The Ongoing Work of the Niagara Greenway Rotary Steering Committee Seeing a need to assist in the effort to protect, enhance, and preserve the 36-mile corridor of the Niagara River from its confluence at Lake Erie to the terminus at Lake Ontario, the Niagara Greenway Rotary Steering Committee (NGRSC) was formed as a friends group of the Niagara Greenway Commission. Since then, nine District 7090 Rotary clubs (Buffalo, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Buffalo Sunrise, Grand Island, Kenmore and Tonawandas Satellite Club, Niagara County Central, Lockport and Lewiston- NOTL) have adopted portions of the Shoreline Trail, pledging to help clean up and enhance their sections, Corporations and School Districts such as NOCO, Casella, Ken-Ton Schools, Niagara Wheatfield, and Riverside High schools have joined in as partners. City and Erie and Niagara County governments and state agencies are partners.Over the past five years, much has been accomplished. Rotary themed benches, bike racks, bike repair stations, pollinator gardens and interpretive signage have been put in place. Invasive species have been tamed and litter is routinely cleaned up. It is a pleasure to walk and ride bicycles along this beautiful trail in any season.
Importantly, a new generation of youth are being introduced to this precious asset in our region.
We invite Rotary groups in 7090 doing similar work on behalf of the precious resource of water to connect with us for a sharing of ideas and resource opportunities.
Contact: Michelle at michelle.lockett@parks.ny.gov (RC Grand Island) or Barbara at barbaraeo1964@gmail.com (RC Buffalo Sunrise)
- Barbara Ochterski
Through the Youth Stewardship Program, the Niagara River Greenway and Rotary are working with local schools and youth clubs, such as Niagara Wheatfield, North Tonawanda, Ken-Ton, Riverside, and Nichols School to educate students about Great Lakes ecology, riparian habitats, invasive species, pollinators, soil and water conservation and more. This effort has resulted in two Environmental Ambassador Summit conferences for high school students, the second Summit recently held on February 13, 2024. Additionally, the clubs involved engage with college age students through UB and Canisius University Rotaract clubs.NGRSC members organize and participate in community clean ups around the Niagara River or its tributaries, such as the Rotary and Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, and Rotary Great Lakes Clean Up. We encourage active use of our waterfront and broaden the appeal of the Greenway to all levels of participation: biking, walking, nature viewing and relaxation.