West Michigan Environmental Action Council - The WMEAC Blog

West
Michigan
Environmental
Action
Council
Annual Report 2003

The mission of the West Michigan Environmental Action
Council is to protect and enhance West Michigan’s
natural and human environment and to help people
translate their concern into positive action.
STAFF
l-r, Tom Cary, Program Director
Karla Kauffman, Community Organizer
Patricia Pennell, Rain Gardens Coordinator
Shawn Wessell, Water Programs Coordinator
Theresa Hogerheide-Reusch, Program Assistant
Lisa Locke, Administrative Coordinator
Tom Leonard, Executive Director
Ken Secord, Bookkeeper
Missing from photo: Clinton Boyd, Program Assistant
ANNUAL REPORT PRODUCTION
Editor – Lisa Locke
Layout/Design – Marilyn Matula
Photos – WMEAC Staff
WEST MICHIGAN ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION COUNCIL
1514 Wealthy, SE, Suite 280 Grand Rapids, MI 49506
616-451-3051 www.wmeac.org
2003 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President – Karel Rogers
Vice President – Dean Salisbury
Treasurer – Stanley Dole, Jr.
Secretary – Tim Ball
Guy Bazzani Carol McGeehan
Willie Beattie Greg Murray
Jon DenHerder Kelly Parker
Karen Gipson George Schumann
Robert Hamilton Ted Stojak
Marjorie Kuipers Steve Utic

Karel Rogers, Ph.D.
President of the Board
During this year we have made great progress
in working toward a sustainable future for the West
Michigan region and for WMEAC. Our established
programs are strong and growing, our new programs
are developing nicely, our financial picture is
reasonable given the difficult economic times, and
our vision for the future is exciting.
WMEAC has been strong and active in West
Michigan for 36 years and, during that time, has
advocated, educated and promoted responsible care
for all facets of our environment including air, water,
soil and ecosystem sustainability. As West Michigan
has grown economically and in human population, the
challenges have increased dramatically; but WMEAC
has kept pace. From early work in advocating
restriction of DDT use to modern work for social
justice, sustainable business practices, wise land
use and protection of common resources, WMEAC has
been effective. Because of WMEAC’s long history of
success, the organization is uniquely poised to help
move the West Michigan region into a more
sustainable future.
Historical sprawling patterns of development
in West Michigan have led to energy inefficiencies,
segregation of people by race and socioeconomic
group, decline of water quality and loss of farmland.
All of these trends are not sustainable and all create
many short-term crises that, addressed in isolation,
continue an escalating trend of non-sustainability.
Yet leaders at all levels in West Michigan are ready
to make systemic changes that will ensure a more
favorable outcome for our future. WMEAC is ready to
collaborate with local partners and also ready to take
a leadership role in helping to revolutionize negative
trends into positive ones.
PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE
In particular, we envision sincerely "walking our
talk" by moving our offices to a LEED certified, toxinfree
building that absorbs storm water on site and
uses it as a resource to recharge groundwater.
This site is an inner city brown field that has been
reclaimed and the building roof will become more
green space through the use of a green roof. The
building will be designed for use as an educational
facility to teach energy efficiency, storm water
reduction, reduction of heat-island effects, reclamation
of surfaces for habitat, and community re-building.
Redeveloping our city centers in this style will save
public money, protect our ecosystems and improve
our quality of life. Mass transit scenarios will become
more feasible and our ecological footprint will shrink.
This sounds like a big step, but WMEAC is ready for it
and so is West Michigan.
As you read this annual report, which we present
to you with pride, we hope you will catch our
excitement for the positive possibilities our future
holds. We, together, can impact our future and the
future of this region. We have no other choice. We
owe it to our grandchildren.
WMEAC ANNUAL REPORT 2003 3

ADVOCACY
by Karla Kauffman, Community Organizer
2003 saw us organizing around several issues, but
it was the Year of Lead for me, as the State of Michigan
made strides on creating lead-safe environments for
our children.
Lead – An important investigative series by the
Detroit Free Press, the Governor’s Call to Action and six
bills making headway in the state Legislature. Get the
Lead Out!, a collaborative of over 30 local groups, and
Saquemos el Plomo!, a network of 10 agencies working
with the Hispanic community that WMEAC formed, led
the Grand Rapids efforts in making Grand Rapids leadsafe
for children.
Here in Grand Rapids, we helped host two town
hall meetings, met with state legislators and county
commissioners several times, and gave over 15
presentations in the Hispanic community. In
November we received word that we will receive
an Environmental Justice grant from the EPA for
community organizing for the next three years. This
will enable WMEAC to continue our work on children’s
lead poisoning.
Water – The biggest and farthest-reaching victory of
the year 2003 was, and remains, water pollution permit
fees, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
system (NPDES) mandated by federal law. WMEAC
helped plan a press conference at Riverside Park in
May and a rally at 6th St. Park in June, as well as
generated letters to the editor, and phone calls and
e-mails to legislators. The legislation, degraded at the
last minute by political game playing, was improved by
the threat of the Governor’s veto, and was signed into
law in 2004.
Religion, Ecology and Spirituality – The Religion,
Ecology, and Spirituality Group, in its seventh year,
held their annual Interfaith Earth Day service at Unity
Church of Peace. RES focused on water and water
pollution particularly the NPDES fees, in "Blessing
Waters", which over 80 people attended. Presenters
were from Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim and
other traditions.
"I rise in the morning torn between a desire to improve
(or save) the world and a desire to enjoy (or savour) it.
This makes it hard to plan the day." – E.B. White
Cup of Justice Group – A new group, Cup of Justice,
emerged from RES in 2002. Five community members
are involved in this effort to communicate with the
Grand Rapids community about the environmental
and social justice issues in our cup of coffee. Cup of
Justice held a conference on October 4, "Wake up your
Conscience!", attended by 45 people at the Dominican
Center. The group also obtained a grant for Karla
Kauffman to provide presentations in 2004 to build
consumer awareness and demand for fair trade, shade
grown, bird-friendly, organic coffee.
Land Use – 2003 was also a big year in land use
discussions. The Governor convened a Land Use
Leadership Council, and one victory was seeing state
lawmakers pass legislation on some of their proposals.
WMEAC, working with other groups, organized a
postcard campaign urging the Governor to support
smart growth policies. A coalition of environmental
groups turned in over 10,000 to the Governor on July 31.
Concerned Citizens for Saugatuck Dunes State
Park continue their vigilance for the integrity of the
park. They held a public forum on July 29 which 120
people and the media attended. In December, 85
people attended a public forum at Holland Public
Library. Panelists included: CCSDSP, Dave Dempsey
of MEC, the Mayor of Holland, Trustee of Laketown
Township, and Chair of Holland BPW. WMEAC
continued our consulting assistance to the group.
WMEAC spearheaded ‘This Land is Our Land"
on June 21, a tour de sprawl planned by local land
use organizations. Over 20 people came, including
several elected officials. In the fall, we participated
in planning the local Call to Renewal Sprawl Action
Group’s series on “Faith, Land Use & the Common Good",
held at faith communities around the area. WMEAC’s
Karel Rogers and Patricia Pennell presented on Green
Infrastructure.
WMEAC Activism – WMEAC’s voice was heard by our
local, state and national legislators on these issues
and many others. WMEAC will continue to speak out
in 2004; it is work never done. As the Talmud says, you
might never complete your work, but you are not at liberty to
quit it.
4 WMEAC ANNUAL REPORT 2003

