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Groundwater Education and Protection ProgramsProject Summaries and Related Initiatives of the
GEM Program AuSable Institute of Environmental Studies The AuSable Institute is dedicated to environmental education through hands-on education and training. Groundwater education has been incorporated into the Institute's community and school programs, particularly for 5th through 12th graders. A highlight is the on-site well field constructed to provide students with hands-on education about groundwater and the cassette tape produced of environmental songs entitled, "Excuse Me Sir, That's My Aquifer." College students and area citizens are also reached through the Institute's efforts. David Mahan, AuSable Institute of Environmental Studies, 7526 Sunset Trail N.E., Mancelona, MI 49659, (616) 587-8686 Central Michigan District Health Department (CMDHD) CMDHD has worked with area water well drillers and local government representatives to act on behalf of improving and protecting the groundwater resource. The goals have been to help well drillers increase the accuracy of their submitted well logs and their understanding of groundwater; provide local government officials with the information and assistance necessary to initiate ordinances to protect groundwater quality; and undertake computer mapping of groundwater data. Michelle Patton, Central Michigan District Health Department, 2012 E. Preston Ave., Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858, (517) 772-8147 Chippewa County Health Department Collecting and compiling data for environmental planning and implementing a groundwater education program throughout the region has been the focus of this project, in cooperation with the Regional Planning and Development Commission. The Chippewa County Health Department is currently focusing on three priority areas: 1) providing drinking water quality information to clients in health service programs through local health departments, doctors' offices and tribal health centers and clinics; 2) addressing surface water intake concerns in cooperation with Canadian health units on the northern side of Lake Superior; and 3) encouraging local groups and agencies to place local drinking water issues on their agendas. A groundwater database has been developed for Chippewa, Mackinac, Luce, Schoolcraft, and Delta counties. The Chippewa County Health Department is coordinating with the well drilling industry to keep the database updated. Michelle Ribant, Chippewa County Health Department, Environmental Health, 139 Arlington Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, (906) 635-3620 Clinton River Watershed Council
Our Mission Our Vision for the River Contact: Clinton River Watershed
Council, 101 Main Street, Suite 100, Rochester MI 48307
Crawford County Board of Commissioners The Michigan 4-H youth program, with leadership from Crawford County and Michigan State University Extension, have linked groundwater education and leadership training in northern Michigan. County teams of youths and adults have been formed and members have participated in training sessions designed to build their leadership skills and ability to initiate community groundwater programs. An excellent, youth-targeted video entitled "Teen News Network: Groundwater Update" and a leadership training guidebook have been produced as part of this project. Roy Spangler, Crawford County Extension, 200 West Michigan Avenue, Grayling, MI 49738, (517) 348-2841 Delta-Menominee District Health Department A Groundwater education Center has been established at the Delta-Menominee District Health Department in northern Michigan focusing on three activities: 1) community and individual education; 2) agriculture source contamination; and 3) land use planning and zoning decisions. A major goal of the project is to encourage local officials of Delta and Menominee counties to incorporate groundwater protection into their future plans and activities and to provide residents with accurate information and maps. The Center is currently working with Escanaba Junior High School to integrate geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS) into a multi-disciplinary curriculum, primarily at the secondary level. Lori Schultz, Delta-Menominee District Health Department, 2920 College Avenue, Escanaba, MI 49829, (906) 786-4111 East Michigan Environmental Action Council (EMEAC) EMEAC established Groundwater Leadership Teams in Livingston County and Independence Township (Oakland County) of citizen volunteers interested in learning more about groundwater protection and how to take action at the community level. The model relied on the volunteers to identify priority problems and execute plans to help solve those problems. Each team chose to address the threat to groundwater posed by household hazardous products. A publication entitled "Building Leadership Teams for Resource Protection" was developed as part of this project. Libby Harris, East Michigan Environmental Action Council, 21220 West 14 Mile Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301-4000, (810) 258-5188 Ecology Center of Ann Arbor The Ecology Center’s Environmental education Program (GEE-WOW!) provides entertaining and informative hands-on classes and assembly programs for pre-school through high school children in southeastern Michigan through the use of a traveling classroom. A K-6 groundwater activity book and a videotape for upper elementary and middle school students entitled, "It's Found Underground: Groundwater, Our Buried Treasure," and an interactive computer