nature
Our Community's Children director retires, looks back on public service
by (Brett)
Submitted 01-14-2021 under LOCAL LIFE
After more than two decades as executive director for Our Community’s Children (OCC), Lynn Heemstra retired from her role Jan. 5, leaving behind a legacy of youth advocacy. OCC, a public-private partnership between the City of Grand Rapids,...
A two-for-one deal: Volunteers help improve 'rabbitat'
by (Michigan Wildli...)
Submitted 12-05-2018 under NONPROFITS
Cottontail rabbits are such a common sight in southern Michigan’s city parks, gardens and backyards that you may never think about where else they live or about the habitat they need beyond our neighborhoods. But rabbits also live on public...
Flight club: Singing the praises-and dispelling the myths-of Michigan bats
by (Michigan Wildli...)
Submitted 10-17-2018 under NONPROFITS
This month, you’ll probably see a lot of red-eyed, fang-bared bat decorations for Halloween. Bats are nearly synonymous with the spooky holiday, but this association doesn’t do them any favors. In fact, bats are among the most...
Angling for a better Michigan economy
by (Michigan Wildli...)
Submitted 05-28-2018 under NONPROFITS
Spring is an exciting time of year for Michigan fishermen, aka anglers. Now that the ice has melted for the year, anglers are switching gear and starting to head out for open water to their favorite fishing holes to spend time with friends and...
Grand Rapids Downtown Market hosts free Spring Break activities for kids on April 4
by (Downtown Market GR)
Submitted 03-27-2018 under NONPROFITS
On April 4, the Grand Rapids Downtown Market will host Lil Green Thumbs: Spring Break in the Greenhouse, a free event for kids and families, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Families looking for something fun to do with the kids during Spring Break can...
Nature, mindfulness pair up for a weekend getaway—especially for women
by (Queenofgr)
Submitted 02-17-2017 under OPINION
Feeling overwhelmed, under pressure, and in dire need of a Calgon moment? Michelle Skedgell of Pierce Cedar Creek Institute and Carol Hendershot of Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness know just how you feel. And, they decided to do...
Growing Up Blandford Campaign seeks to increase capacity for Blandford Nature Center
by (GRTV)
Submitted 01-04-2017 under NONPROFITS
In this week’s episode of GRTV’s NPO Showcase, Corey Turner, Development Manager at Blandford Nature Center, discusses the Growing Up Blandford Campaign and how this community-supported effort will help Blandford welcome even more...
How to grow a rain garden in Grand Rapids to protect local watersheds
by (Calvin College)
Submitted 08-08-2016 under PLACE-MATTERS
Written by Joel Betts, Green Infrastructure Associate with Plaster Creek Stewards Rain gardens have become an increasingly important tool in many urban areas for addressing the negative aspects of stormwater runoff. Over the last few years, Plaster...
Parks are living rooms of our neighborhoods, hold communal memories
by (FriendsofGRParks)
Submitted 05-03-2016 under PLACE-MATTERS
At Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, it is easy to get caught up in the logistics of managing parks and green spaces. As a hyper-organized young professional, it is far easier to get lost in park and open space planning. I can easily spend a day...
Holographic sculpture uses unlikely materials for new purposes
by (averym92)
Submitted 10-06-2015 under NEWS
Robin Protz’s ArtPrize entry “Seasons,” on display at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, is a 3-D entry that depicts a tree in what Protz calls a “holographic sculpture.” If Protz’s name sounds familiar, this is...