and mow over fall leaves in the lawn. As long as they are the size of a quarter or less, they will not pose a problem to the grass. You may need to make several passes, but the leaf pieces will decompose, adding nutrients organic matter to the soil for your lawn to benefit.
Selecting the best grass seed for your climate and growing conditions and making a few changes in maintenance can help you grow a beautiful lawn.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Outsidepride for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
EGLE Announces Environmental Science Award Winners
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is pleased to announce the 2025 EGLE Environmental Service Award winners.
The 6-8th grade Environmental Service Award winner is Grand Rapids Montessori Academy’s E2 class for their "Taking Care of Our Place -- Our Campus, Our Community, Our Watershed" project.
The 9-12th grade Environmental Service Award winner is Buchanan High School's Environmental Science classes for their “Restored Prairie Habitat: Creating a Lifelong Environmental Impact” project.
This prestigious award recognizes exceptional environmental projects completed by one middle and one high school student, group, or class in grades 6-12. Eligible projects demonstrate tangible results and benefits to Michigan’s environment, such as protecting the Great Lakes, restoring ecosystems, improving air or water quality, or conserving energy and resources. Projects were completed by school or extracurricular groups, such as scouts or 4-H clubs, between February 1, 2024, and March 1, 2025.
At Grand Rapids Montessori Academy, E2 students led a schoolwide effort to embed environmental stewardship into daily life. With a focus on campus sustainability and local ecosystems, students designed pollinator gardens, removed invasive species, monitored storm drains, and managed composting and recycling programs throughout the school.
Students also took the lead in educating staff, students, and parents in the community. Community partner Mara Spears of Groundswell shared: “One of the most inspiring aspects of this project is how student voice drives every step. They don’t just learn about environmental issues — they actively lead the way in addressing them.”
The project included community partnerships with organizations like John Ball Zoo, Groundswell, and the West Michigan Environmental Action Council. Students raised Chinook salmon for release into the Grand River, conducted stream sampling at Highland Park, and helped lead the City Nature Challenge using the iNaturalist app.
“This project encourages lifelong stewardship of the Great Lakes (and beyond), by guiding students to learn more and identify what they really care about, listening to what is important to students, and empowering them to make changes and educate others,” Spears said. “Students are ‘taking care’ of places around them and understanding the connections to the Great Lakes watershed/ ecosystem to further deepen their understanding of place.”
At Buchanan High School, environmental science students focused their efforts on restoring a prairie habitat in one of the school courtyards.
With support from the Whole Child Collaborative - a Berrien RESA Student Organization, Michigan State University's Kellogg Biological Station, and the Michigan Department of Education's Teacher of the Year Program, students tackled real-world ecological challenges.
“We recognize the vital role that birds and pollinators play in our ecosystem, and we aim to provide them with a thriving habitat,” teacher Melissa Frost said. “By restoring this area, we hope to enhance water, soil, and air quality, while deepening students' connections with their surroundings. This garden is not just a chance to revitalize our environment; it is also a space for learning and enjoyment.”
Working in groups, students created websites to present their solutions — ranging from removing invasive species and planting native flora, to creating ADA-accessible pathways. This hands-on project provided opportunities for nature journaling, biodiversity monitoring, and critical thinking about ecosystem health. The restored prairie now forms a habitat corridor connecting McCoy Creek to nearby neighborhoods.
“I firmly believe that students who develop a meaningful connection to their environment are more likely to become advocates for its protection in the future,” Frost added. “As an environmental science teacher, I consider this to be one of the most important responsibilities I have — to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards."
As each new class contributes to the habitat’s care, the project ensures a lasting environmental impact and inspires the next generation of ecological advocates.
The 6-8th grade Environmental Service Award winner is Grand Rapids Montessori Academy’s E2 class for their "Taking Care of Our Place -- Our Campus, Our Community, Our Watershed" project.
The 9-12th grade Environmental Service Award winner is Buchanan High School's Environmental Science classes for their “Restored Prairie Habitat: Creating a Lifelong Environmental Impact” project.
This prestigious award recognizes exceptional environmental projects completed by one middle and one high school student, group, or class in grades 6-12. Eligible projects demonstrate tangible results and benefits to Michigan’s environment, such as protecting the Great Lakes, restoring ecosystems, improving air or water quality, or conserving energy and resources. Projects were completed by school or extracurricular groups, such as scouts or 4-H clubs, between February 1, 2024, and March 1, 2025.
At Grand Rapids Montessori Academy, E2 students led a schoolwide effort to embed environmental stewardship into daily life. With a focus on campus sustainability and local ecosystems, students designed pollinator gardens, removed invasive species, monitored storm drains, and managed composting and recycling programs throughout the school.
Students also took the lead in educating staff, students, and parents in the community. Community partner Mara Spears of Groundswell shared: “One of the most inspiring aspects of this project is how student voice drives every step. They don’t just learn about environmental issues — they actively lead the way in addressing them.”
The project included community partnerships with organizations like John Ball Zoo, Groundswell, and the West Michigan Environmental Action Council. Students raised Chinook salmon for release into the Grand River, conducted stream sampling at Highland Park, and helped lead the City Nature Challenge using the iNaturalist app.
“This project encourages lifelong stewardship of the Great Lakes (and beyond), by guiding students to learn more and identify what they really care about, listening to what is important to students, and empowering them to make changes and educate others,” Spears said. “Students are ‘taking care’ of places around them and understanding the connections to the Great Lakes watershed/ ecosystem to further deepen their understanding of place.”
At Buchanan High School, environmental science students focused their efforts on restoring a prairie habitat in one of the school courtyards.
With support from the Whole Child Collaborative - a Berrien RESA Student Organization, Michigan State University's Kellogg Biological Station, and the Michigan Department of Education's Teacher of the Year Program, students tackled real-world ecological challenges.
“We recognize the vital role that birds and pollinators play in our ecosystem, and we aim to provide them with a thriving habitat,” teacher Melissa Frost said. “By restoring this area, we hope to enhance water, soil, and air quality, while deepening students' connections with their surroundings. This garden is not just a chance to revitalize our environment; it is also a space for learning and enjoyment.”
Working in groups, students created websites to present their solutions — ranging from removing invasive species and planting native flora, to creating ADA-accessible pathways. This hands-on project provided opportunities for nature journaling, biodiversity monitoring, and critical thinking about ecosystem health. The restored prairie now forms a habitat corridor connecting McCoy Creek to nearby neighborhoods.
“I firmly believe that students who develop a meaningful connection to their environment are more likely to become advocates for its protection in the future,” Frost added. “As an environmental science teacher, I consider this to be one of the most important responsibilities I have — to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards."
As each new class contributes to the habitat’s care, the project ensures a lasting environmental impact and inspires the next generation of ecological advocates.
