July 1^st 2021 marked the start of our 21^st year as a Rotary club, but it also marked another important Rotary milestone and that was the beginning of “Supporting the Environment” as an official Rotary International Area of Focus, it’s seventh.  Following the announcement in June 2020 of this new Area of Focus, our Rotary club began to prepare for something that, for many of the members, has factored prominently in their own lives and careers.  To that end a new Environment committee was approved by the Board, and the members hit the ground running!

   Having previously had a presentation by representatives of local organizations “Trees for Guelph” (December 2019) and “One Bench One Tree” (July 2021) plans were made for the fall of 2021 as well as spring of 2022 to support some local tree planting.  It has been well established that trees and shrubs improve soil and water conservation, store carbon, moderate local climate by providing shade, regulate temperature extremes, increase wildlife habitat and improve the land's capacity to adapt to climate change.

   The club arranged a tree planting at Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre in Puslinch to commemorate its 20^th anniversary. An “Avenue of Trees” with a total of 20 trees were planted: 10 on each side, leading to the Jean Little Reading Circle, in memory of beloved Guelph children’s author Jean Little. The trees planted represent the Climate Change blending of the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence and the Carolinian Forest ecosystems and we are grateful for the guidance and assistance provided by “Trees for Guelph”. The ceremonial tree – the last planted – was a White Pine, the official Provincial tree for Ontario. The October 14^th planting ceremony at Sunrise represented one of the few chances for face-to-face fellowship that the club members have had since the spring of 2020.  We are pleased that these trees will be enjoyed by the hundreds of children and adults with special needs who visit the farm each year to attend the many programs offered and by the children who attend the inclusive summer day camps. 

   Our new Environment Committee also proposed support for the planting of a tree and placement of a bench in front of Guelph General Hospital as a tribute to the front-line health care workers and a place for them to sit and relax. The Board approved funding in support of the project through “One Bench One Tree” and a dedication ceremony following completion of the installation was held on November 2^nd. 

for our Rotary club!