Alger Ravines

You might be aware that the Alger St. ravine in the neighborhood is in bad shape. The high volume of stormwater coming from the neighborhood causes erosion and steep banks in the ravine. This contributes sediment to Plaster Creek affecting the health of the creek for all creatures and for downstream neighbors. This erosion is also threatening the property of neighbors who live along the ravine. Some backyard property is literally being washed away.

Thankfully, with a grant through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, the City of Grand Rapids and Plaster Creek Stewards of Calvin University are offering options that can improve the situation in your community.  This Streambank Stabilization Project has been funded wholly or in part through Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Nonpoint Source Program by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

In addition to this stabilization work, Plaster Creek Stewards will perform 30 free sites assessments at homes within the watershed boundaries (see boundaries on map). This assessment will provide ideas about what you can do on your property to reduce runoff and erosion. All properties within this watershed boundaries contribute some runoff to the ravine. Reducing runoff is the most important thing homeowners can do to protect the ravine.