Restoration of the Grand River

Megan Chiappetta, ENS 300 01

Why is it important?

The restoration of the Grand River is extremely important to better the ecosystem and to ensure the health of those who may inhabit it as well as the surrounding communities. The river restoration processes would also help improve water quality, manage vegetation, increase habitats, provide clean air, and stabilize banks. Restoration efforts will also help increase the environments biodiversity, which supports basic human and environmental needs such as; food and health security, energy, helps fight against disease, and provides protection. Biodiversity also promotes outdoor leisure activities that benefit your overall well being as well as supporting many different economic opportunities.

Sustainability Question

Personal Relation

What does it mean to restore the Grand River? What would it look like to restore it? What is being fixed? What is the issue? Pollution. Invasive species. Habitat loss. Who should/can be involved in the steps to improvement? Why should we restore the Grand River's ecosystem?

Growing up I had always been very passionate about the environment and being environmentally friendly. I was a member of a neighborhood club a few of the kids started called "Club Green", where we would go around on our bikes and pick up any litter we saw. The idea was to leave the environment better than we found it. Today, I still try to leave the places I visit better than I found them. The state of the environment is always on my mind. In closer relation to the river itself, I also grew up on the I&M Canal, Des Plaines River, Kankakee River, and the Illinois River creating a deep connection environmentally and emotionally for me.

There were a few class readings that really stood out to me in relation to my theme. Specifically the readings that mention the wildlife habitats, invasive species, and the pollution of the Grand River as well as the transportation usage and history.

Location

The location of each observation came from the Upper Grand Ravines Park near the Grand Valley State University campus. Within the park there is a very nice paved path and trail that lead to a dog park through the woods and back to the upper lodge. The river is open to fishing and boating. There are often many people in the area hiking, waking their dogs, hammocking, exercising, and just enjoying nature. There are also a few trees known for being hotspots for bald eagle sightings.

Location Photographs and Drawings

All done/ take by me