By Kate Kocienski
Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is participating in various scientific research projects along the Grand River with local partners. The future restoration of the Grand River will include restoring the namesake rapids, and activation of sites along the Grand River identified as key locations for public engagement, including the GRPM.
The GRPM provides historical, cultural and scientific interpretation to the watershed including how our actions have affected and will continue to affect the future of natural and human systems. To tell the river restoration story, there are data and knowledge gaps that the Museum and partners are working to fill, including information about the historic and current fish community, how humans interact with the river, and how the restoration actions may change human behavior. The Museum and partner agencies have teamed up to answer some of these questions. The Museum’s research team is led by the GRPM’s scientists on staff, Dr. Stephanie Ogren, Vice President of Science and Education and Dr. Cory Redman, Science Curator.
“It’s a rewarding experience to collaborate with local partners while working on research projects that will help us better understand the dynamics of the Grand River, said Dr. Stephanie Ogren, the GRPM’s VP of Science and Education. “The Grand River is such an important resource and focal point within Grand Rapids, and it’s our goal to conserve and share it’s impact with the community.”
Angler Counts
The Grand Rapids Public Museum, Encompass Socio-ecological Consulting LLC, John Ball Zoo and the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds are studying how the Grand River is used by anglers. The research will help document the long-term changes that occur when the city of Grand Rapids begins the river rehabilitation that will add two miles of rapid habitat throughout downtown Grand Rapids, as proposed by Grand Rapids White Water. The research uses a citizen science technique where professionals and the public work together to document the number of people fishing in the downtown reach, how they are fishing and the general locations. Citizen Science Training for Angler Counts will take place on September 8 at 6 p.m. (by registration only) on the Museum’s South lawn, nearest the Blue Bridge. To register for Citizen Science training please visit grpm.org/citizenscience. Training will take place outside in small groups. Masks are required and social distancing measures will be in place.
Fish Community Assessment
This annual assessment of fish species will provide a baseline dataset of fish communities in the area of the proposed restoration project. Fish communities are counted through electrofishing surveys. It is a partnership between Grand Valley Metro Council, Grand Valley State University, Encompass Socio-Ecological Consulting and the GRPM.
Lake Sturgeon Juvenile Assessment
This research team is working to document young Lake Sturgeon in the Lower Grand River. If found, these fish would indicate successful reproduction and recruitment into the Grand River population. This research project is led by the Museum in partnership with Encompass Socio-Ecological Consulting, John Ball Zoo and Grand Valley Metro Council.
Macroinvertebrate Assessments
Annual macroinvertebrate (aquatic insects) surveys are conducted near the Museum’s Spillman Carousel in the Grand River. This project was completed in partnership with the Grand Rapids White Water Summer Science and Leadership program in 2019. Due to COVID-19, the GRPM is completing the work this summer. The Museum is contributing to a large data collection effort, spearheaded by Grand Valley Metro council with many partners.
For more information on the GRPM’s research projects, please visit grpm.org.
