The Grand Rapids Public Museum, Encompass Socio-ecological Consulting LLC, John Ball Zoo and the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds are studying how the Grand River is used by anglers. The research will help document the long-term changes that occur when the city of Grand Rapids begins the river rehabilitation that will add two miles of rapid habitat throughout downtown Grand Rapids, as proposed by Grand Rapids White Water. The research uses a citizen science technique where professionals and the public work together to document the number of people fishing in the downtown reach, how they are fishing and the general locations.

Citizen Science Training will take place on September 8 at 6 p.m. outside on the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s south lawn, nearest the Blue Bridge.

Angler counters will document the number of anglers in a 2 mile section of the Grand River from Leonard Street to Fulton Street. Training will show how to use the provided data sheet and answer some common questions.  If you are interested we ask that you sign up to do 2 counts between September and November. Each count takes approximately 2 hours to complete. You will be able to sign up for count dates at the training.

Registration required for training. Training is limited to a maximum of 30 individuals. Those under the age of 16 need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Training will take place in small groups, masks are required and social distancing measures will be in place.