Project Description: East Rockford Middle School (ERMS) is committed to managing storm
water runoff and related nonpoint source pollution in the Rogue River
watershed. In the fall, 120 seventh graders worked with Trout
Unlimited on an educational program called the Leaf Pack Network to
assess water quality by collecting and analyzing stream data.
Sixth-graders implemented practices to prevent nonpoint source
pollutants from entering the Rogue River in the City of Rockford, and
to educate the community on the effects of stormwater runoff. In
December, students presented their project proposal to the city at a
council meeting. They proposed planting two rain gardens in downtown Rockford.
In April, sixth-graders hosted a community rain barrel making
workshop and then in May taught all ERMS sixth graders about the use
of rain barrels. Forty-two rain barrels were sold to community members
and sales continue today. In May, students and community members
planted 3,500 plants in a native revegetation garden in downtown
Rockford to mitigate the runoff from three parking areas, and signage
about the project was added in the summer.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship: Students are more connected to their community and to the local environment.
Partners: Trout Unlimited
Teachers: 3
Students: 172
Funder: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Michigan
Department of Environmental Quality
Project Description: The Earth Keepers designed and planted a second bioswale in
downtown Rockford along the White Pine Trail in a highly visible
location. City officials and many local volunteers provided
assistance. This site, just steps from last year’s garden, was overrun
by Phragmites, which students treated with the help of the Kent
Conservation District.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship: Students now understand the important role native plants play,
and how healthy ecosystems must maintain biodiversity.
Partners: Trout Unlimited, Georgia Donovan Art, Kent Conservation District
Teachers: 3
Students: 180
Funder: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Michigan
Department of Environmental Quality
Project Description: East Rockford Middle School students conducted a site assessment
of a large green space to the east of the school. The green space was
frequently mowed but unused by students. Students researched the
ecosystems that existed on that site, before agriculture, and
discovered it would have been a black oak barren. Trees and vegetation
from that ecosystem were selected and students decided where to plant
them. Students then planted the native trees and plants. They also
selected a site for benches to be installed for an outdoor learning center.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship: Students have become more connected to their environment through
awareness-raising about water runoff on impermeable surfaces, and
through planting native plants.
Partners: Rebecca Marquardt, Landscape Architect; Creekside Garden Center
