KENT COUNTY, Mich. -- A bus tour around Kent County on August 13 will focus on the success of federally funded restoration projects in the Lower Grand River Watershed.
It is being hosted by the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council.
The bus will stop at Lemery Park in Wyoming, plus the John Ball Zoo, North Park Montessori School and the Kent Intermediate School District site in Grand Rapids. The Healing Our Waters Great Lakes Coalition is sponsoring the bus tour.
The GVMC provided more details in a news release:
Bus tour of projects funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
WHAT:
A bus tour will showcase the remarkable progress achieved in the Lower Grand River Watershed made possible through funding from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). Site visits will highlight restoration projects that have been pivotal in achieving the restoration of the Watershed and ultimately the Grand River. This tour is made possible by sponsorship from the Healing Our Waters Great Lakes Coalition.
WHO: Organizers: GVMC is an alliance of governmental units in the West Michigan area that are appointed to plan for the growth and development, improve the quality of the community's life, and coordinate governmental services. LGROW is an agency of GVMC with a mission to understand, protect, and improve the natural resources of the Lower Grand River Watershed for all to enjoy. Speakers: GVMC: John Weiss, Executive Director; Cara Decker, Director of Environmental Programs; City of Wyoming: Grant Simons, Civil Engineer, Krashawn Martin, Director of Parks and Recreation; John Ball Zoo: Bill Flanagan, Conservation Manager; City of Grand Rapids: Michael Staal, Project Manager; Grand Rapids Public Schools, TBD; Kent Career Tech Center, a program of Kent ISD: Heather Pratt, Agriscience Instructor Notable Attendees: US House of Representatives: Hilary Scholten; US Senate: Gary Peters representative Abby Klomparens; MI Senate: Mark Huizenga representatives Ryan Knight and Josh Volk; City of Grand Rapids Commissioner: Marshall Kilgore
WHY: To highlight the success of federally funded restoration projects in the Lower Grand River Watershed. Our goal is to raise awareness of the impact of the GLRI among the public, elected officials, business, and community groups. The Great Lakes are the source of drinking water for more than 40 million people and federal investments to protect and restore the Great Lakes are delivering results in communities around the region. Restoration investments can also address impacts from our changing climate through nature-based infrastructure and habitat improvement projects, helping reduce flooding and other serious threats. Despite this progress, serious threats to our environment and water resources remain. The effectiveness of Great Lakes restoration, the ability to provide clean and affordable water, and the ability to help communities prepare for the impacts of climate change depends on robust federal investment and partnership. The continued funding of the GLRI program and the agency staff to carry out these projects is vital to our success.
WHERE/WHEN:
● Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2025
● Location: Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan
● Tentative Itinerary: 9:30am: Board bus at GVMC offices (free parking) Bus stops at Lemery Park (City of Wyoming), John Ball Zoo (City of Grand Rapids), North Park Montessori (Grand Rapids Public School), and Kent ISD (City of Grand Rapids) Boxed lunch will be provided on this tour for attendees riding the bus Around 2pm bus will return to the GVMC offices.
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The Grand Valley Metro Council (GVMC) is a council of governments dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of the people of our metropolitan area through collaboration among regional partners. For more information on GVMC, please visit gvmc.org.