8.10.17 – Matt Chapman and Wendy Ogilvie

Matt Chapman, Project coordinator and director of Grand Rapids Whitewater earned a BS in Advertising and Public Relations and holds a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from Grand Valley State University. Matt spent his summers as a child playing in and along the Chippewa River in Midland, MI. where he first developed a passion for the outdoors. Matt came to Grand Rapids Whitewater in 2015 after serving as the Executive Director of Alternatives in Motion for four years. Matt brings over 10 years of nonprofit fundraising and leadership development experience to the Grand Rapids Whitewater team and is excited to be part the historic effort to put the rapids back in the Grand for everyone.

Wendy Ogilvie, Director of Environmental Programs; Grand Valley Metro Council (GVMC)

Wendy holds a BS in Forestry from The University of Michigan and an MS in Resource Development from Michigan State University. She worked for Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. for 13 years focusing on water resource management projects. She joined GVMC in 2013 as the Director of Environmental Programs. Her work focuses on watershed & stormwater management, including facilitating Municipal Stormwater Permits and promoting green infrastructure practices. She is currently working with partners through facilitating Municipal Stormwater Permits and promoting green infrastructure practices. She is currently working with partners through the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds and Grand Rapids Whitewater to restore connective and improve habitat in the Grand River.

Presentation Description: Grand Rapids Whitewater is an innovative, local nonprofit organization focused on the revitalization of the Grand River through Grand Rapids and restoration of the city’s historic namesake rapids. The goals of this project are to expand recreational uses, improve aquatic habitats, enhance environmental quality of the community, and boost tourism, business growth and employment opportunities along the riverfront in Grand Rapids and throughout West Michigan. Grand Rapids Whitewater, in partnership with numerous agencies and organizations, including the City of Grand Rapids and the Grand Valley Metro Council, has been studying the project since 2009. This presentation will illustrate historical uses of the Grand River, showcase the complexities of the project, provide a current project update, and explore the environmental, economic, and social benefits associated with a revitalized Grand River system.