During the past year, the West Michigan Sustainable
Business Forum continued to educate, motivate, and
provide leadership to organizations seeking to maintain
economic, social and environmental sustainability. Not
only has the work of the forum continued to affect the
various organizations in which we, as members, are
involved every day, but that influence is felt throughout
the state and beyond.
The year was highlighted by receipt of the MVP2
(Most Valuable Pollution Prevention) Award from the
Washington, D.C.-based National Pollution Prevention
Roundtable. The Roundtable cited the Sustainable
Business Forum for "facilitating noteworthy achievements in
sustainable business practice" and for its "unusual and innovative
partnerships, with broad goals." The Forum was among 12
recipients nationally, and one of only two in Michigan,
to receive honors. Staff and representatives of the
Sustainable Business Forum received the award in a
Washington D.C. ceremony that included the participation
of Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers and officials of the
National Pollution Prevention Roundtable.
The past year also brought a unique partnership
between the Sustainable Business Forum and the Inner
City Christian Federation (ICCF). Named "My Healthy
Green Home", this project combines the experience and
influence of ICCF in neighborhood development and
construction of affordable housing, with the green design
expertise and business influence of the Sustainable
Business Forum. Not only will this partnership result in
Access Business Group LLC
Aquinas College
ASMO Manufacturing, Inc.
Bazzani Associates, Inc.
Beta Design Group
BIFMA International
BLDI Environmental and Safety
Management
Byce and Associates
Cascade Engineering Family of Companies
City of Grand Rapids, EPD
Community Foundation for
Muskegon County.
Consumers Energy
Crystal Flash, Ltd.
Delphi Automotive
Design Plus
EARTH TECH, Inc.
Eaton Aerospace Actuation and Controls
Elmridge Construction
Envirologic Technologies, Inc
Environmental Resources Management, Inc.
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS FORUM
SBF MEMBERS
Feyen-Zylstra, Inc.
Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr and Huber
GMB Architects-Engineers
Grand Valley State University
Guilford of Maine
Haworth Inc.
Hemp Goods, Etc.
Herman Miller, Inc.
Integrated Architecture, PC
Irwin Seating Company
Kalamazoo Nature Center
Kurdziel Industries, Inc
Lake Affect Design Studio
Lorin Industries
Lott 3 Metz Architecture
Louis Padnos Iron and Metal Co.
Mackinaw Power, LLC
MagnaDonnelly Corporation
Nichols Paper and Supply
Nucraft Furniture Company
Oakcroft
Owen-Ames-Kimball Engineering, Inc.
by Bob Van Stright, President
construction of an affordable, multi-family "green" urban
dwelling, but the goal is to establish guidelines and
principles that can be easily replicated and will build
general awareness and acceptance of the advantages of
sustainable home design and construction.
Each month the Forum holds its monthly meetings
at various locations around West Michigan. With regular
attendance growing to 40 or more participants, these
meeting are an important source for education and
discussion of the principles of business sustainability.
During the past year these meetings covered a diverse
range of topics including: fuel cell technology, soy-based
packaging materials, urban growth, and rain gardens.
Our work groups, which are made up of employees
from member companies, focus on specific areas of
sustainability. Currently there are four active areas which
include: pollution prevention (reduce, reuse, recycle),
energy, green building/facilities, and design. While the
pollution prevention and energy committees remain active
with independent projects, the Green Building and Design
groups have temporarily focused their efforts on activities
involved with "My Healthy Green Home".
The West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum is
successful because of the efforts of so many individuals
at WMEAC and within the business membership. Thanks
to all those individuals for their efforts and to the member
organizations for their commitment to the cause of
sustainability.
Perrigo Company
Pettis and Associates
Pfizer North American Shared Services
Plow
Progressive AE
Rhoades McKee
Sara Lee Corporation - US Foods
Seyferth Spaulding Tennyson Inc.
Sierra Consultants, Inc.
Small Business Association of Michigan
Steelcase Incorporated
Studio Z Textiles, LLC
Suspa Incorporated
Sustainable Research Group
The Right Place Program
Trendway Corp
Valley City Environmental Services, Inc.
Varnum Riddering Schmidt and Howlett
Warner Norcross and Judd LLP
Western Michigan University
Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
Yamaha Musical Products
WMEAC ANNUAL REPORT 2003 5

