Plaster Creek Stewards

Plaster Creek Stewards seeks to reconcile relationships between people and the natural world by restoring health and beauty to the Plaster Creek Watershed.

As an initiative of Calvin University, and in partnership with community neighbors, we focus on research, education and engagement, and ecological restoration practices within the Plaster Creek watershed in Kent County, Michigan. Our work is intentionally rooted in this place, and we generally stay within this geographic area to remain aligned with our mission.

As part of our commitment to restoration, we offer educational experiences that help people understand their environment and learn how to care for it—especially through the use of native plants and green infrastructure practices. Whenever possible, we pair learning with hands-on opportunities so participants can put knowledge into action.

Native plants are essential for a healthy watershed, and Calvin University’s native plant nursery and rainscaping initiative allow us to support on-the-ground habitat restoration throughout the watershed. We grow hundreds of species of trees, shrubs, sedges, and other native plants, all from local genotypes. For homeowner and other local projects, we provide plants as well as consulting, site design, installation, and maintenance services. Our team collects local seed, germinates and grows native Michigan plants in our greenhouses, and uses these deep-rooted species in restoration projects such as rain gardens, bioswales, floodplain plantings, and other native landscapes. We look forward to helping individuals bring native plants back to your landscapes!