Join the Big Rapids Garden Club for an inspiring educational program featuring Jessica Gregory, a professional environmental educator and project manager with extensive experience in West Michigan.

Jessica has taught courses at Grand Valley State University and led programming for organizations including Ottawa County Parks & Recreation, Ada Township Parks & Recreation, the Kent Conservation District, and the Rogue River Watershed Partners. Her work focuses on helping communities engage with nature through water quality monitoring, native landscaping, and environmental stewardship.

Passionate about inspiring others, Jessica’s goal is simple: to help people form meaningful personal connections with the natural world through education, so they will feel motivated to care for it, and for each other. As Jennifer Nini reminds us, “You can’t force people to care about our natural environment, but if you encourage them to connect with it, they just might.”

This event invites attendees to learn practical ways to nurture the environment at every level, from personal gardens to community conservation and global awareness. Ideal for gardeners, nature lovers, and anyone interested in environmental education in Mecosta County.