software program have been produced. Teacher workshops are also provided. ECAA and the Ypsilanti Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) have developed a partnership to encourage the participation of new groups and individuals in pollution prevention activities, especially among communities of color, and to increase community awareness and action for pollution prevention and drinking water protection in Ypsilanti. Ruth Kraut or Rebecca Kanner, Ecology Center of Ann Arbor, 117 N. Division Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, (313) 995-5888 Great Lakes Commission The Commission has strived to coordinate groundwater education activities on a regional level, particularly at the K-12 level, and enhance environmental communication among leaders across the region. Specific activities have included hosting four regional groundwater roundtables for leading educators and officials to discuss issues of common concern and establish priorities for action, and hosting a Regional Groundwater education Summit as a follow-up. "A Guidebook to Groundwater Resources & education Opportunities in the Great Lakes Region" has been produced. Tom Crane or Mike Donahue, Great Lakes Commission, The Argus II Building, 400 South Fourth Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48103-4816, (313) 665-9135 Groundwater Education in Michigan (GEM) - West To enhance west Michigan's groundwater and environmental education, the Muskegon, Oceana and Newaygo Intermediate School Districts (ISD) have worked with the Tri-County Forestry Council (TCFC) and the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission. The focus has been to bring groundwater education into the classroom and take students into the working world where decisions are made daily that can impact groundwater. The project successfully merged groundwater and surface water into a formal educational framework. This included water testing conducted by area schools and a "student congress" to bring students together to share their experiences. Greg Zulauf, Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, 630 Harvey, Muskegon, MI 49442, (616) 777-2637; Laurie Johnson, West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission, 137 Muskegon Mall, P.O. Box 387, Muskegon, MI 49443-0387, (616) 722-7878; Tom Green, Hillsdale, Lenawee, Monroe Math/Science Center, 2345 North Adrian Hwy., Adrian, MI 49221, (517) 777-2637. Huron River Watershed Council Through its "Drinking Water Protection: A Watershed Planning Approach" program, the Huron River Watershed Council provides guidance to communities developing wellhead protection plans and offers technical and policy assistance on watershed protection in general. Projects include: (1) providing technical and policy assistance to communities in developing drinking water and watershed protection strategies, such as ordinances, master plans, and educational programs; (2) a high school wellhead protection curriculum, where students delineate their own community’s wellhead protection area; (3) development and distribution of educational materials about groundwater protection; (4) modeling of groundwater vulnerability in the watershed; (5) modeling of response of the watershed ecosystem to changes in land use; and (6) development of a land use change model. Kris Olsson or Lisa Brush, Huron River Watershed Council, 1100 North Main, Suite 210, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, (313) 769-5123 Jackson County Intermediate School District (ISD) To enhance groundwater education in the county, Jackson County ISD Mathematics and Science Center has worked cooperatively with the Ecology Center of Ann Arbor to host Groundwater Festivals for fifth graders. To broaden the impact of the festival, the project has: 1) conducted parent/teachers' workshops before the festival; 2) encouraged and trained high school students to assist at learning stations at the festival; and 3) made groundwater education materials and concepts accessible to teachers. Katy Duggan-Haas, Jackson County ISD, 6700 Browns Lake Road, Jackson, MI 49201, (517) 787-2800 Kalamazoo County Extension Kalamazoo County Extension has worked with various educational methods and audiences, including area realtors, to evaluate the most effective means of teaching about groundwater. Designing workshops, displays, handouts and a mass media campaign, and implementing a groundwater curriculum into Schoolcraft schools have been some of the strategies undertaken. educational materials for diverse audiences have been developed, including a book for lower-elementary students entitled "Henry Goes Underground." Patricia A. Chilton-Stringham, 2290 Quincy, Portage, MI 49002, (616) 323-3198 Kalamazoo County Human Services Department The Kalamazoo County Human Services Department is coordinating with area businesses, organizations, and communities to implement a pollution prevention program for businesses and a wellhead protection program for local communities. This program includes: 1) initiating an educational outreach program (i.e. workshops, non-regulatory facility evaluations, awards program) with local businesses and organizations in the county; 2) providing demonstration communities with technical assistance in establishing a wellhead protection area; and 3) working with communities to initiate local government action for development and adoption of drinking water protection strategies (i.e. ordinances). Connie Cousins-Leatherman or Jane Runyan, Kalamazoo County Human Services Department, Environmental Health, 3299 Gull Road, P.O. Box 42, Nazareth, MI 49074, (616) 