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Go Green Youth Challenge: How to get fresh trees in your community

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Thursday, June 13th, 2013, 4:34pm
Go Green Youth Challenge: How to get fresh trees in your community

Applications are being accepted for the Go Green Youth Challenge tree planting grants.

Children from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to participate.  Participants are challenged to collect change individually, with their class or with a club each spring.  The change will go toward community tree plantings by the Michigan Arbor Day Alliance, as well as program outreach efforts.  The team that raises the most for the Go Green Youth Challenge will be awarded with a tree planning in their community.  They also get an invitation to the state Arbor Day celebration in April at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing.

Local governments, public educational institutions, public libraries, non-profit organizations, non-profit organizations, neighborhood associations, churches and tribal governments can also apply for a Go Green youth Challenge tree planting grant by visiting this websit

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Is Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park the 8th Wonder of the World?

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Friday, June 7th, 2013, 7:00am
Is Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park the 8th Wonder of the World?

GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, Mich.—Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is in the running to become the “8th Wonder of the World.”

Now through September 30, people can vote for their favorite attraction in on online poll created by Virtual Tourist.  More than 300 attractions are competing for the title, including Frederik Meijer Gardens, Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, as well as Frankenmuth, Michigan.

Each visitors is limited to one vote a day. To cast your vote, click here.

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Village design project kickoff planned for June 17

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Friday, May 31st, 2013, 2:03pm
Village design project kickoff planned for June 17

ADA TOWNSHIP, Mich.—The Ada Township Board and Downtown Development Authority Board hope to kick off  their village design plan Monday, June 17.

The Township picked Progressive AE to prepare the village design plan.  Progressive AE’s proposal includes showcasing the riverfront, creating a central focal point at Ada Drive and Thornapple River Drive, improving safety on roadways by adding medians and possibly including biking and parking lanes, reconfiguring the Thornapple Village Shopping Center, and expanding recreational opportunities.

Progressive AE plans to hold public forums to revise its plan. If all goes well, the developer will present its final approved plan in October 2013.

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Recycle your e-waste for free May 31

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Thursday, May 30th, 2013, 3:38pm
Recycle your e-waste for free May 31

If you need to get rid of some e-waste for free, now is your chance. 

On May 31, Metron Integrated Health Systems is teaming up with Advanced Technology Recycling to accept electronics at Metron’s Lamont facility, located at 13030 Commercial St.  Visitors can drop off their e-waste from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.  Metron will accept anything that plugs into a wall that contains a circuit board and/or batteries.  Devices that contain Freon, lighting fixtures and large household appliances will not be accepted.

Organizers say Metron wanted to coordinate this free recycling event to help clear out clutter that poses a risk of tripping and falling.  The company plans to hold additional e-waste recycling events throughout the year.

Metron has six facilities across West Michigan providing a variety of services, ranging from rehabilitation to blood pressure clinics.  Locations include:

  • 414 E.
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Learn how to use Michigan plants in your garden May 8

Submitted by Cheri Mikowski, WZZM Receptionist & Community Blogger
Tuesday, May 7th, 2013, 7:00am
Learn how to use Michigan plants in your garden May 8

GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, Mich.-- Gardeners can learn how to use Michigan plants during the Kent Conservation District's Native Plant Workshop May 8.

Vern Stephens will answer questions about how to use Michigan plants during the presentation, which runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.  The workshop is also your last chance to place a native plant order. Pick-up, along with a "Cash 'n' Carry Sale" is Friday, May 10 from 3  p.m. to 7p.m.  Visitors can look at all the plants offered and check out a few of Vern’s surprises.

The Kent Conservation District is located at 3260 Eagle Park Drive NE, Suite 111 in Grand Rapids. To register or for more information, go online to www.kentconservation.org or call (616) 942-4111, Ext. 100.

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Energy usage monitors now available for checkout at local library

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Tuesday, April 30th, 2013, 2:54pm

If you have a card to the Kent District Library, you can now check your energy usage for free.

Visitors to the library can check out an energy usage monitor to gauge their home appliance electricity use.  Kent District Library launched the pilot program in February at its Englehardt branch in Lowell, through a partnership with Lowell Light & Power.  Consumers Energy is also backing the program.

Kent District Library has nearly 250,000 cardholders at 18 branches representing 26 Kent County communities.

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Great Lakes Energy and Green Living Expo May 4

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Monday, April 29th, 2013, 11:47am

FOREST HILLS, Mich.-- How does energy consumption affect the Great Lakes?

Students from Central Woodlands plan to answer that question during the Great Lakes Energy and Green Living Expo this Saturday, May 4.

With the help of four teachers and the Groundswell organization, sixth grade students on the Geek Squad Team will present a community-wide energy exhibition. The Geek Squad Team spent months researching energy, and is now working with community partners to inform and educate visitors on energy conservation and alternatives.

The energy expo will also feature alternative energy presentations by several organizations, as well as exhibits focused on incorporating "green living" into homes. The Great Lakes Energy and Green Living Expo will take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 4 at  the Central Woodlands 5/6 School, located at 400 Alta Dale Avenue SE.

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