Restoring the Rapids
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Provided by: GR&Riverfront|Published on: February 9, 2026
Articles/WebsitesScientist Reviewed
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This page from GR&Riverfront describes the plan to restore the Grand River Rapids in Michigan.
- Students will read about the project’s updates, as well as the economic, ecological, and community benefits provided by the restoration.
Subjects: Biology, Geography
Authors: GR&Riverfront
Region: Southwest Michigan
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The article is broken into manageable sections.
- Hearing about the progress on such an important project for the city will give students hope for the future.
Prerequisites
- Students may benefit from understanding the history of the river and rapids and why this restoration project is necessary.
Differentiation & Implementation
- On a map of Grand Rapids, students can color-code the areas of this restoration project, noting the Upper Reach and the Lower Reach.
- Teachers can make connections to climate change by highlighting flood control as one of the goals for this project and explaining the impact of climate change on the frequency and severity of flood events.
- Teachers can use this resource to make connections to many of the UN Sustainable Development goals. Teachers can invite students to read through the Project Details section and note how these details can be connected to the SDGs.
This resource introduces a project to restore the namesake rapids of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Clear text highlights the progress and future of the project, with a link to more detailed information on the Grand Rapids Whitewater site. This resource links ecosystem restoration with economic development and is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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