Speak to the Riverbend Rotary Club

Inspiring Insights and Thought-Provoking Conversations

Copyright Chuck Parr

U.S. Representative Mike Bost addresses Riverbend Rotarians

We invite guest speakers making an impact our community to speak at our club meetings.

Book your speaking engagement at Riverbend Rotary

Pick a Date and Time

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
Timezone

Available Starting times for Mon, Dec 30, 2024

Chorus Frog is endangered in our area

Heartland Conservancy

July 27, 20232 min read

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

Mary Vandervord, CEO of Heartland Conservancy, and Monica Bristow, President of Riverbend Rotary Club, at Rotary meeting discussing environmental conservation and community engagement.

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

Custom HTML/CSS/JAVASCRIPT

blog author image

Eric McRoy

Eric McRoy is a dedicated community leader and active member of the Riverbend Rotary Club. With a passion for service and a keen interest in making a positive impact on the lives of others, Eric lends his experience and expertise to various local initiatives. As a skilled communicator and enthusiastic volunteer, he enjoys sharing stories of the club's accomplishments, inspiring others to join the mission of creating lasting change in the Riverbend area and beyond.

Back to Blog

Craft Your Perfect Presentation with

Our New Riverbend Rotary
Speakers' Template!

Speaking to a Rotary Club audience can be an exciting, but sometimes daunting, opportunity.

We've created a template to help guide you in crafting a presentation that not only informs but also entertains and inspires.

Using this tool, you'll be able to articulate your passions, highlight the importance of your cause, and engage your audience in meaningful ways.

As an example, we've used a humorous, imaginative topic: "The Society for the Protection and Advancement of Invisible Unicorns (SPA-IU)".

This fictitious charity serves as an illustrative guide for how you might structure your own presentation, providing a clear and engaging path from introduction to conclusion.

This template, along with Toastmasters best practices, will assist you in building a compelling narrative, connecting with your audience, and delivering a powerful call to action.

Remember, the key to a successful presentation is authenticity, preparation, and a deep understanding of your topic.

Now, it's your turn to bring your passions to the stage. Whether you're

advocating for invisible unicorns, local community initiatives, or global change, we're excited to hear your story and learn from your journey.

Together, we'll continue the Rotary Club tradition of learning, sharing, and inspiring action in our community.

Get started with our presentation template today and prepare to make a lasting impression at your next Rotary Club meeting!