330 volunteers and dozens of community partners planted 232 trees in the Garfield Park neighborhood during Friends of Grand Rapids Parks’ (Friends) 11th Annual ArborFest, presented by Consumers Energy.
During the event, Consumers Energy announced a $215,000 commitment over 2 years to support Friends’ initiative to restore the creek beds and habitat along the length of Plaster Creek that runs through Grand Rapids and Wyoming. Volunteers will remove a minimum of 9 types of invasive species, plant over 10,000 native plants representing 100 different species, and repair and reroute up to 5 miles of natural surface trail. This work will occur across 9 separate parcels of land (200+ acres) along approximately 6 miles of creek in 6 parks. Invasive species removal and native species plantings will filter stormwater, stabilize streambanks, capture and clean runoff, increase carbon capture, and build overall ecological resilience. Restoring and rerouting trails will prevent sediment runoff, which currently compromises water quality and endangers newly-documented populations of rare fish and mussels.
“I’m thrilled Consumers recognize the incredible ongoing work of our volunteers and community and are investing in this ongoing work for habitat restoration. The parks we’re working in are some of the most visited in Grand Rapids. Not only does this mean healthier habitats for our parks and Plaster Creek much faster than we could do without this investment, it will also significantly reduce the amount of ticks present in these places and along trail corridors increasing the sense of safety and security in our parks.”
“This work directly aligns with the purpose of the Planet Awards, to invest in projects that protect Michigan’s environment while strengthening communities,” said Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “Restoring Plaster Creek improves environmental health, supports resilient neighborhoods and helps create outcomes that contribute to long‑term community stability.”
Community tree-planting and celebration focused on adding canopy to neighborhoods with disproportionately low tree coverage in an effort to help the City of Grand Rapids achieve its tree canopy goal of 40%. Grand Rapids currently has 37% tree canopy.
Friends of Grand Rapids Parks partners with the community to support parks, trees, and trails in Grand Rapids. By working together to restore native plants and wildlife habitats, grow an urban forest, and build trails, we provide opportunities to connect with nature now and into the future.
A special thank you goes to our ArborFest presenting sponsor, Consumers Energy and our Canopy Sponsors, Bloom Credit Union, GR A250, and ITC; as well as the United States Forestry Service and Garfield Park Neighborhood Association.
