When Rotary International announced that the environment was to be the seventh area of focus, the Rotary Club of Picton was ready to go into action. The club was already involved in the six avenues of service including vocational support, community service and international outreach along with active support of youth through scholarships and exchange programs. Many members felt that more was needed. Here is what they did.......
However, many members felt that more was needed – especially when we saw the environmental degradation that is taking place all over the world including in Prince Edward County. The big question was how and where to put this commitment to work.
After discussing the options, it was decided to try to find a local project which would benefit the community and allow club members to experience the positive benefits of some hands-on experience. The club approached Quinte Conservation, and, after some discussion, the site was found – right around the corner.
Part of the Macauley Mountain Conservation area was the abandoned Whattam Memorial Pathway – at one time an area of contemplation and healing for families who had lost a loved one. It had been started and maintained by Mark and Wendy Davis, then owners of Whattam’s Funeral Home. Unfortunately, due to many reasons, the area was allowed to fall into disrepair and, except for the orange trail, could not be managed by Quinte Conservation.
With the blessing of Quinte Conservation, the Rotary Club of Picton has decided to undertake the stewardship of this area on behalf on Quinte Conservation and for the benefit of the citizens of the county and its visitors.
On Saturday, June 26, there will be the dedication ceremony and the area will henceforth be known as the Picton Rotary Woods Walkway. The club has undertaken to maintain and upgrade the walkway as well as rehabilitate the benches and tables. Along with the assistance of Quinte Conservation, the plan is to replace some of the non-indigenous and threatened trees with sturdy native species to try to bring the woods to a more natural state.
In The Photo: On Saturday June 26th Rotary members started the clean-up and signage work for the newly named Picton Rotary Woods Walkway in the Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area.(l-r) PP Rick Jones, Rotarian Maurice Carlier, President Elect Dan Wight, President John Clarke, Rotarians Barb Proctor, Ian Chan, Andy Janikowski. Other Rotary members missing from the photo, Joanne Coker, Glendon Walker, Brenda Hellyer, Don Wakefield
Also, the club is very excited to erect a small area where young people can come to hear about nature from teachers and naturalists and experience the natural environment.
More information about the Rotary Club of Picton and this stewardship project can be found on our website – pictonrotary.ca - which contains information, not only about this project but the many areas of service that the club is actively involved with.
If you are interested in helping us with this project, please let us know by contacting us through the website. If you’re interested in joining an active group of men and women who are hard at work trying to improve the world around us, please look us up. An application form and information on how to join the club can be found at pictonrotary.ca as well.