Essex – On Saturday, May 4, 70 Rotarians representing all 12 clubs in Windsor-Essex gathered for the first planting of the Rotary Legacy Forest.
The idea stemmed from Past Rotary International President Ian Riseley’s challenge that every Rotarian plant a tree in the 2017/2018 Rotary year. “We thought we could come together to do something that would have an even greater impact,” said Past District Governor Rick Caron, who championed the project amongst the 12 Rotary Clubs.
A partnership amongst these 12 clubs in Windsor-Essex, and Essex Region Conservation will allow the Rotary Legacy Forest to be created.
“Ultimately, this project will create 70 acres of natural habitat by planting 50,000 trees in the Cedar Creek area, which is located in the centre of the Windsor-Essex County region,” said Richard Wyma, General Manager of the Essex Region Conservation Authority and Executive Director of the Essex Region Conservation Foundation. “Cedar Creek area is one of the most biologically significant areas in the region. It provides habitat for multiple species at risk, improves ecological diversity, creates linkages to existing natural areas, and improves water quality by reducing phosphorus runoff into Lake Erie. This project is extremely unique as finding large tracts of land to restore is becoming increasingly challenging in this region, and we are so grateful to the amazing Rotarian who have come together jointly to support this project.”
“Perhaps most exciting, the Rotary Legacy brings together all Area 9 & 10 Clubs to create a project which will leave a lasting legacy of a cleaner and healthier environment for generations to come,” added Caron.
The Rotary Legacy Forest will be planted over a three-year period.
Rotary is the world’s largest service organization. For more than four decades, Essex Region Conservation has been sustaining and enriching the environment of the Windsor-Essex-Pelee Island region to ensure it is the Place for Life.
Media Contacts:
Danielle Breault Stuebing
Director, Communications & Outreach Services
519-776-5209 ext. 352
dstuebing@erca.org