GREATER GRAND RAPIDS
FOOD SYSTEMS COUNCIL
by Tom Cary, Program Coordinator
If you think food is important - then the work
of the Greater Grand Rapids Food Systems Council
should interest you. It is a collaborative of people
with diverse interests who come together through
WMEAC to build a more just and sustainable food
system in West Michigan.
The mission of the GGRFSC is "to support and
promote physical and economic access to sufficient,
nutritious food raised in a sustainable manner with
an emphasis on local production."
We envision a network of local farmers and
gardeners, distributors, processors, chefs, retailers,
agencies and residents working together to create
and operate a local food system. That system would
ensure food security for all, be ecologically and
economically sustainable, enhance productive
capacity, and connect our communities together
and people to the place in which they live.
2003 was a very busy year for the Food Systems
Council. Here are some of the activities:
Community Gardens – We established a Community
Garden Committee that is bringing together
community garden leaders, assessing the status of
community gardens in Grand Rapids, and reaching
out to the statewide network.
Farmers’ Markets – We worked with the SouthEast
Community Association neighborhood and Sheldon
Complex to establish and run a successful new
farmers’ market in Grand Rapids - the SouthEast
Community Farmers’ Market (SECFM).
Education – We carried out educational activities at
the SECFM and worked with Calvin College’s Urban
Sociology class, studying how to get local food
into their cafeteria. For some students, this was the
first time they had ever asked where their food came
from! The group also presented at the Growing
Communities Conference.
Food Security – We began working with the
Kent County Emergency Needs Task Force Food
Subcommittee to look at individual and regional
food self-reliance issues. Connections between food
support systems and local production were explored.
Residents were introduced to information on how to
grow and preserver their own food.
Neighborhood kids, and Tom Cary, enjoy making apple cider
at SouthEast Community Farmer’s market
Public Policy – Our Public Policy Committee began
its work by identifying policies that support or inhibit
a just and sustainable local food system. We have
started with the policies that effect community
gardens in the City of Grand Rapids.
Public Relations – We held our first annual
conference and started a newsletter! The conference,
Rooted in Community: Democratizing the Food
System, was held in February and attended by nearly
100 people. We had two wonderful speakers - Mark
Winne from the Hartford Food System and Dr. Michael
Hamm, Chair for Sustainable Agriculture at MSU.
There was a fabulous lunch of local food and an
opportunity for attendees to help us envision our next
steps. Our newsletter, "Rooted in Community," began
its quarterly publication in June of this year, covering
local food system issues and events.
Organizational Development – Over the last year, the
14 member board of the Food Council developed its
internal (operations) and external (programs) strategic
plan, expanded its partnerships, and has collaborated
with many groups such as MSU, MSU Extension,
MIFFS, MOFFA, OGM, Michigan Dept of Agriculture,
Kent County Health Department, SECA Eastown
neighborhoods and others.
Thanks to all the committed volunteers who have
helped this work happen.
6 WMEAC ANNUAL REPORT 2003

CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003
Assets
Preliminary Audited
3-31-2004 3-31-2003
: Cash and short term investments $210,013 $166,885
Pledges and accounts receivable 34,169 76,143
Furniture and equipment 17,749 19,886
Other 1,620 4,382
Total Assets 263,551 267,296
Liabilities:
Notes and $30,000 matching gift payable to endowment 15,500 45,710
Current liabilities and funds held for other agencies 24,707 33,058
Total Liabilities
Net Assets:
40,207 78,768
Unrestricted – general (deficit) (7,186) (12,312)
Unrestricted – Board Designated – Note 0 23,913
Temporarily restricted 230,530 176,927
Total Net Assets 223,344 188,528
Total Liabilities and Net Assets 263,551 267,296
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Unrestricted: and undesignated
Support and Revenue:
Memberships and member contributions $ 75,845 $ 55,736
Anonymous donor mtching contribution -0- 30,900
Other grants and contributions 55,864 32,487
Program income and charges to grants 27,535 13,129
Investment income 9,539 3,408
Transfer from endowment – Note 15,504 28,000
Transfer from Board Designated Fund – Note 23,913 48,000
Restricted contributions and grants expended 215,636 124,832
Total Support and Revenue
Expenses (2004 subject to more precise allocation)
423,836 336,492
Programs 328,791 229,798
Administration 69,976 88,024
Fund Raising 19,763 22,441
418,710 340,263
Net Gain / (loss) from Operations
Temporarily restricted for specific purposes and future operations:
5,126 (3,771)
Contributions and grants received 269,143 228,985
Expended and transferred to unrestricted above 215,636 124,832
Net Increase (decrease) in Temporarily Restricted Net Assets $53,603 $104,153
Note: The above financial statements do not include the assets of the West Michigan Environmental Action Endowment Fund,
a related party controlled by West Michigan Environmental Action Council. Such assets amounted to approximately $770,000
at March 31, 2004, $630,000 at March 31, 2003, and $780,000 at March 31, 2002. In recognition of the 2003 decrease and other
circumstances described in the Treasurer’s Report, the Board voted to designate an unrestricted bequest of $71,913 received in
2002 for the purpose of offsetting the lower draw from the Endowment and other expenses. The 2004 and 2003 years benefited from
use of these funds, which were exhausted at March 31, 2004. Although the cash and short term investments balance at
March 31, 2004 looks comfortable, it must be remembered that most of this will be expended for the purpose of specific grants
in 2004, primarily the Rain Gardens program and the new Sustainable Agriculture program.
WMEAC ANNUAL REPORT 2003 7

