Protecting the Environment
Club Resources: Protecting the Environment
Environmental Service: Mission
We are committed to supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources and advance ecological sustainability. We empower communities to embrace local solutions, create innovative service projects, and access grants and other resources to foster harmony between people and nature.
Environmental service projects not only do good for the environment but also attract and engage members and build community connections.
Opportunities for Environmental Service
Rotary enables our members and their community partners to take action by:
- Protecting and restoring land, coastal, marine, and freshwater resources
- Enhancing the capacity of communities to support natural resource management and conservation
- Supporting sustainable agriculture, fishing, and aquaculture practices
- Addressing the cause of climate change by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases
- Strengthening ecosystems and communities affected by climate change
- Supporting education initiatives that promote behavior that protects the environment
- Advocating for sustainable consumption to build an economy that uses resources more efficiently
- Addressing environmental public health concerns
Include Your Club in the D5240 Pollinators Gardens Program
Every Rotary Club in District 5240 can create a pollinator garden and help bees, butterflies and more to thrive. Pollinators account for one third of the food we eat and play a vital role in keeping our ecosystem healthy. Unfortunately, pollinator populations have declined by as much as 40% due to climate change, urbanization, pesticides, and other factors. The Rotary Clubs in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Kern Counties are on vital pollinator pathways. Thus, this is an ideal environmental service project for every club to support.
Free plants and support are available.
District 5240 became an official partner with Monarch Joint Venture in its Monarchs and More Western Habitat Program. The partnership program with Monarch Joint Venture provides free seeds, plants, and technical support. Working together, D5240 and Monarch Joint Venture created an expedited Intake Form to help interested clubs get going.
Get your club involved.
Pollinator gardens create valuable opportunities for collaboration with local botanical gardens, University of California Master Gardener Program volunteers, and the California Native Plant Society. In addition, partnerships with schools, parks, and public agencies can help identify ideal planting sites. The program offers engaging educational opportunities for Interact and Rotaract members as well. Start planning now to be ready for planting in 2027.
Want to Learn More About Environmental Service Opportunities?
1. Contact D5240 Environmental Chair Don Maruska for information about project ideas and support. There are many possibilities.
2. Encourage one or more persons from your club to participate in the District-wide leadership meetings the first Tuesday of each month. The breakouts at 6 p.m. include one for Environmental Service.
3. Earn Environmental Service awards. The criteria for awards will help you build productive Environmental Service activities in your club and community.
District 5240 Environment Committee Meeting Information
Environment Resources