As a hub of innovation and curiosity, the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is uniquely positioned to introduce new generations to the Grand River, educate the community about how they can support the watershed, and collaborate on watershed research.Â
Through annual programming, partnerships, and exhibits, the GRPM provides historical, cultural, and scientific interpretation of the Grand River to visitors of all ages every day. Experiences at the GRPM encourage familiarity with and care for this valuable resource’s past, present, and future.
With a new riverfront space, we hope to expand that essential work.
Memorable learning can spark curiosity that lasts a lifetime.
The updated riverfront presents new educational opportunities for students and community members alike. Spaces like the outdoor classroom and direct riverfront access support the creation of meaningful moments of closeness to the Grand River Watershed.Â
Several labels are to be installed in the space, illustrating the intricacies of our watershed, revealing the geology just below our feet, and illuminating the biodiversity of the Grand River. These panels encourage spontaneous moments of curiosity, whether visitors are passing by on a walk or getting a breath of fresh air after exploring the Museum.
The outdoor classroom creates a perfect gathering space for visiting school groups. Now, when students ponder the ways community decision-making can impact the river in the Museum’s guided education programs, the consequences and benefits are not abstract. They’re right at their feet and in front of their eyes.Â
Through educational programs and public ones like Grand River Adventure, the GRPM already supports the development of engaged, environmentally conscious community members and potential future researchers. A moment along the riverside, reflecting on the learning that happens inside the Museum, will offer a new touchpoint for deeper understanding.
From curiosity to creating knowledge.
The Museum offers opportunities for scientists at all levels: young students, college-level researchers, community scientists, and scientists who are working in their fields.Â
Community science is done through collaboration with professional scientists, where anyone can be trained to collect data that helps inform our community decisions. One of our primary efforts to include the community in gathering research data is annual angler counts. In partnership with Encompass Socio-Ecological Consulting LLC, John Ball Zoo, and the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds, the GRPM leads angler count training.Â
Angler counts document the number of anglers in a 2-mile section of the Grand River from Leonard Street to Fulton Street, as well as where and how they are fishing. With Grand Rapids Whitewater moving forward to bring back the river’s rapids, these counts will inform us of long-term changes. Anyone of any age can register for training, with those under 16 required to have a parent or guardian. Once trained, angler counters can sign up for count dates.
Higher–level river research is also present at the Museum. The GRPM has been leading an effort to better document the Grand River Sturgeon population since 2018, with recent support through grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Great Lakes Fishery Trust.
The collaborative effort includes the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM), John Ball Zoo (JBZ), Grand Valley State University (GVSU), Encompass Consulting, Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). This successful pilot study allows for future hydroacoustic sampling in the Grand River to produce an annual spawner abundance estimate and helps establish a baseline of data for future management decisions
It also produced images of sturgeon making their way up the Grand River and refined a model for the collection and interpretation of data. Funding support was provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act. Funding for research in 2026 is provided by the Great Lakes Fishery Trust.
The scientists who work on projects like these began their journeys somewhere, and at the GRPM, we hope to create even more space and opportunities for future scientists at every stage of their curiosity.