WATER QUALITY
STREAM SEARCH
by Shawn Wessell, Water Programs Coordinator
The Stream Search program is now entering its
fourth year. With the help from volunteers, college
professors, Herman Miller staff, and trained staff
members, we gather biological and habitat data about
Kent County rivers and streams.
Stream Search is held twice a year, once in the
spring and once in the fall. With the much
appreciated help of trained volunteer leaders and
assisted by other volunteers, we collect a variety
of data, that over time will help us determine how
healthy our rivers, and streams are. Team leaders
are trained to identify a number of characteristics
of the river or stream including: water velocity, the
Jim Dunn from Grand Valley State University explains the
importance of aqutic insets.
Stream Search training along Rum Creek in Rockford.
condition of the riverbanks, sources of pollution,
and macroinvertebrates. Certain macroinvertebrates
(aquatic insects) are more tolerant of pollution than
others. By using these macroinvertebrates as bioindicators,
we can make fairly accurate assumptions
about the water quality of the river or stream.
We also use a quality control method for
rechecking sites at random and those sites with
unexpected scores. With the help from trained
volunteers with a strong background in aquatic
entomology, we are able to verify what the volunteers
have reported.
With Stream Search entering its fourth year, we
are that much closer to really knowing the condition
of our Kent County streams. With the help of our
generous volunteers, Stream Search will again be an
excellent opportunity for teachers, students, Scout
troops, and other community members to not only
learn about our rivers and streams but also play a part
in protecting them.
8 WMEAC ANNUAL REPORT 2003

This past year has proven to be very challenging
but rewarding for me. In the past year, seven new
Adopt-A-Stream groups have been formed, we have
started a pilot project with Iroquois Middle School,
worked with numerous other existing Adopt-A-Stream
groups, and established new relationships with other
area schools with the storm water education program.
Last year at this time we had only nine active
Adopt-A-Stream groups within the city limits. As of
March 2004, there are nineteen active groups. We have
had numerous stream clean ups with an estimated 120
fifty-gallon bags of trash removed from city streams.
Many larger items such as tires, car parts, computers,
microwaves, carpeting, kitchen sinks, toilets, bags of
used baby diapers and a station wagon tailgate were
also removed.
I have also been working with many of the Grand
Rapids area schools. Last January we began
distributing flyers to promote the new stormwater
education program to area schools. Soon the phone
was ringing off the hook. Since January 2003, I have
put in over 180 hours in the classroom and worked with
approximately 4,000 area students.
The Iroquois project is, by far, my biggest
accomplishment. Last fall I worked in and out of the
classroom with every class in the school. That’s about
600 students. Classroom time consisted of a lecture
on the effects of stormwater pollution, Non-Point
Students from Iroquois Middle School participate in a stream
clean up along Plaster Creek.
WATER QUALITY
WATERSHED EDUCATION
ADOPT-A-STREAM
by Shawn Wessell, Water Programs Coordinator
source / Point source pollution, macroinvertebrate
identification, and some basic stream ecology. In the
field, the students take and record real data that can
help us get a better understanding on the health of
the stream. We have tailored these lectures to meet
the curriculum requirements of each grade level.
I have also documented many areas along the city
streams and rivers that I believe are areas of concern.
These may consist of debris blocking the flow, clogged
storm water drains, or businesses using our streams
as a dumpster.
All of this would not be possible without the help
of the City of Grand Rapids. Their commitment to this
great program will help ensure a wonderful learning
experience for our kids today and a cleaner
environment for generations to come. Little by little,
we are making a difference in our streams and,
therefore, our watershed and our Great Lakes. With
the help of our much-appreciated volunteers, the City
of Grand Rapids and our own devoted staff, we will
hopefully make a difference now and for generations
to come.
ADOPT-A-STREAM GROUPS
Adac Plastics
Aquinas college
C.D. Barnes Associates
Clancy Street Ministries
Coit Arts and Science
Feyen–Zylstra Inc.
Hawks and Owls
Iroquois Middle School
Lake Michigan Academy
New Branches Elementary
Oakdale Christian Middle School
Sanctuary of the Winds
Sheldon House
Siegel Jewelers
St. Thomas Elementary
Steepletown Ministries
Trinity Reformed Church
Waste Water Treatment Plant
Windemuller Electric
WMEAC ANNUAL REPORT 2003 9

WATER QUALITY
LAKEWATCH 2003
by Tom Cary, Program Coordinator
Monitoring our lakes is a critical first step to
keeping them healthy. What we don't know can hurt
our lakes. By collecting information through the
Lakewatch Program, volunteers and lake residents are
able to check the "vital signs" of a lake that can guide
decision-making as well as enable residents to take a
greater role in the life of the lake they treasure.
Lakewatch is a volunteer lake study program, which
WMEAC operates in collaboration with the Michigan
Lake and Stream Associations and the Inland Lakes
Division of the Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ). You can find out more about this program at
www.mlswa.org.
Through this program, volunteers check water
clarity and dissolved oxygen levels and collect water
samples to be analyzed for phosphorus and
chlorophyll by the MDEQ. It is educational and
interesting and a good excuse to be out on our local
lakes. Moreover, volunteers in this program provide
important data about our lakes that we would not
otherwise have to guide future decision-making in our
watersheds.
This year, 16 volunteers monitored various vital
signs on the following 10 lakes and impoundments in
Kent County with WMEAC’s support:
Big Crooked Lake -
Dirk and Ginger Koening and friends
Bostwick Lake - Bonnie Shupe and friends
Cascade Dam Impoundment (Thornapple River) -
Scott Risse, Max Blake and friends
Cowan Lake - Al Berry, Dean Salisbury
Cranberry Lake - Tom and Mike Cary
High Lake - Bob Schirado
Freska Lake - Sue Barnes
Lime Lake - Don Ensing
Murray Lake - John Bajema, Mike Schellenboom
Reeds Lake - Dick Hubbard
Other lakes monitored in Kent County (included in
the overall results): Bass, Big Pine Island, Camp
Campau and Little Pine Island.
Results: *
2003 2002
Very Healthy: 0 0
Good: 4 2
Fair: 5 6
Poor: 3 3
Very poor: 1 0
Not enough data: 2 3
* Lake scientists do not feel that a single year of data can tell
us enough to accurately determine the status of a lake due to
variability in environmental impacts (development, annual
rain fall and intensity of rainfall, temperature and other
characteristics). But over time, the data should provide
more reliable information.
10 WMEAC ANNUAL REPORT 2003

