Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds - Grand Valley Metro Council

Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds - Grand Valley Metro Council Our Mission is to understand, protect and improve the natural resources of the Lower Grand River Watershed for all to enjoy.

Our Vision is to connect water with life. LGROW is an agency of the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council. LGROW is an agency of the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (GVMC) - an alliance of governmental units in the West Michigan area that are appointed to plan for growth and development, improve the quality of the community's life, and coordinate governmental services.

Ready for another river cleanup? Sign up below to join our friends in the Rush Creek watershed tomorrow, September 12!
09/11/2026

Ready for another river cleanup? Sign up below to join our friends in the Rush Creek watershed tomorrow, September 12!

🌌 NATURE’S NIGHT SHIFT: Join Kent County Parks Department and LGROW for a unique nighttime bioblitz at Seidman Park! W...
09/09/2026

🌌 NATURE’S NIGHT SHIFT: Join Kent County Parks Department and LGROW for a unique nighttime bioblitz at Seidman Park!

We are teaming up with special guest and caddisfly expert, Dr. David Houghton of Hillsdale College, for an evening of "caddising" along Honey Creek.

🔬What is Caddising?
We will use various light spectra on white sheets to attract caddisflies, moths, beetles, and other fascinating nocturnal insects.

💧 Why it matters:
Caddisflies are incredible indicators of stream health. By taking photos and uploading them to iNaturalist, you will directly help us document the biodiversity and health of the watershed!

📅 When: Friday, September 18th at 7:30 P.M.
📍 Where: Seidman Park (8155 Conservation Road, Ada, MI 49301)
🎟️ Registration: Please register at: https://www.kentcountymi.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=2241&month=9&year=2026&day=13&calType=0

09/03/2026

🌳 GET PAID TO PLANT TREES AND HELP GREEN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS!

C4 is partnering with Friends of Grand Rapids Parks for Neighborwoods 2026, and we want community members to be part of it.

On September 25 and 26, volunteers will come together to plant 200 trees in and around the Garfield Park neighborhood, making a direct investment in the health and future of our community.

💵 STIPENDS ARE AVAILABLE for eligible community members who volunteer for a two-hour planting shift!

Who is eligible? Residents throughout the entire 49507 ZIP code and eligible southwest portions of 49503, including:

Garfield Park • Boston Square • Oakdale • MLK Park • Alger Heights • Baxter • Burton Heights • Roosevelt Park, including Black Hills

Why does planting trees matter? A healthy neighborhood tree canopy can help lower household cooling costs, improve air quality, reduce extreme heat, manage stormwater, support property values, and create healthier, greener neighborhoods for children and families.

Community involvement matters, too. The people who live in our neighborhoods should have a direct role in shaping and benefiting from environmental investments in their community. Your time and participation have value.

💵 Stipend Payment: Your final stipend amount will be issued in one check and mailed to you within two weeks after participating in the tree planting event.

After planting concludes around noon on Saturday, join us for a FREE community picnic and celebration at Garfield Park. There will also be a tree giveaway!

📅 September 25 & 26
🌳 200 trees to plant
⏰ Two-hour volunteer shifts
💵 Up to $250 in Stipends available for eligible participants
🍽️ Free Saturday community picnic
🌱 Tree giveaway

Sign up: ⁠https://friendsofgrparks.org/events/neighborwoods/

IMPORTANT WHEN REGISTERING:

When the registration form asks:

“Did you hear about this event from one of our community partners?”

Please click the dropdown menu and select C4.

This helps ensure your participation is connected to C4’s community outreach.

Site Leader Opportunity: If you are interested in serving as a Site Leader and receiving a $50 stipend, select “Site Leader” when choosing your shift during online registration. Selecting this option will automatically prompt you to register for the required Site Leader Training as part of the registration process.

Plant trees. Build community. Invest in our neighborhoods.

08/21/2026

The event calendar for BioBlitz 2026 in Riverside Park just dropped!

Join us (and a bunch of science friends) on August 29 for a day filled with ecology and conservation activities, species identification, citizen science, and of course, community. 👩‍🔬

We hope you'll join us! Learn more and register: friendsofgrparks.org/bioblitz

Huge shout out to our event partners making a robust day of science in Riverside Park possible! Grand Valley State University, MSU Extension, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Encompass Socio-Ecological Consulting, GR Bug Club, John Ball Zoo, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds - Grand Valley Metro Council, Kent Conservation District, Grand Rapids Audubon Club, GR Outside, Giwewat Gteganek Gteganek, Calvin University, and members of Friends' very own Forestry Team!

Address

678 Front Avenue NW Suite 200
Grand Rapids, MI
49504

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16167767605

Website

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