Rotary seeks to improve the local and global community with a motto of Service Above Self. In keeping with Rotary International President Ian Riseley’s challenge for every Rotarian to plant a tree, the clubs of District 7410 Cluster 3 joined forces to plant 150 trees at Lacawac Sanctuary. Meeting near the Big Lake Trail on this sunny spring morning, 39 Rotary, Interact, and Community Corps volunteers grabbed shovels and pickaxes to make short work of the project.
The Lacawac Sanctuary is home to Lake Lacawac which is the southernmost unpolluted glacial lake. As such, it is an invaluable resource for research and education. The surrounding forests also provide a beautiful environment for outdoor enthusiasts with multiple trails, venues for special events including weddings, and laboratory for teaching multitudes of school students how to be responsible stewards of the environment. Lacawac is dedicated to be a leading force and vibrant center for environmental education and research, resulting in awareness, appreciation, and preservation of the natural world.
Members of the Hamlin-Lake Ariel, Hawley, Honesdale, Milford-Matamoras, and Newfoundland Clubs were joined by members of the Western Wayne and Wayne Highlands Interact Clubs. There were 6 varieties of trees planted including Flowering White Dogwood, Redbud, Wild Black Cherry, Shagbark Hickory, White Oak and Red Oak all of which are indigenous to the forest. A bench was also installed along the trail for hikers to sit and reflect of the gifts of nature.
The mission of Rotary is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. Anyone interested in learning more or joining Rotary is invited to visit www.Rotary.org or stop by a club’s weekly meeting.
-Story courtesy of Eileen Talalas, Hamlin-Lake Ariel Rotary-