373-5210 Kellogg Biological Station Through the project "Rural Land Use Ethic and its Role as a Community Building Block in the Changing Agricultural Environment," a photo/narrative exhibit known as "Love of the Land" has been created that profiles 25 diverse rural Southwest Michigan residents and their relationship with the land. A related environmental ethic slide/tape program and teaching packet have also been developed. The exhibit is receiving recognition at the local, state, and national levels. For example, the U.S. Soil and Water Conservation Society awarded the exhibit its national "Communicating Conservation Award." Dean Solomon, Kellogg Biological Station, 3700 E. Gull Lake Dr., Hickory Corners, MI 49060, (616) 671-2412 League of Women Voters - Michigan (LWVMI) LWVMI has helped local Leagues organize, educate, and train groups of "Water Watchers" to lead their communities in monitoring decisions that affect groundwater. The League has developed a groundwater primer and groundwater leadership manual and has successfully used cable television as a means to promote their activities and groundwater education. "Drinking Water: Quality on Tap," a half-hour broadcast-quality video and companion guidebook have also been produced. information on drinking water issues is available through the League's Citizen's information Center, including an "800" phone line for assistance. Julie Anderson, League of Women Voters, 200 Museum Drive, Suite 104, Lansing, MI 48933, (517) 484-5383 Marquette County Health Department The Marquette County Groundwater Center has been established to initiate a county-wide groundwater awareness campaign aimed at the general public, homeowners, local government officials, realtors, and planning and zoning professionals. Groundwater well information developed through a geographic information system (GIS) is available and a hands-on groundwater exhibit, including a slide through the "septic system," has been developed for the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum. Monitoring wells have also been installed at the Westwood High School for students to study groundwater on an ongoing basis. Jane Surrell, Marquette Co. Health Dept., 184 U.S. Highway 41, Negaunee, MI 49866, (906) 475-4195 Michigan Department of Natural Resources The development and institutionalization of a statewide network of local users of digital groundwater information is the goal of this project, which emphasizes state-local partnerships. The Michigan DNR, in cooperation with local and regional organizations, is working to standardize the groundwater database development process in Michigan. Activities have included conducting a user needs assessment, fostering a statewide users network and providing training and technical expertise to network members. Shirley Businski, Michigan DNR, MIRIS-Real Estate Div., P.O. Box 30448, Lansing, MI 48909-7948, (517) 334-6912 Michigan Environmental Council MEC has cooperated with the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC), the Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) and the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) on the "Great Lakes Citizens' Groundwater Protection Project." A major focus has been to improve the effectiveness of citizen leaders in addressing groundwater concerns by forming citizen leadership teams for each state. A video entitled "Groundwater Protection: It's in Your Hands," and a booklet entitled "Groundwater at Risk: A Citizen's Guide" have been produced by MEC. Dave Dempsey, Michigan Environmental Council, 115 W. Allegan, Suite 10B, Lansing, MI 48933, (517) 487-9539 Michigan Geographic Alliance (MGA) Educators and groundwater specialists have cooperated to integrate groundwater lessons into upper elementary geography curriculum in the eight Great Lakes states. Selected representatives from each state have been trained about groundwater concepts and helped to develop a geography unit on groundwater. These educators are committed to training teachers in their state to use the materials in their classrooms. Mike Libbee, Michigan Geographic Alliance, Central Michigan University, Department of Geography, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859, (517) 774-3723 Michigan Legislative Council Developing new methods and standards for geographic data exchange, as well as the application of data in state and local decision making is the focus of this project known as IMAGIN (Improving Michigan's Access to Geographic information Networks). The Legislative Service Bureau, the Library of Michigan, Michigan State University and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are conducting this unique multi-agency effort in computer mapping and data exchange. IMAGIN is also working toward cooperative development of public computer systems so that, ultimately, all citizens will have the ability to directly review mapped information about state and local natural resources. Karen East, Legislative Service Bureau, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909 Michigan Society of Planning Officials (MSPO) MSPO has focused on educating local decision makers about planning and zoning for groundwater protection, and has assisted three pilot counties (Manistee, Ottawa, and Saginaw) in building county/local partnerships for the development of a coordinated and comprehensive intergovernmental program for groundwater protection that best suits the needs of each county. An objective of each county project was to demonstrate ways in which Geographic information Systems, linked to groundwater quality data, can help improve local