Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
How Can A Community Move From Polluted Waters to Living Gardens?
Calvin University professors Gail Heffner and Dave Warners, co-founders of Plaster Creek Stewards, share how they have spent nearly two decades restoring one of West Michigan’s most polluted watersheds. Combining ecological science, Christian theology, and community action, their work includes rain gardens, bioswales, native plant restoration, and other projects that reduce stormwater runoff, improve water quality, and protect downstream neighborhoods disproportionately affected by flooding and pollution. Their restoration efforts extend beyond Calvin University and into the backyard of English professor Deborah Rienstra and seminary professor Ron Rienstra, where environmental healing becomes deeply personal. Together, these professors show how faith, science, resilience, and local community engagement can help repair damaged places and renew our relationship with creation.
Watch the full conversation, then share in the comments: What environmental restoration work is happening in your community?
00:00:00 - Introduction to the Rain Garden and the Plaster Creek Watershed
00:01:17 - Faith and Environmental Responsibility
00:02:04 - Theological Motivation for Creation Care
00:04:10 - Restoration Ecology and Climate Change ()
00:05:06 - Green Infrastructure Projects
00:05:33 - From a University to a Backyard
00:07:51 - What Is The Concept of Refugia?
Learn More:
Explore the work of Plaster Creek Stewards
Explore the work of A Rocha USA
Follow Us:
Good Faith on Instagram
Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter)
Good Faith on Facebook
The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.
How Can A Community Move From Polluted Waters to Living Gardens?
Calvin University professors Gail Heffner and Dave Warners, co-founders of Plaster Creek Stewards, share how they have spent nearly two decades restoring one of West Michigan’s most polluted watersheds. Combining ecological science, Christian theology, and community action, their work includes rain gardens, bioswales, native plant restoration, and other projects that reduce stormwater runoff, improve water quality, and protect downstream neighborhoods disproportionately affected by flooding and pollution. Their restoration efforts extend beyond Calvin University and into the backyard of English professor Deborah Rienstra and seminary professor Ron Rienstra, where environmental healing becomes deeply personal. Together, these professors show how faith, science, resilience, and local community engagement can help repair damaged places and renew our relationship with creation.
Watch the full conversation, then share in the comments: What environmental restoration work is happening in your community?
00:00:00 - Introduction to the Rain Garden and the Plaster Creek Watershed
00:01:17 - Faith and Environmental Responsibility
00:02:04 - Theological Motivation for Creation Care
00:04:10 - Restoration Ecology and Climate Change ()
00:05:06 - Green Infrastructure Projects
00:05:33 - From a University to a Backyard
00:07:51 - What Is The Concept of Refugia?
Learn More:
Explore the work of Plaster Creek Stewards
Explore the work of A Rocha USA
Follow Us:
Good Faith on Instagram
Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter)
Good Faith on Facebook
The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.