WATER QUALITY
RAIN GARDENS
OF WEST MICHIGAN
by Patricia Pennell,Rain Gardens coordinator
Rain Gardens of West Michigan is a community
stormwater education project featuring the use of
rain gardens, which are native species perennial
plant gardens with a dip in the middle, designed
to absorb and clean stormwater runoff. Some
goals of the project are to promote the use
of rain gardens in our region and provide a
portal of information on the project website.
▲ The new web design: www.raingardens.org
was launched in late summer of 2003, and we now
have 3,000 visitors a week. The EPA has asked
permission to link to our site from their native
landscaping information.
▲ We met our second year challenge grant from
Steelcase Foundation.
▲ The City of Grand Rapids made Rain Gardens of
West Michigan part of their stormwater education
program, and we started working with the city to
design bioretention solutions for homeowners in
the city.
▲ The City created a native plant nursery for us, which
is now stocked with rain garden plants. This will
save us many road trips to obtain plants and will
make putting in gardens a lot easier.
Sandy DeHaan
Carol Gabriel
Carol Phelps
Gordon Griffin
Gayle DeBruyn
Angela Mrozinski
Students, parents and staff
at New Branches Elementary
Students, parents and staff
at C. A. Frost Elementary
SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF 2003
▲ The beautiful new rain garden brochure
was printed and a poster was produced.
RAIN GARDEN VOLUNTEERS, 2003
Bryan Seymour
Clinton Boyd
Sheri Schippers and GRCC
Student Service Learning Center
Rob McCarty
Rebecca Shilt
Bruce Ling
Tom and Nancy Small
Doug Booth
Cynthia Price
Steve Allen, Kalamazoo Nature Center
Illustration by Ruth Zachary
▲ We have talked to over 1,000 people in various
presentations, and thousands of people have
viewed the exhibit.
▲ Grand Valley students produced a wonderful rain
garden video for our program.
▲ We have formed many partnerships, including
landscape design companies, environmental
engineers, local governments, and universities.
▲ We identified 20 sites for demonstration rain
gardens, completed four gardens and started
process for ten more. Cannon Township installed
rain gardens on at their new township hall, and this
is featured as one of our municipal demo sites.
Spruce Creek Company
Bob Stegmier
Corky Overmyer
Linda Prostko
Ron Dwelle
Kay Hammond
Katie Brandt
Jenny McCrary
Blandford Nature Center Staff
MSU Master Gardeners program
WMEAC ANNUAL REPORT 2003 11

MICHIGAN GROUNDWATER
STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM
WMEAC has helped many local citizens protect
their local aquifers in the past year. Americorps
volunteer Katie Brandt works with the Michigan
Groundwater Stewardship Program to encourage
groundwater pollution prevention, especially as it
relates to fertilizer and pesticide use, storage and
disposal. Abandoned well closure is another key
priority.
Katie began at WMEAC in April, 2003 and
especially appreciates her experiences helping kids
take care of the environment and organizing
meaningful workshops. "WMEAC is a great place for
using creative approaches in addressing environmental
issues. I’ve been able to collaborate with so many
groups and explore diverse issues connected to
groundwater: from making non-toxic pesticides and
worm compost bins to writing press releases and
making schoolyard soil surveys understandable
to kids."
In the past year, Katie has reached over 1,782
students and 768 adults through free presentations on
the basics of groundwater pollution and safe fertilizer
and pesticide use. She has also visited 16 homes to
help owners understand groundwater pollution risks
and soil tests, well logs and soil surveys. These oneon-one
home visits help people keep their well water
clean and prevent pollution problems that begin at
Kendall College students making nontoxic
pesticides and cleaning supplies.
WMEAC’s Groundwater Flow Model
home, through proper household hazardous waste
disposal, gardening for water quality and septic system
management.
Highlights of 2003 – 2004 include working with
Lowell High School environmental club members
wrote a mini-grant to put on an Earth Day gardening
festival at Wittenbach Agri-Science and Environmental
Center. The student volunteers will set up booths and
lead games with fourth and fifth graders about
composting, soils, watersheds, and reusing ‘garbage’
in the garden.
Other volunteer projects included assessing
groundwater risks for friends and neighbors and
leading groundwater activities at Hope College’s
Little Science Club.
THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS!
Lowell High School Environmental Club
Jamie Sherman
Sheri Sherman
Kristan Tindall
Ken Conrad
Mary Jakob
Matt Hohlbein
Clinton Boyd
Megan Carmey
Lauren Adams
Lissa Moore
Susan Allen
12 WMEAC ANNUAL REPORT 2003

