Conservation Projects
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Adopt-A-Field
Adoption is challenging work. We have adopted the Sears Field in Weston and we are reclaiming it for the pollinating insects. All are invited to clear these invasive plants so that in year three of our five year project we can begin to plant the plants that are good for the pollinators. Join us to work hard, release some energy on the invasive plants, have a good time, good conversation and good refreshments. Navigate to 27 Crescent Street and park at the Melone Homestead (see map at the bottom of the page).
Please join us any day and time you can:
Saturday mornings 9-12 on
- March 26 (Signup to volunteer),
- April 23 (Signup), and
- May 14 (Signup)
Join us Thursdays 6-7:30 p.m. on
- April 28 (Signup to Volunteer),
- May 26 (Signup), and
- June 23 (Signup). We start at 6PM at the barn next to the field and -- of course -- include food :)
More dates to come!
Conservation Team Fundraising
We're developing plans to launch a fundraising initiative to generate broad support from organizations and individuals to underwrite the direct expenses of reclaiming and rejuvenating the Sears Field to make it into a paradise for pollinators. If we're wonderfully successful, we'll realize the vision of a lush paradise that provides a platform for learning about the plants, animals, and insects that enliven and rely upon preserved open spaces. Click on the image above to see the current draft of our fundraising letter/case statement.
The Seedlings Project
In May, 2018, Rotary International President Ian Riseley challenged Rotary clubs to plant a tree for each member. Trees remove carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the air, which slows global warming.
The Weston-Wayland Rotary Club embraced this challenge by buying, preparing, nurturing, and distributing Green Giant Arbor Vitae to all first and second graders in each town, plus Rotary members.
The project was so well-received, and so much fun for our Club members, that we have continued it each year. Except for 2020 when it was cancelled by Covid. In 2021, we responded by doubling our order and giving enough saplings to catch up by including last year’s first graders who had moved up to second grade. In 2021, we distributed 800 saplings; in previous years, 400 each year.
Past President Mark Messina Mark Messina, Rotary Earth Day Committee Chair said, “We are very fortunate to have such great leadership in our schools. Every principal responded quickly and enthusiastically to our program. Along with the saplings we provided educational materials and a 3-minute video.” See the video at https://vimeo.com/542397997/e4b49d60b6
On a beautiful Earth Day, Rotarians, friends of Rotary from high school students to business networking contacts gathered to prepare the seedlings for distribution. Everyone worked to get all 800 seedlings prepared for distribution to the Wayland elementary schools of Veritas, Happy Hollow, Loker and Claypit Hill as well as Weston elementary schools of Country and Woodland.
This year residents at Traditions of Wayland, another community partner, cared for and then delivered seedlings to the Wayland elementary schools. Wendy Nollman of Traditions said,”This is such a great program. I am so happy to be a Corporate member of Rotary and to bring this multigenerational opportunity to our residents.”
