This year, Rotary International President Ian Riseley has asked Rotary clubs around the world to join in a simple environmental gesture—plant a tree between now and Earth Day on April 22^nd.

As stated in his challenge: “It is my hope that the result of that effort will be far greater than the environmental benefit that those 1.2 million new trees will bring, which is itself most worthwhile. I believe the greater result will be a Rotary that recognizes our responsibility, not only to the people on our planet — but to the planet itself on which we all live and on which we all depend.”

This is a challenge clubs around the world have embraced and one we can accomplish together, joining the international community of Rotarians. I am requesting that each club choose how, where and when they will plant—whether one pine seedling for each member, or perhaps one strong sapling chosen for their native ecosystem value. Include family members or town officials; it’s up to each club to decide how to honor this vision of environmental inclusiveness.

Let’s all work together to make a better, greener, world. This is the power of Rotary Making a Difference!

Trish Pearson, District Governor