| ©2004 Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council P.O. Box 17164, Lansing, Michigan 48901-7164 (517) 214-5684 jessicayorko@sustainablesolutions.biz |
| River Protection |
Reflections in the Red Cedar
River
River
Storm Drain Labeling
Stormwater drain off the west
branch of the Red Cedar
branch of the Red Cedar
Current Initiatives
Volunteer Stream Monitoring
Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Low Impact Development (Rain Gardens, Rain Barrels, and other things you can do
at home!)
History of River Protection Projects
In April 2003, 4-H students worked with Mid-MEAC volunteers to plant over 300 shrubs and trees
along the banks of the Red Cedar River at Potter Park. This project was funded by KAT (Kids and
Trees) grant. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a great success!
Mid-MEAC and the Clean Water Fund
Designed to create opportunities for local citizen action around river protection in the Lansing
area.
Volunteer Stream Monitoring
Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Low Impact Development (Rain Gardens, Rain Barrels, and other things you can do
at home!)
History of River Protection Projects
In April 2003, 4-H students worked with Mid-MEAC volunteers to plant over 300 shrubs and trees
along the banks of the Red Cedar River at Potter Park. This project was funded by KAT (Kids and
Trees) grant. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a great success!
- In 2002, Mid-MEAC worked with the Water Division of Michigan’s Department of
Environmental Quality to start a volunteer stream monitoring program. Following a half-
day training by Gary Kohlhepp, a DEQ aquatic biologist, volunteers visited eight sites on
the Grand and its local tributaries. By trapping, identifying and counting the bottom
dwelling insects at each site, the amateur scientists calculated the health of that stretch
of water.
- Along with dozens of volunteer groups from around the state, they then sent samples and
data to the DEQ staff specialists who had selected the sites. In this way, Mid-MEAC will
help complete a big picture of surface water conditions. Rachel Disipio and Scott Geib,
student volunteers from MSU’s Lyman Briggs residential college, very competently
planned and administered this kickoff water-testing event.
Mid-MEAC and the Clean Water Fund
Designed to create opportunities for local citizen action around river protection in the Lansing
area.
- Between 1993 and 2003, Mid-MEAC coordinated dozens of projects aimed at river
protection, including:
- Volunteer river clean ups.
- Storm drain stencilling and labeling projects.
- A Riparian Handbook for homeowner along the Red Cedar, along with
educational outreach and classes.