West Michigan Environmental Action Council

10/01/2026

The MiGBC Leadership Awards are NOW OPEN—and nominations close Friday, October 2, 2026!

Know a leader or project making Michigan’s buildings healthier, greener, and more energy-efficient? Whether the work focuses on water conservation, energy efficiency, or something else, it deserves to be celebrated.

Don't wait—nominate a project, a leader, or YOURSELF!

👉 Submit your nomination: https://lnkd.in/gz7AbaPU

09/28/2026

What we’re learning. What we’re watching. What’s on our radar.

As conversations around data center development continue to grow in West Michigan, we’re taking a closer look at what this could mean for the communities and natural resources we all care about.

We’re starting with water.

💧 How do data centers interact with local water resources?
🌿 What could that mean for the environment and wildlife?
🏞️ And what does it mean for communities thinking about water use and the future?

We created a quick visual guide to help start the conversation:

4 Ways Data Centers Impact Water

Take a look, learn something new, and stay connected with WMEAC as we continue exploring the issues shaping West Michigan.

09/24/2026

It's PFAS Awareness Week in Michigan RIGHT NOW — Sept 21-25, 2026 — first ever. 💧 This one hits close to home for us here in West Michigan.

This week is Michigan's FIRST-EVER PFAS Awareness Week 🚨

Gov. Whitmer just proclaimed Sept 21-25 as PFAS Awareness Week — and it's a big deal, because Michigan has over 300 known PFAS contamination sites.

What is PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — "forever chemicals." They don't break down. They've been used since the 1940s in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant carpet, waterproof jackets, cosmetics, firefighting foam, and more.

They've been found in Michigan's water, soil, air, fish, wildlife, and people. Linked to cancer, kidney disease, and other serious health issues. Over 90% of Michigan fish tested have some level of PFAS in them.

✅ If you have a private well — get it sampled for PFAS. The state offers free testing near known sites.
✅ Check the Eat Safe Fish Guides before you eat locally caught fish — especially from the Grand River, Huron River, and Kalamazoo River
✅ DON'T touch the foam on lakes/rivers — PFAS foam can be 10x+ higher in contamination
✅ Reduce products with PFAS — look for "PFAS-free" on makeup, dental floss, cookware

Michigan was the FIRST state to tackle PFAS head-on back in 2017. Now we're leading the national education campaign.

Grand Rapids, this directly connects to our Plaster Creek / Silver Creek / Roosevelt Park work — stormwater runoff is a major pathway for PFAS into our creeks.

Learn more: http://Michigan.gov/PfasResponse
Check your fish: http://Michigan.gov/EatSafeFish

information about the safe consumption of fish and wild game taken in Michigan

09/23/2026

09/23/2026

Michigan’s first PFAS Awareness Week is September 21–25! PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” have been found in Michigan’s water, soil, air, fish, wildlife, and people. PFAS Awareness Week is an opportunity to learn more about these chemicals, how we can reduce our exposure, and what communities can do to address PFAS contamination.

WMEAC helped found the Muskegon County PFAS Task Force in 2025 and continues to support its work through co-coordination by WMEAC Lakeshore Outreach Organizer Tanya Cabala and Dr. Rick Rediske. They are also leading the Safe Water for Muskegon County project, which is providing free PFAS testing of private drinking water wells and increasing awareness of PFAS and drinking water.

The Safe Water for Muskegon County project is supported by the Environmental Endowment and the Robert and Elizabeth Cutler Family Foundation Funds of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County.
PFAS Awareness Week originated with the MPART Citizen’s Advisory Workgroup, of which Rediske is a member.

As part of the week, Rediske, emeritus professor of water resources at GVSU’s Annis Water Resources Institute, will present:

“PFAS Awareness Week: Understanding the Science, Risks, and the Power of Advocacy”

Friday, September 25 | 2–3 p.m.
Multipurpose Room, Lake Michigan Center

GVSU Annis Water Resources Institute, Muskegon

Learn more about PFAS Awareness Week and find events and resources across Michigan:

https://www.michigan.gov/egle/newsroom/mi-environment/2026/09/08/2026-michigan-pfas-awareness-week

https://www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse/engagement/pfas-awareness-week

09/21/2026

09/19/2026

Dear Volunteers and Supporters,

Due to bad weather, the Mayors’ Grand River Cleanup that was scheduled for today, has been canceled. If you have a group that would still like to do a cleanup day please contact us at email [email protected].

09/16/2026

Monday, Sept 21 · Grand Rapids · Free & open to all

09/14/2026

It's that time of year again - Kent Conservation District's annual Fall Native Plant & Tree sale is coming up soon! This year the sale looks a little bit different. Guests can still attend the sale and choose from a wide variety of native plants available for browse and buy as usual (while supplies last). During the plant sale, KCD will also host a Tree Education Event designed to help you select the right native tree for your property. Learn about tree species, proper planting, and long-term care while exploring the many environmental benefits trees provide. After the event you'll have the opportunity to preorder the native trees that best fit your landscape, with tree pickup taking place later in October instead of at the sale itself. For questions, please reach out to our partners at KCD at [email protected]. Preorders are also available NOW at this link: https://www.kentconservation.org/category/all-products. We hope to see you there!

04/24/2026

🌱 There’s still time! Volunteer Work Day: Rain Garden and Green Roof.

📅 Tomorrow, Saturday, April 25th

🕜 9:30 am - 12:00 pm

📍1007 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506