DEFENDERS
City of Grand Rapids
Dyer-Ives Foundation
Frank and Virginia Fehsenfeld
Grand Rapids Community
Foundation
Dick and Sandy Hansen
John R. Hunting
Lisa and Michael McLean
Thomas and Jill Newhouse
River City Foundation
Steelcase Foundation
Dorothy D. Taggart
ADVOCATES
Mary Jo and Chuck Burpee
Stanley and Betsy Dole, Jr.
Doris Griffith
Christopher Hill
R. Stuart Hoffius
Mike and Susan Jandernoa
Jean Jennings
Jamie and Penny Ladd
Robert and Jane McElroy
Bill and Joyce Petter
Karel L. Rogers
Robert and Mary Swain
STEWARDS
Peter and Glenna Armstrong
Will Reeves and Randy Baidas
Judy Barnes
Missy and David Bean
Willie Beattie
Susan and Thomas
Bohon-Warnes
Margaret Bradshaw
Catherine Bragdon
Judy and Robert Bredeweg
Thomas and Mary Florence Brink
Gerard and Judy Brom
Jean Laug Carroll and
George Crosby
William and Char Cary
Mark Cavanaugh
Jon D. Chinnery
Barry Christian and Nora Callow
Nancy L. and Stuart E. Cok
Crystal Flash Petroleum
Doug D. and Sally A. Cook
Cox Medendorp Olson
Architects Incorporated
K. Lee Cunningham
Jill and Jeff Dean
DeWys Manufacturing
A. Newton and Ann Dilley
Ron Dwelle and
Joellen Schneider
Richard J. and Paula Edwards
Vernon J. Ehlers
Tom Fehsenfeld
Thomas and Carolyn Fehsenfeld
Anne Field
John Fleming
John and Joan Forester
Fountain Street Church Social
Action Committee
David and Hildi Frederick
-Paulson
David R. Freyer
Dr. and Mrs. Brad Friedland
Guilford of Maine
Gail Gunst Heffner and Ken
Heffner
Kenneth Hakala
Winfield and Carol Hall
Haworth, Inc.
Hemp Goods etc.
John and Gwen Hibbard
Bill and Hannah Hill
Jack and Rebecca Hoffman
Richard A. Horvitz
Dick and Liz Hubbard
Jason and Robyn S. Hubbard
Win and Kyle Irwin
Lois M. Johnson
Christopher B. and
Martha W. Kaiser
John and Karen Kleinheksel
Gary D. Kovitz
Marjorie Kuipers
Jeff and Sally Leinicke
Thomas and Susan Leonard
Pam Levy
Lisa Locke
Duaine and Phyllis Marquand
Marilyn F. and Joseph F. Martin
Carol McGeehan
Carol O. McLLwaine
Michigan Audubon Society
Greeley Miklashek, M.D.
Brian and Kay Miller
Phil Miller and Suzy Richardson
William and Susan Moody
Pashon Murray
Valerie Nelson
Joan E. Newberry
Lynn and John O'Donnell
Su Paauwe
Kelly and Sandy Parker
Thom Peterson
Terri Piersma
Mark Post and Gerard Akkerhuis
Marcia and Ken Rapp
David Rinard
Tom and Elise L. Roe
Dean and Elaine Salisbury
Karen and Robert Schermer
Bill Schroeder
William and Mary Seeger
Michael and Michelle Shaw
Eileen Shedleski
Helene D. Sherwood
Mary Louise Steketee
Julie and John Stivers
WMEAC MEMBERS
Deborah Taylor
Grant and Karen Thomas
Larry and Julia Titley
Margaret and Edward Twohey
Dr. Willard E. and Joan L. Wolfe
Zandee's Auto Repair
John and Jennifer Zinser
SUPPORTERS
Larry and Mary Austin
George S. Bacon, Jr.
Jean Reed and David E. Bahle
Carl and Claudia Bajema
Jay and Nancy Barnhart
Diane Baumann
Alan and Carol Bennett
Patricia L. Birkholz
Kathryn and Edward Bolt
Will Gay and Joyce Bottje
Sally and Richard Brom
Don and Mary Brown
Dr. Peggy J. Burke
Jane Ellen Chamberlin
Margaret I. Cheff
Ken and Marti Childs
Bill Constantino
Jane Crissman
Tim and Anne Cusack
Jonathan S. Damon
Pat Dancey
Kim Destigter
Bert and Sara DeVries
Brenda DeWitt Hodson
Mary Jane Dockeray
Toby Weiner Dolinka
David Eggerding and
Jackie Neerken
Environmental Stewardship
Coalition of Calvin College
De De Esque and Henry Pyper
James and Jeanne Ferro
Lisa Feurzeig
Fountain St. Church
Women's Associoation
David and Hildi Frederick-
Paulson
Darrell and Debra Gritter
Ronald and Patricia Grzybowski
Peter and Virginia Gustafson
Margaret H. Hansen
G.R. Hansma Ins.
Garrett Hanson
Victoria Hardy
Lisa M. Harger
William and Kathleen Harris
Helen Havlik
Mike Hayes
Gail Gunst Heffner and
Ken Heffner
Carol Hennessy
Mr. and Mrs Earl Heuer
Dr. and Mrs. Mark W. Hinshaw
Alice and William Hirt
Barb and Jerry Hoag
Jay and Laura Hoekstra
Michael and Deb Holovka
Jim and Marilyn Hughes
Integrated Architecture
Sister Lucille Janowiak
Diane Jenks
Thomas C. Johnson and
Nancy Wiest
Gordon C. and Harriett Jones
David J. Kampfschulte and
Dayle Maples
Karla Kauffman
Nancy and Paul Keck
Helen Kay Kennedy
Edward and Linda Ketterer
James and Pamela Key
Stanley and Luanne Kiste
Robert A. Kruch
Brian and Gwen Laarman
Gordon Lachniet
Mark and Lori LaCroix
Mark and Marcie Lewis
Martha Lore
Karen and Jeff Lubbers
Dolli Lutes
Christine Helms- Maletic and
Tim Maletic
Anja Mast and
Michael Vanderbrug
John E. McGarry
Ashlee McLaughlin
Iris Meachum
Louise M. Neller
Tom and Robin O'Connell
Danielle and Steve Ouendag
Louis Padnos Iron and Metal Co.
Nancy Peelen
David Perkins
Monica Randles and Andrew
Maternowski
Jeff and Deidre Remtema
Bryan and Jennifer Rewa
Irene K. Robberson
Petra and Alexie Robbert
Karen M. Roth
Kerry Rowe and Dan West
Charlie and Angie Royce
Keary Sawyer
Tom and Nancy Small
J. Eric Smith and
Beckee Sturgeon
Nick and Cheryl Springsteen
Peter White and Joan
Powers Steketee
Julie Stoneman
Linda Ebel Thomasma
Andrew Towers
Ann Usakowski
Duane and Adele VanderBrug
John P. and Gwen D. Varineau
Virgilia Wade
John and Ellen Wierenga
Irene Wiersma
WMEAC ANNUAL REPORT 2003 13

