3M Grant Supports River-Monitoring Project
Alma College, joined by representatives from St. Louis and Alma
public schools, received a $12,000 check from the 3M Foundation Dec. 7
at the 3M Scientific Anglers facility in Midland.
The check is the second installment of a $48,000 grant to support a
comprehensive river-monitoring project for the Pine River watershed in
Gratiot County. The Pine River has had a history of industrial and
agricultural contamination, which includes an ongoing Superfund cleanup
of the former Velsicol Chemical (Michigan Chemical) site in St. Louis.
From
left: Mike Allen, biology teacher, St. Louis High School; Lisa Nietzel
Arnold, chemistry teacher, Alma High School and Alma College alumnus;
Dave Raver, 3M Plant Manager (Scientific Anglers - a 3M company);
Murray Borrello, director of Environmental Studies at Alma College and
principle investigator on the grant; Steve Lord, biology and ecology
teacher, Alma High School; and Sarah Beery, chemistry teacher, St.
Louis High School.
“The money will pay for special equipment and training for teachers at
St. Louis and Alma high schools and will engage Alma College faculty
and students, creating an ongoing, interactive relationship,” said
Murray Borrello, director of environmental studies at Alma College.
“The river-monitoring project will tie in directly with current state
and federal standards for science education.
“This is a unique and unprecedented collaboration linking higher
education with high school science to promote increased community
service,” he said.
The results of the monitoring project will be presented to the Gratiot
County community on an annual basis to provide a “health of the
watershed” yearly assessment, said Borrello.
Representatives
of Scientific Anglers include, from left: Dave Raver, plant manager;
Lynn Gauthier, plant assistant; and Bruce Richards, product development
and master angler.
Posted: Mon, December 10th, 2007 at 8:17AM
