In June 2017, when then Rotary International President-Elect Ian Riseley was making his address to take office as president, he challenged each of the world’s 1.2 million Rotarians to each plant a tree during the 2017-2018 rotary year, between July 1, 2017  and Earth Day 2018.  President Riseley stated in his address, “Today, environmental issues threaten us all….The time is long past when environmental sustainability can be dismissed as not Rotary’s concern….Trees remove carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the air, which slows global warming,” Riseley stated. The planting of trees is a way to start promoting environmental sustainability.

Rotary Clubs around the world have embraced the challenge.  On April 14, 2018, Rotarians from local clubs in Midlothian, Virginia partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and planted 137 trees at the River City Sportplex in Midlothian, Virginia.  “Rotary Making A Difference” in our communities, our nation, and our world.  Special thanks to Greg Crews, Rotarian with The Midlothian Rotary Club and representative of Bartlett Tree Experts for the support we received with this project.