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Meijer has partnered with Plaster Creek Stewards to implement sustainable stormwater management solutions around its supercenter at 28th Street and Kalamazoo Ave. in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This initiative includes the construction of a new gas station on an adjacent corner.
Plaster Creek Stewards is an initiative by Calvin University that collaborates with the community to restore the Plaster Creek Watershed through research, education, engagement, and ecological restoration practices. Previously, they had established pollinator gardens and stormwater rain gardens on the property Meijer planned to redevelop. In alignment with its sustainability focus, Meijer chose to continue and expand this initiative.
Volunteers from Meijer worked alongside Plaster Creek Stewards to relocate native plants from the new property to avoid damage during demolition and construction activities. "Water is our most precious natural resource, so it’s important to protect and preserve the areas around our stores to minimize our impact," stated Erik Petrovskis, Meijer's Director of Environmental Compliance and Sustainability. He added that the project aimed at protecting the watershed while beautifying the property and conserving native plants.
The relocated plants were transplanted into rain gardens on store property for sustainable stormwater drainage. Plaster Creek Stewards will maintain these replanted gardens and plan further expansion efforts once construction concludes.
“Plaster Creek Stewards is grateful to partner with Meijer on this project,” said Haley Kornoelje, PCS project coordinator. The partnership aims at reducing pollution and flooding in Plaster Creek by utilizing deep-rooted native plants for water absorption.
The Plaster Creek watershed spans about 58 square miles in metropolitan Grand Rapids, covering both commercial and residential areas before flowing into the Grand River south of downtown Grand Rapids. An open channel tributary runs through the new Meijer gas station site near Ken-O-Sha Park.