government decisions about groundwater protection. An excellent guidebook for local officials entitled "Community Planning & Zoning for Groundwater Protection in Michigan" has been produced, along with "Using Groundwater Protection Data to Improve Planning and Zoning Decisions" and "Reinventing Government for Groundwater Protection: The Need for County-Local Partnerships," as part of this project. David Downey, MSPO, 414 Main Street, Suite 211, Rochester, MI 48307, (810) 651-3339 Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) To train small business and homeowners in the proper handling of hazardous wastes, MSUE local resource agents have organized workshops, responded to telephone inquiries concerning hazardous waste, and coordinated waste collection days. A key activity has been the production of educational materials, including a series of seven pamphlets which address the proper disposal of typical household and small business wastes. Cynthia Fridgen, Michigan State University, 308 Natural Resources Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, (517) 355-3421; Ann Chastain, Cheboygan County Extension, Box 70, Cheboygan, MI 49721, (616) 627-8815. Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council (Mid-MEAC) Mid-MEAC is working collaboratively with a number of citizen environmental groups and local chapters of state and national groups found in Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties to promote coordinated activities to protect the environment. Establishing itself as a new organization and helping to harness and support citizen activity and education on a host of issues with multi-county implications, including watershed management, solid waste and recycling, transboundary air pollution and conservation of open space, is the focus of this project. Alice Austin, Mid-MEAC Coordinator, c/o Clean Water Action, 4990 Northwind Drive, Suite 210, East Lansing, MI 48823, (517) 337-4447 Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly Soil Conservation Service) Innovative educational tools developed through this project have helped soil and water conservation district personnel more effectively reach farmers and rural land owners about groundwater protection. Two videotapes which include high quality computer graphics to illustrate groundwater concepts have been produced: "Groundwater Protection: A Partnership in Agriculture" and "Agriculture and Groundwater Contamination: Problems and Prevention." An easy-to-understand manual entitled "Agriculture's Role in Protecting Groundwater" containing graphics focusing on agricultural and groundwater issues has also been developed. Jim Stacey or Ruth Shaffer, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 1405 South Harrison Road, East Lansing, MI 48823, (517) 337-6904 Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG) To help protect the water resources and public health in northeast Michigan, NEMCOG has developed model groundwater database manuals for use by local decision makers. Staff have worked with local township officials to identify groundwater protection strategies and to develop coordinated protection efforts. NEMCOG is working with the Huron Pines Resource Conservation and Development Council to build a framework to help implement these strategies in Otsego, Montmorency and Presque Isle counties. Agencies, organizations and associations within each county are working together to establish partnership agreements to implement groundwater protection programs. NEMCOG and RC&D will work with each county's water quality committee to coordinate and implement the priority management recommendations and provide technical assistance as needed. Diane Rekowski, Northeast Michigan Council of Governments, P.O. Box 457, 121 E. Mitchell, Gaylord, MI 49735, (517) 732-3551 Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG) Encouraging citizen and community leader action for resource protection and growth management has been the goal of NWMCOG. A major activity has been the development of a demonstration Geographic information System (GIS) for the ten-county region. The Council is working to strengthen the abilities of county and local units in applying GIS as a tool to improve decision making, and to foster relationships among various units of government within the region. Activities include: development of a Regional Land information Cooperative and data infrastructure; formation of a Regional GIS Users Group; and the development of county and township/municipal Land information Systems (LIS). Jim Lively, Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, 3668 US 31 South, P.O. Box 506, Traverse City, MI 49685, (616) 929-5000 Northwest Michigan Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council, Inc. Focusing on three townships in northwest lower Michigan, this demonstration project used computer technology to make land information readily accessible to the general public, local interest groups, and local officials for making land use decisions. NWMRC&DC cooperated with the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments to develop the computer-based Land information Systems (LIS). Phases included: contacting various organizations and agencies throughout the region to demonstrate the technology; regional forums involving community leaders in discussions concerning the application of the technologies; and publishing a summary report entitled "information Access Systems for Community Planning." The RC&DC has also worked on the development and implementation of a strategy for long term success of the Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Initiative, which was formed in 1990 as a local watershed management program. Goals of this project include: 1) making the Initiative self-sustaining; 2) overseeing a series of resource management and protection projects having measurable impacts on groundwater and surface water quality in the watershed; and 3) providing a model system for pollution prevention in the Great Lakes and North America. Amy Johnson Beyer, Conservation Resource Alliance, 10850 Traverse Hwy., Suite 2204, Traverse City, MI 49684, (616) 946-6817; Chris Wright, Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Initiative, 1102 Cass Street, Traverse City, MI 49684, (616) 935-1514 Ottawa Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) The Ottawa SWCD worked with Classroom GEMS, a groundwater education curriculum developed by Science and Environmental education-North (SEE-North), to bring the K-6 curriculum into county schools. A Soil and Water Stewardship Week was promoted and recognized annually, which included a groundwater festival for area fourth graders, hands-on exhibits, a church stewardship program, public forums, and more. Local planners were reached through presentations and seminars focusing on groundwater protection. Gail Brye, The Ottawa Soil and Water Conservation District, 16731 Ferris Street, Grand Haven, MI 49417, (616) 846-8770 Pullman Health Systems Pullman Health Systems (PHS) is a migrant and community health center located in southwestern Michigan. In addition to testing area wells for nitrates, PHS sponsored a traveling education program to focus on health educators, migrant health centers, and health departments. Information was provided about the risks of high nitrates in groundwater, screening wells for nitrates, and educating at-risk populations about preventative health care. Migrant camp health aides were trained about groundwater contamination, health effects, and actions to protect groundwater, and an educational videotape was produced. Pullman Health Systems, 5498 109th Avenue, Pullman, MI 49450, (616) 236-5021 Science and Environmental Education-North A statewide K-6 groundwater notebook featuring innovative hands-on activities, entitled "Classroom GEMS" has been developed by SEE-North. The activities help students learn about groundwater protection and have been developed using a conceptual framework established by a work group of groundwater specialists, curriculum specialists, and classroom teachers. Teacher workshops have been held and teams of teachers trained to show others how to use Classroom GEMS. Mary Whitmore, SEE-North, 03001 Church Road, Petoskey, MI 49770, (616) 348-9700 Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council The Council has conducted a groundwater protection and education program to prevent further contamination of northern Michigan's groundwater resources. A well water sampling program, a comprehensive fuel storage tank education project, a hazardous substance control program for businesses and education/coordination with local officials have been conducted to help protect groundwater. A series of five groundwater fact sheets have been produced as part of the project. Gail Gruenwald, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, P.O. Box 300, 3264 Powell Road, Conway, MI 49722, (616) 347-1181 Tri-County Regional Planning Commission (TCRPC) TCRPC has created a Groundwater Resource Center to reach area local officials, educators and citizens, as well as initiated a Geographic information System (GIS) for use by local officials in Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties when making zoning and land use decisions. To build upon these efforts, TCRPC is developing a regional wellhead protection plan that encompasses 14 contiguous communities. Christine Spitzley, Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, 913 West Holmes Road, Suite 201, Lansing, MI 48910, (517) 393-0342 Washtenaw County Environmental Health, Planning, Cooperative Extension Service, and Environmental Coordination These four organizations joined forces to help protect Washtenaw County's groundwater by implementing a Planning, education, and Practice (PEP) for Quality Groundwater Program. PEP has provided a coordinated community-specific educational program for local officials, homeowners, agricultural operators, and other interested citizens. educational materials have been developed, including a Macintosh-based computer program for general audiences to promote groundwater protection. H. Leon Moore, Washtenaw County Environmental Services, 4101 Washtenaw, Ann Arbor, MI 48107, (313) 971-4542 Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Nature Center This project has tapped a unique resource: nature and environmental centers. Through the project, nature centers throughout Michigan have introduced groundwater education into their programming by providing hands-on activities. Six diverse nature centers have been chosen as models and include Chippewa Nature Center, Sarrett Nature Center, Kensington Metropark Nature Center, Seven Ponds Nature Center, Gillette Nature Center, and the Howard Christensen Nature Center. A groundwater trail, known as the "Fern Valley Trail," an entertaining slide show, and an activity notebook entitled "Groundwater Explorations" have been developed as part of the project. Sarah Hopkins, Kalamazoo Nature Center, 7000 North Westnedge Avenue, P.O. Box 127, Kalamazoo, MI 49004, (616) 381-1574
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Institute of Water Research - MSU |
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