Rotary’s New Environmental Club: Making a Local Impact
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“People who have a passion for environmental issues sometimes have a hard time finding an outlet for that,” says Sage Burdge, chair of the environmentally-focused Rotary club in District 7450. The Rotary Eco Club of Southeastern PA is giving members and guests opportunities to work towards a greener and healthier planet. Here is a recap of what the group has accomplished in the 2023-24 Rotary year.
On August 26, in collaboration with Litter Lifters of West Vincent, SaveTheSchuylkill, and Green Valleys Watershed, 15 volunteers removed 80 tires from the Schuylkill River and cleared a second dumpster of debris in Upper Providence Township.
They participated in Green Conshy’s Annual Fall Cleanup on October 21, collecting litter across 3 wards of West Conshohocken.
On November 11, partnering with the Audubon Society, Discovery Center, and Fairmount Waterworks, they hosted the Mussel Maniacs event, conducting monthly measurements to support freshwater mussel propagation.
Throughout December and January, members collected broken Christmas lights for recycling in collaboration with Back to Earth Composting.
On February 5, the club hosted a cross-cultural discussion on climate and the environment with Simon Richter, Professor of Germanic Languages and Literatures at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on his research spanning Germany, Indonesia, the Netherlands, and the United States.
On March 16, they participated in the CRC Watershed Stream Clean up at Crozer Park in Chester, cleaning the stream and its surrounding area.
They also had a presence at the Conshohocken Green Fest on April 27, hosting a table to raise awareness about the club and attract new members.
Additionally, they partnered with Garden for Wildlife to organize a Garden for Wildlife Fundraiser, selling native plants to raise funds and further their mission to enhance the local environment.
The Rotary ECO Club of Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) welcomes volunteers to join them for upcoming service projects. In this video, one of the club's leaders shares some reasons why people enjoy being a part of the club.
Looking Forward
As for the future? The club is looking to increase their presence on social media and their website. To maximize their impact during service planning and participation, they’re expanding club leadership to include a service project chair. They’re also exploring partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and potentially partnering with District Governor Francy on a District-wide book club initiative.
Eco Club members at volunteers removed 80 tires from the Schuylkill River and cleared a second dumpster of debris in Upper Providence Township.
“Every time I go to a service project, even if had a long week, I always have a great time. Our volunteers get out in community, be in nature, and meet people.” Burdge says anyone can participate in their service projects, not just members of the ECO Club. “If anyone is interested in receiving updates and invitations from our club, they can fill out their information on this form.
Those who would like to help the club grow while helping their garden grow, can check out the club’s ongoing fundraiser. Purchase native plants online by clicking here.
Follow the ECO Club on Facebook and Linkedin.