National Park Service - Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG)
Chris Stein spoke to the Club about the 2015 origin of Operation Pollination with its goals of restoring pollinator habitat and educating the public about the importance of pollination. This effort, combined with the formation of National Heritage Areas, prompted the National Park Service to reach out and collaborate with other local non-profits to further their impact. In August of 2020 the Rotary ESRAG adopted the project as well. In October of 2020 there was excellent coverage of this effort included in the Rotarian magazine.
- 1 in 3 bites of food we take in the U.S. result from pollination
- there has been a 40% decline in pollinators world wide including bats, bees, wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies and moths
- there has been a 90% decline in the Monarch butterfly population
Both Rotary District 6440 and 6450 have signed Pollinator Resolution/ Pledge Forms as two of 125 organizations that have done so. Nine of District 6440 clubs are involved in an $8000 district grant match in support of this program.
This collaboration includes "home grown national park" projects encouraging homeowners to convert their lawns to natural space, and an opportunity to partner with international "sister" schools to leverage the project.
Chris fielded a number of questions and promised to forward his Powerpoint presentation which will be available on request in Email to Pat Hogan.
Finally, he shared two books of interest: The Living Landscape and Nature's Best Hope.
Chris also wanted to remind everyone the Pullman District National Monument will celebrate its Grand Opening on Labor Day this year. He encouraged all Chicagoland Rotarians to participate.