Niagara County-Central Rotary/Niagara Falls USA
 

The Rotary Club of Niagara County Central and Niagara Falls USA, in collaboration with the Wilson Central School District, participated in a joint clean-up of the Wilson Tuscarora park on Lake Ontario.  We had 105 Rotarians, Interact members, students, staff, parents and community members participate.

In a monumental display of environmental stewardship, volunteers, staff members, and students across the Wilson School District joined forces on April 20, 2024, to embark on a Clean Up the Wilson-Tuscarora Park initiative. Earth Day served as the rallying point for this ambitious endeavor, aiming to address the mounting challenges facing one of North America's most vital freshwater resources.

Against this backdrop, the clean-up initiative mobilized 105 volunteers from the Wilson community, the Wilson Central School District, and the Rotary Club of Niagara Central and Niagara Falls, USA. Armed with gloves, trash bags, and a determination to make a difference, participants fanned out across the park, its beaches, picnic areas, and woods throughout the morning. This initiative is about more than just picking up litter. It's about raising awareness, fostering a sense of responsibility, and ultimately, safeguarding our freshwater legacy for future generations. From 8:00-11:00 AM, the volunteers collected 35 bags of trash (1,112 lbs.) and 25 lbs. of scrap metal and junk.

As the morning drew to a close, exhausted but exhilarated volunteers gathered to celebrate their achievements and reflect on the importance of ongoing conservation efforts. While the clean-up represented a significant step forward, participants emphasized the need for sustained action and continued advocacy to address the root causes of environmental degradation.

As the sun set on April 20, 2024, a renewed sense of hope and purpose-filled the air, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in the ongoing quest to safeguard the Great Lakes and ensure a sustainable future for all.

- Tim Carter