Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds (LGROW)
The Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds (LGROW) is the Department of Environmental Programs in the Grand Valley Metro Council. This puts LGROW in a unique position to blend non-governmental organizations with the local government members of GVMC. This collaboration empowers communities to protect and revitalize the Lower Grand River watershed. Visit the LGROW website for more information about this department.
1. Healthy Watersheds
WATERSHED MANAGEMENT
LGROW developed the Lower Grand River Watershed Management Plan, which describes a framework for improving water quality in the watershed, specifically addressing non-point source pollution. Implementation strategies include addressing agricultural runoff, preserving and restoring regional green infrastructure, and installing local, site-specific low impact development practices. Involving partners who are responsible and able to acquire and manage land for habitat and water resource protection is vital for the future health of a watershed. The Watershed Management Plan is available here.
NATURAL CONNECTIONS
Green Infrastructure
Freshly planted curb cut bioswale collecting, filtering, and storing stormwater runoff as well as preventing street flooding. This bioswale was a part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Green infrastructure is the practice of infiltrating stormwater by use of natural systems in order to reestablish a healthy water flow. These systems allow for the infiltration of stormwater before it is released into conventional storm sewer systems, protecting our lakes, rivers, and streams from harmful pollutants. Green infrastructure practices promote healthy community features such as public parks, forests, rivers, wetlands, and lakes. Using these natural systems to treat stormwater results in cleaner water, improved air quality, healthy wildlife habitats, and safer recreation sites. Urban areas are required to meet state and federal regulations to clean up rivers and reduce stormwater runoff. With green infrastructure, these communities can create comprehensive plans, determine new development areas and redevelop other areas in need and will improve local communities and attract jobs.
Rainscaping
The LGROW Rainscaping Program: Treating Stormwater Naturally using a method of watershed management that promotes green infrastructure awareness and implementation among homeowners, landscapers, and contractors. The program highlights both the benefits of green infrastructure and the skills required for installation. Rainscaping practices include rain barrels to collect stormwater from rooftop runoff, rain gardens that collect, filter and store runoff, curb cuts that divert runoff from streets to rain gardens, and more.
2. Engaged Community
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
GVMC and LGROW are involved in educating students throughout the Lower Grand River Watershed about stormwater, water quality, and general watershed stewardship. More information on our educational offerings can be found here.
LGROW Staff teaching students about Non-point Source (NPS) pollution with the Pollution Solution Catch Basins. To learn more about stormwater pollution and how to prevent it visit www.lgrow.org/stormwater
3. Robust Organization
LGROW’s members and partners have formed committees to address the issues and concerns of the Watershed. These committees bring together members of the community and local municipalities to work together on watershed issues. To learn more about the LGROW committees, their goals, meeting dates, and to see agendas and minutes click here.
You can learn more about LGROW’s Board of Directors here.