There’s a new class series from Friends of Grand Rapids Parks in town…Introducing the Neighborhood Conservationist program! A companion program to our Neighborhood Forester classes, the Neighborhood Conservationist classes are a great way to learn about the natural world, invasive species, and get certified to do independent volunteer work in certain Grand Rapids parks. Ready to jump in? Explore our class schedule or keep reading to learn more about Neighborhood Conservationists!
We Started the Neighborhood Conservationist Program to Support Community and Parks
Invasive species are some of the most pervasive threats to our park ecosystems. Because they’re not native to Michigan environments, they out-compete native plants for nutrients and resources, release toxins into the water and soil, and in some cases strangle native trees. Fruit from invasive plants can also be harmful to local wildlife. When left unmanaged, invasive species can take over natural spaces, killing other trees and plants and decimating the ecosystem.
Friends of Grand Rapids Parks has been working closely with the City of Grand Rapids to remove invasive plants from our parks. However, at the end of every conservation work day, a volunteer would comment “I wish we could keep going,” or “I wish I could do this on my own.”
In listening to our community of volunteers, we realized that the limit on the conservation work was time. If we could make more time for people to work when they wanted to, we could increase capacity for stewardship and volunteering.
So, we approached the City with the idea of providing interested volunteers with additional training and certification so they can remove invasives independently. They were incredibly supportive, so we created a program framework to support volunteers doing conservation work on their own. And thus, the Neighborhood Conservationist program was born!
What the Neighborhood Conservationist Program Will Cover
Like our Neighborhood Forester certification and courses, Neighborhood Conservationist classes are free and open to the community. Courses are great for anyone interested in ecology, conservation, or just understanding the natural world around them! While participants who complete the series will be certified to work in select Grand Rapids parks, it’s not a requirement for taking the class. Volunteers and lifelong learners are welcome!
- Classes topics include:
- Ecology
- Invasive Species
- Field Day and Safety Training
To become certified as a Neighborhood Conservationist, participants must also complete a conservation workday. View upcoming courses here.
What You’ll be Able to Do as a Neighborhood Conservationist
Upon completion of the Neighborhood Conservationist program, participants will be certified and able to do independent volunteer conservation work in designated Grand Rapids parks. We’ll provide the herbicide and authorization you’ll need to carry out work safely.
What Conservation Volunteerism Means for Grand Rapids Parks
Conservation work, especially invasive species removal, has so many benefits. It promotes healthy ecosystems which are good for human health, reducing park maintenance costs, and offering migratory species a place to land in the city—and more. To learn more, explore our Neighborhood Conservationist page, sign up for a class, or join us on a conservation workday!
See you out there!
