Earth-friendly volunteer opportunities continue beyond Earth Week
HOLLAND — Earth Day is Monday, April 22, and many around the nation are taking advantage of this spotlight to increase awareness and positive action to benefit our natural world. Some local ways to join in can be found in the Earth Day Toolkit, created by the city of Holland in partnership with the ODC Network.
While the ideas and events listed in the toolkit, found on the city’s website, are helpful for intervening this April, there are even more events this spring to help volunteers improve these beloved environments while spending time immersed in them.
Below are three activities open to volunteers. Registration is required for all events, which can be found under “calendar” at outdoordiscovery.org.
Macroinvertebrate Monitoring on May 2
In order to know where interventions are needed most, we need to know where problem areas are located. One of the ways we measure the health of our area streams is by monitoring the populations of various macroinvertebrates, or small aquatic insects.
Many have sensitivities to pollution or changing environmental factors, so their presence or absence can be used to infer information about the state of that area. Join a crew of naturalists at Macroinvertebrate Monitoring, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, May 2, as we head out to local streams to collect insect samples before regrouping for identification.
Lunch will be provided to those that stay for identification.
Volunteer Rainscaping Training on May 7 and 21
Within our watershed, we have to manage stormwater that falls during rain events to prevent flooding and ensure that our underground aquifers are being replenished. A way to assist in this endeavor involves rainscaping.
Rainscaping is a method of watershed restoration that uses green infrastructure practices to manage rainwater where it falls, such as rain barrels, rain gardens, using trees or other native plants, and riparian buffers. Normally, those interested in implementing these practices at home could contact ODC, who visits their location, completes a free site assessment, and provides resources and recommendations for site-appropriate rainscaping practices.
While we're excited there's been an increase in homeowners looking to use these techniques, we're approaching our limit of free site assessments. Join us for the Volunteer Rainscaping Training from 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, May 7 and 21, for a two-part training that will inform and prepare participants to complete site assessments for others, increasing access.
Lake Macatawa Cleanup at Window on the Waterfront on May 18
All of the organisms that rely on Lake Macatawa, as well as the wetland areas near the lake, are affected by trash that finds its way into Lake Mac. Join us at the Lake Macatawa Cleanup at Window on the Waterfront from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, May 18. All necessary trash-collecting materials such as bags, gloves and grabbers will be provided.
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In Holland, residents and visitors both share the benefits of, and a responsibility to, our extensive waterfront access. Help us care for these environments now so they may be enjoyed for years to come.
— Sarah Washabaugh is a conservation educator with the ODC Network.
About This Series:MiSustainable Holland is a collection of community voices sharing updates about local sustainability initiatives.This Week’s Sustainability Framework Theme: Environmental Awareness/Action: Environmental education and integrating environmental practices into our planning will change negative outcomes of the past and improve our future.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Earth-friendly volunteer opportunities continue beyond Earth Week