WMEAC MEMBERS
Ronald and Judith Williams
Uko and Jane Zylstra
Robert Zylstra and Gayla Jewell
FAMILIES AND
ORGANIZATIONS
Henry Aay
Lee Abbott
Dwain Abramowski
Ada Township
Nancy Adams
Charlotte Amberger
Dan and Doris Andersen
Clarence Anderson
Rick and Gloria Anderson, III
James M. Angell
Dan and Annette Scheid
Tod Babick
Sol and Irene Bach
Jon Bachelder
William and Jennifer Baguley
Sally Baker
Lori Baker and David Koski
Susan Barnes and James Beaver
Pamela Bayes and Carl Wiltse
Guy Bazzani
Alan C. and Nancy Loraine Bedell
Nancy Benner and Joe Oleniczak
Rosemary Bennett
Mr and Mrs Robert Bennett, Jr
Helen and Mike Berghoef
and Family
Charles and Marcia Bertsch
Gwen Beversluis
Ron and Cheryl Blouw
Ronald and Alicia Bock
Charles and Gretchen Bouwsma
Brett and Laura Bowen
John and Evelyn Bowers
Andrew Bowman
Clinton and Yolanda Boyd
Doug and Kathy Brehm
Jason Broekstra
Shari Brouwer
Michael Bryant
Richa and Judi Buchman
Deborah Kay Burcar
Cary and Mary Burch
Lisa Burlingame
Christyl Burnett-Evans and
Michael Evans
Judd Cadwell
Ann Cameron
Marvin and Therese Cardinal
Corinne Carey
Margaret Cartwright
James K. and Dorothy Chamness
Rick and Willow Chapla
David Clark and
Karla Wold Clark
Michelle Condon and Kelsey Cox
Anne Copps
Joe Corey
Willard Coulter
Crop Service International, Inc.
Chuck and Patricia Cubbage
Tom Dandridge and Lynn Martin
Mark M. Davis
Mark and Sara Davis
Eugene and Mary De Wys
Robert and Lois DeBoer
Anne Deckard
Valerie Deimel
Gary and Linda DeKock
Jodi Den Uyl
David DenBoer
Jon DenHerder
John and Susan Denman
Marian DeVries
Mark DeVries
Rosemary Dickerson
Suzanne Dixon
James Eastman and
Fred Deneke
Camilla T. Elford
Dave and Susan Elwell
Cheryl and William Endres
Nancy and Jim Flink
Robert and Marcia Flink
Glenn Fontaine
Walter Foote and
Rachel Calderon
Ben and Judy Fowler
W. D. Frankforter
Judith C. Frey
Tom and Diana Friedrich
John Gabrosek
Joseph and Mary Gamble
Ray Gates
John and Paula Gaylord
Karl and Jacquelyn Geisel
Rosalyn M. Gillisse
Karen Gipson and Joe Winegar
Lois Gravelyn
Bob Grooters
William E. Hall
Doris Hall and Katherine Debo
Stephen Hamilton
David Hast
William Hebert
Madeline Heibel
Carolyn Heines
Dr. Stephen Hemenway
George and Vera Hendricks
Marlene Hess
Ray Hoag
Holland Garden Club
Karen Holt
Jeannie Hosey and
Anthony Travis
Maurie Houseman
Barbara and David Howard
Laura and Travis Huey
Richard S. Jackson Jr.
Bunny Johnson
Lynn Kalfsbeek
Kelly Kammeraad
Kent Education Center
Lynne Kinkema
Jim Knack
G. Milton Koets
Gary Kok
Lakeshore Environmental
Cathy and Paul Langereis
Lori Larsen
Matt Lawless
Carole Lende-Svec and
Jeffery Svec
Joseph and Dorothy Leonard
Mark A. and Paula M. Lewison
Library of Michigan
Beth Lively and
Tom VanHammen
Norman Lockard
John D. Loeks Showspan Inc.
Allene Long
Philip R. Lucasse
Sally, Ben and Ryan Lundquist
Josephine and Harry Luton
Joseph Manhart
Renae Mata
Sandy Maxim
Virginia and Tim McClellan
Richard McCluskey
Angela McNamara
Jennifer D. Medema
Bea Merdzinski
Grace Miguel
Michele Miller-Hansen
Tammy Milnikel and Kim Plant
Deanna Morse
Mountain Beach Association
James and Mildred Muller
Donna M. Munro
Paul Murphy
Paul Murray
William Neal
Jean Neal and Tim Coyle
Paul Nederveld
New Branches School
Marti and Joseph O'Brien
Jan and Dennis O'Connell
Mark P. and Judy E. Olesnavage
David and Nurya Parish
Jeff and Rebecca Parker
Harold A. and Phyllis Penny
Mary Jo Pesano
Edie Pettis
Carol Phelps
H. Rhett and Jeralyn Pinsky
Jason Poll
Sarah B. Pregitzer
Gary N. Prosch
Linda and David Prostko
Winston Prothro
Judi and John Pulver
Clare Raaymakers
Herbert and Kathy Ranta
Jeff Redmond
Kathy and Mark Reed
Bob and Theresa Reusch
Fred and Mary Reusch
David and Holly Reynolds
Lisa Richey
Mike and Marie Ringelberg
Donald and Claire Risch
Sue Robert
Dixie Rosendall
Chuck and Stella Royce
Kathleen Russell
George Ruwitch
Sarett Nature Center
Kenneth J. Schepers
Robert and Roberta Schirado
Barbara Schmid
Jack and Marge Schnell
Brian T. Scull
Norm and Sue Sevensma
Seyferth, Spaulding, Tennyson
Bonnie Shupe
Jim Siegel
Mindy Smith
Carol Smith
Jerome M. and Helen L. Smith
Henry Spenski Jr.
Tom Split
Muriel Stalker
Steve and Ruth Stegeman
Bob Stegmier
Deb and Fred Steketee
George and Stephanie Meier
Donald and Diane Stephen
Richard L. Stiffler
William Stough and Pat Wilson
Beth Straebel and Phil Wilson
John Swain
Alison and David Swan
Lisa and Richard Symons
Bill and Mary Thompson
Bill and Joyce Townsend
E. John Trimberger
Troop 716
Pat Tucker
UAW Local 730
Barbara Uhl
Steve and Cynthia Utic
R.J. and Geraldine VanHerp
Peter Varga
David and Danielle Veenstra
Ron Vriesman
John and Jane Warners
William D. Weber
Jeanne Welch
Wayne and Ruth Westenbroek
Marti and James White
Melissa Whitney and Bill Stobby
Stacey Wickliff
John Will
W. James Williamson
David and Marjorie Wiltse
Violet May Winstrom
Suzanne Wood
X-Rite
William D. and Marion S. Yerkes
Kay Yoder
Jessica Yorko
14 WMEAC ANNUAL REPORT 2003

