Thursday, May 2, 8 am
Jacoby Arts Center - Alton
Be the change
in our community
We are local enthusiasts making a lasting impact through service, collaboration, and empowerment.
You're going to eat lunch anyway.
Join us at:
Senior Services Plus
2603 N Rodgers Ave
Alton, IL 62002
Stories of Service and Impact from Our Rotary Club
Heartland Conservancy
Conservation Conversation
with Mary Vandervord, President and CEO of Heartland Conservancy
It's not every day that we have the opportunity to listen to someone who is truly shaping our local environment for the better. On that note, our latest meeting was truly a breath of fresh air. We had the distinct pleasure of hosting Mary Vandervord, President and CEO of Heartland Conservancy, an organization dedicated to preserving, enriching, and protecting the natural resources of the heartland region.
Mary, leading the Heartland Conservancy, champions a vision of environmental sustainability and responsible land use. With over 30 years of experience, the organization's initiatives have included land protection, watershed planning, trail creation, and community building – all designed to foster a harmonious coexistence of the human and natural world.
During her presentation, Mary delved into the story of how one person's effort to save land from urbanization turned into Heartland Conservancy, which mission is to sustain and enrich the diverse environmental resources of our region. She underscored the importance of preserving natural spaces not only for the wildlife that inhabit them, but also for the benefit of local communities, improving our quality of life, and ensuring that future generations can enjoy these spaces too.
Mary also touched on some of the significant projects that the Heartland Conservancy is currently undertaking. One of the noteworthy efforts is their continued work on protecting key natural and farmland areas from urban sprawl and development, thereby ensuring the sustainability of our region's farming and wildlife habitats.
🐸 The Chorus Frog is endangered in our area. The call, which lasts a little over a second, is a rapid series of metallic clicks that rise in pitch: crrreeeeek! Imagine pushing your thumb down the teeth of a stiff comb. Have you heard them?
The work done by Mary and her team at Heartland Conservancy is a stark reminder of the critical role we all play in safeguarding our environment. As members of the Rotary Club of the Riverbend, it inspires us to think about how we can support these initiatives, be it through volunteer work, fundraising, or by spreading awareness of the importance of conserving our local environment.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Mary Vandervord for taking the time to share her passion and the work of the Heartland Conservancy. The conversation was not only inspiring but also served as a gentle reminder of our duty to the beautiful world that surrounds us. Follow Heartland Conservancy on Facebook.
Mary Vandervord, CEO of Heartland Conservancy, and Monica Bristow, President of Riverbend Rotary Club, at Rotary meeting discussing environmental conservation and community engagement.
Visit Riverbend Rotary
Noon Thursdays at Senior Services Plus in Alton
Speak to Riverbend Rotary
What is Rotary?
You've certainly heard about it, but do you really know what is ROTARY? There are several chapters around your neighborhood.
Riverbend Rotary
Our commitment to making a difference extends beyond our local community to create lasting change on a global scale.
We are proud to be part of international efforts, such as END POLIO NOW, which showcases the power of collaboration and dedication in achieving shared goals.
However, our most significant impact
is felt right here in the Riverbend area, where our passion for service and community development is truly transformative.
Our club members work tirelessly to champion local causes, support community projects, and drive sustainable initiatives that enrich the lives of our neighbors.
From mentoring youth and promoting education to fostering environmental stewardship and addressing social challenges, Riverbend Rotary is a catalyst for positive change.
We invite you to join us in our mission to create a brighter future for our community and the world, one project at a time.
About Rotary District 6460
The Rotary motto: Service Above Self. Rotary, the world’s first service club organization, is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders.
Members of Rotary clubs, known as Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.
Rotary District 6460 contains Rotary clubs that serve west central Illinois in the United States of America.
Nourishing
Hope
Riverbend Rotary Packs Nutritious Meals for Hungry Children in Nicaragua
Shred Day
Safeguarding Identities and Supporting Our Community through Secure Document Disposal
Caring for
Our Community
Riverbend Rotary Members Beautify Local Homes by Tidying Yards and Landscapes
Ringing in the
Spirit of Giving
Riverbend Rotary Members Support the Salvation Army's Mission to Transform Lives
Started from the vision of one person.
Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000.
1.4 million friends, neighbors, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Just A Little Help Can Make Big Difference
1.2 million
There are over 36,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas worldwide, with approximately 1.2 million members.
$4 Billion
The Rotary Foundation, which supports Rotary's humanitarian and educational programs worldwide, has invested over $4 billion in life-changing, sustainable projects since it was founded in 1917.
$2.1 Billion
Rotary in the USA has played a key role in the global effort to eradicate polio, with Rotary members contributing over $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to the cause.
Rotary International's Unwavering Mission: Eradicating Polio and Empowering a Polio-Free World.
Rotary International has been at the forefront of the global fight against polio for over three decades, working tirelessly to eradicate this devastating disease.
Through strategic partnerships with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary has made remarkable strides in immunization efforts, reaching millions of children in even the most remote corners of the world.
Since launching the PolioPlus program in 1985, Rotary International and its partners have helped to reduce polio cases by 99.9%, saving countless lives and preventing lifelong disabilities.
The continued dedication and support of Rotary members worldwide are crucial in achieving a polio-free world, ensuring that future generations can live without the fear of this debilitating disease.
Join us in our unwavering commitment to end polio once and for all, and be part of a global movement that is truly transforming lives and making history.
