Author: Mara Spears, CEP Project Specialist Staff, Elana Burns, Communications Content Student Assistant

From Groundswell to You

   6 Elements of PBSE

   Research Your Issue: Climate Change & Student Dialogue

   Network Social Hour Feb 27

   Deadline Extended for Stewardship Project Participation

   GVSU Is A Leader In Green Colleges USA

Friends of Groundswell

   West MI Conservation Network Event Calendar

We are pleased to provide our network with updated resources on the foundational framework of our program: the 6 Elements of Place-Based Stewardship Education (PBSE). This framework is the outline we use as we work with educators to create high quality environmental stewardship projects with students. 

Our staff has worked in collaboration with the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative to development detailed guides for each element, along with recommendations for enhancing these project elements for all grade levels. 

Check these out in our resources Google folder linked below. 

Michigan Climate Action Network (MICAN) will be leading a virtual webinar about how to talk to students about climate change in the classroom and empowering youth to be environmental stewards. This professional learning opportunity will focus on language use regarding climate change; join us for an evening of discussion as we explore practical ways to mindfully teach pK12 students this topic from a position of empathy and import. MICAN staff will guide participants through strategies on how to deliver climate change education without creating overwhelm. Participants will gain confidence in teaching this subject to students and the wider public, as well as receive resources to support climate stewardship on a global and local level. 

Groundswell is excited to offer a social event for our community of educators, local business owners, nonprofit leaders, and stewardship experts. This event will include light programming, where our staff will share with you several program updates and provide you with time to ask questions and engage with our team. The rest of the evening will be dedicating to networking and enjoying one another's company. This will be an opportunity for our community to come together to share space, talk, and engage with one another. 

One drink ticket will be offered to each attendee! Light refreshments will be provided. 

Due to the nature of this event, there will not be any SCECHs available for attendees. 

We've extended the deadline for educators to submit their Rough Draft Brainstorm Doc for stewardship projects. Educators now have until March to fill out the first potion of their brainstorm doc. 

Each school/class who wishes to receive funding from our program must work to fill out a Brainstorm Document, which is intended to be a living document that can be edited throughout the academic year. This will help guide a teacher in designing a stewardship project.

To get started on a Groundswell Project, click on the button below to find your school's folder, then open your brainstorm doc to get started!

Don't see a folder for your school? Click on a blank folder and rename it to "SCHOOL NAME - Groundswell Project 2024-2025" and start from there. Explore this new document and accompanying resources in our Groundswell Google Drive. Click the button below to begin!

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Green Colleges in the nation by The Princeton Review, ranking #27 and standing out as the only Michigan university on the 2024 list. This recognition highlights GVSU’s innovative sustainable practices on campus and in its curriculum, as well as its commitment to fostering a greener future. Groundswell celebrates GVSU’s dedication to sustainability and applauds the efforts of students and staff driving initiatives like zero-waste football games and green roofs. It’s our Groundswell mission to create lifelong environmental stewards, and we are proud to belong to a university that embodies this practice. 

Explore more about this incredible honor at the link below.

The West Michigan Conservation Network offers an exciting event calendar filled with fun, educational opportunities for all ages and educators alike. From nature walks to workshops, these events are designed to inspire a love for the outdoors and promote conservation efforts in the community. Groundswell encourages you to explore these enriching activities and connect with others who are passionate about protecting our natural world. Check it out and plan your next adventure at the link below.

Questions? Please contact Groundswell at groundswell@gvsu.edu.