2003 VOLUNTEERS
Special thanks to everyone who helped make
West Michigan a better place to live!
Lauren Adams
Steve Allen, Kalamazoo
Nature Center
Susan Allen
Cindy Barrus
AliciaMarie Belchak
Julie Bennink
Kari Blain
Blandford Nature Center
Staff
Doug Booth
Laura Bowen
Andy Bowman
Clinton Boyd
Katie Brandt
Judy Bredeweg
Sara Brondsema
Rob Burdick
Megan Carmey
Trannie Carter
Mike Cary
Courtney Cheers
Fanchon Clark
Carrie Cludzinski
Ken Conrad
Dorothy Corcoran
Marissas Craig
Ken Dahlberg
Patrick Daniels
Connie Davis
Tammy DeBaar
Gayle DeBruyn
Sandy DeHaan
Mark DeVries
Stan Dole
Ron Dwelle
Steve Dzubak
Kristine Fedewa
Ellen Foster
Danielle Frazier
Carol Gabriel
Sister Maureen Geary
Letty Gebrehiwet
Gordon Griffin
Rachel Hackett
Kay Hammond
Megan Harig
Jan Haringsma
Christina Hillard
Matt Hohlbein
Nancy Hoovler
Barbara Howard
Lois Huisman
Mary Jakob
Sr. Lucille Janowiak
Evan Johnson
Jean Johnson
Nancy and Paul Keiser
Tera Kepler
Rebecca Kirk
Dennis Kretschman
Kandi Lannen
Bruce Ling
Lowell High School
Environmental Club
Lowell High School
Landscaping Class
Jennifer Lucas
Anja Mast
Rob McCarty
Jenny McCrary
Kim McKeon
Pat McPherson
Amanda Mitchell
Marilynn Momber
Lissa Moore
Angela Mrozinski
Andrew Mueller
Haley Nekola
Katie Oakes
Corky Overmyer
Vickey Parker
Sandy Parker
Penny Peticolas
Iroquois Middle School students take time to pose while
assessing the water quality of Plaster Creek.
Carol Phelps
Gail Philbin
Tim Pirochta
Mark Post
Cynthia Price
Linda Prostko
Richa
Amanda Rogers
China Rowzee
Rev. Sacha
Dean Salisbury
Kathleen Schiefler
Sheri Schippers and GRCC
Linda Schuhardt
Bryan Seymour
Jamie Sherman
Sheri Sherman
Amy Sherman
Rebecca Shilt
Tom and Nancy Small
Sarah Smith
Spruce Creek Company
Paul Stankewitz
Lisa Rose Starner
Jamie Stauffer
Bob Stegmier
Fred Stella
Student Service Learning
Center
Students, parents and staff at
C. A. Frost Elementary
Students, parents and staff at
New Branches Elementary
Jim Sullivan
Mary Swain
Kristan Tindall
Pat Tucker
Rev. Doug VanDoren
David Veenstra
Elaine Wahab
Philip Wegert
Dan Westerhof
Valerie Williams
Tanah Zednik
WMEAC ANNUAL REPORT 2003 15

36 Years of Translating
Concerns Into Action
WMEAC
WEST MICHIGAN ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION COUNCIL
1514 Wealthy, SE, Suite 280 Grand Rapids, MI 49506
616-451-3051 www.wmeac.org