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The following are members of the Groundswell Advisory Council: 

Chair: Michelle Storey, EGLE

Vice Chair: Courtney Marek, Ada Parks & Recreation

Secretary: Christina Catanese, GVSU AWRI

Chair of the Professional Learning Committee: Wendi Vogel, Kent ISD

Chair of the Projects Committee: Micah Herrboldt, Kent County Recycling and Education Center

Chair of the Teacher Committee: Keith Piccard, Allendale Middle School

Chair of the Advancement Committee: Vacant

Grand Valley State University Groundswell Representatives:

Allison Palm (Teacher Committee & Professional Learning Committee)

Clay Pelon (Advancement Committee)

Mara Spears (Projects Committee & Professional Learning Committee)

Vicky Wright (Advancement Committee, Professional Learning Committee)

We met on March 10, 2025 and you can find a draft of the meeting minutes here that provide updates on grant funding, committee work, and much more! Our next meeting will be on June 9, 2025. 

Please join us for our 2025 Partner Celebration! We want to celebrate your efforts and support of our educators, their students, and our communities in Ottawa and Kent Counties this year. Enjoy heavy appetizers and a drink on us! 

Date: Monday, June 9, 2025

5:00 - 6:30 PM  |  Groundswell Partner Celebration (food will be served)

Location: Brewery Vivant, 925 Cherry St., Grand Rapids, MI 49506 

Parking: Free parking is available in the lot behind Brewery Vivant between Cherry St. and Lake Dr.

Please RSVP here or use the button below.

RSVPs are due Friday, May 30th. 

We are excited to announce the hiring of Caitlin Portko as the new Office Coordinator for the Center for Educational Partnerships (CEP) in the College of Education and Community Innovation at Grand Valley State University. In this vital role, Cait will provide essential support to the CEP team, assist with the coordination of numerous events, and help manage multiple budgets, including grant-funded projects. As the first point of contact for the office, Cait will also play a key role in connecting the CEP with the broader community and our valued partners. We are thrilled to welcome Cait to the team!

GROUNDSWELL RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE GREAT LAKES FISHERY TRUST

We’re excited to announce that Groundswell has received grant funding from the Great Lakes Fishery Trust to support a watershed education initiative in West Michigan. Using a place-based approach and the Great Lakes MWEE Toolkit, local teachers and students will explore their local waterways and partner with community organizations, such as LGROW, to design projects that protect and improve the Lake Michigan Basin for both people and wildlife.

GROUNDSWELL RECEIVES MiSTEM GRANT TO SUPPORT SUMMER INSTITUTE

We’re thrilled to share that Groundswell has received a $10,000 grant from MiSTEM to enhance the 2025 Summer Institute—a multi-day professional learning event focused on place-based and student-centered learning. Summer Institute empowers educators in Kent and Ottawa counties to bring environmental stewardship and real-world learning into their classrooms.

Blandford Nature Center is partnering with Kent County Parks to offer a range of science and art based programming in various Kent County Parks called Nature Neighbors. Programs start May 6th and run through September 27th. To learn more, check out their website!

Join the 2025 City Nature Challenge! John Ball Zoo is having a friendly competition with Detroit Zoo. This is a great opportunity for families to get outdoors and be curious together!

Looking to post a job within our community? Email groundswell@gvsu.edu with a link to your job posting and how to apply and we will post it here!

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