The March 6th Program Summary......

Environmental projects weren’t too well known as such in 2003 when John was approached by then Sunrise Rotary President Steve Amend to head the Club’s ecology awareness initiative.  John declined the invitation, only reluctantly to accept it later and go on to build some of our Club’s strongest community partnerships through environmentally beneficial projects.

His first assignment brought local attention to the perils gray whales face in their annual Alaska to Baja migration.  John built collaborative relationships with Healdsburg High School through the restoration of the circus rider biking area.  Sonoma Valley's Glen Oaks Ranch gained outbuildings, and poison oak abatement thanks to Randy Seelye's helping hands.  John plied his snake charming skill to the amazement of several exuberant youths during a Colgan Creek cleanup.

For over a decade John has organized club members, youth and community agencies towards improving environmental quality. Building a footbridge in 2005 at Riddell Preserve was an adventure in the woods.  In 2007-08 Club President Ross Jones endorsed John’s “In Your Own Backyard” project, engaging youth complete with Sunrise logo T-shirts.  In 2010 our Club received a District Award for President Ken Petro's Rancho Mark West efforts in mulching, weeding, tilling and irrigation improvements.  A barn on the Rancho has become an ongoing Outdoor Education site.

Westside, Apple Blossom and Steele Lane Schools are continuing to enjoy the fruits of John’s environmental awareness pioneering.  Students earn school funds through compost sales, as well as learn a unique model of entrepreneurship.  One school alone generates $750 a year in funds and diverts several thousand pounds of waste to benefit environmental stewardship.

With leadership from Larry Martin and Leroy Carlenzoli, John has seen Vicki’s Garden at Steele Lane School grow and prosper.  Named after Sunrise Rotarian Vicki Lockner, the former Principal of Steele Lane, the garden nourishes a widening ecological niche:  Students, parents, bees and butterflies.

Though apprehensive at first, John’s environmental shyness was quickly overcome.  In fact, John is a sportsman, conservationist, and community builder.  Thank you John for cleaning up and greening up the greater Sonoma County area!