Spring Lake Students Dive into Watershed Stewardship

Spring Lake High School students are learning firsthand what it means to protect one of our most vital resources—water. Through a partnership between Mr. Reed’s AP Environmental Science classes and the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds (LGROW), students are participating in a year-long watershed stewardship project that blends science, service, and community impact.

The project began with classroom preparation and discussions about local ecosystems and human influence on water quality. But recently, the learning moved outdoors. Students collected water samples from area streams and tested them for pH, turbidity, and the presence of macroinvertebrates—small aquatic organisms that serve as indicators of a waterway’s health.

Each observation and data point will help paint a picture of local water conditions. Later this year, students’ findings will be compiled and shared with local policymakers, contributing to broader efforts to protect and improve regional water systems. It’s a tangible way for students to see how science connects directly to civic responsibility.

The partnership with LGROW gives students access to expert guidance, real-world tools, and the chance to engage with professionals working in environmental science every day. The experience strengthens their understanding of ecology while showing how collaborative problem-solving can make a measurable difference in their own community.

More than just a class project, this work underscores the importance of stewardship—a value central to both Spring Lake Public Schools and the surrounding community. When students learn by doing, especially in ways that serve the greater good, education becomes both meaningful and lasting.

Through curiosity, teamwork, and care for the environment, these Lakers are proving that “Water is Life” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a responsibility they’re ready to take on.