Photos by A. Warner

By Susan Johnson

May 24, 2023: Less dressed up perhaps than the weekend’s prom goers, 48 members and volunteers of Rotary Clubs in Bronxville, Eastchester and Scarsdale rolled up their sleeves for the “Get Behind the Wheel” environmental day of service on Saturday May 20th, volunteering for the Bronx River Parkway Reservation Conservancy (BRPRC) to clean up and beautify a section of the Bronx River Reservation. BRPRC president Bob DelTorto trained and supervised the volunteers.

Under the scrutiny of local geese protectively strolling with their goslings, and huge bullfrogs who held their ground despite the flurry of activity around them, the energetic humans worked in teams -- some cut and others gave a forceful heave ho to pull out the invasive vines and scrub brush that over the years have thrived and developed a stranglehold on trees and enjoyed some fun and comradery while doing it. Native trees and shrubs were also planted on the reservation to help restore its ecology, preserve, and protect a beautiful section of the local landscape.

The torrential rain held off long enough for the Rotarians to complete their mission, and large piles of debris for removal by Parks staff could be seen throughout the cleanup area, located near the Tuckahoe duck pond at the cross section of Garrett Avenue and the end of Tuckahoe Road. Volunteers also picked up bottles, cans, and other trash from the park.

Rotary Clubs, which are built on a tradition of service, are actively recruiting new members looking to focus their time and talent on community service, specifically on protecting the environment.

To learn more about local Rotary Clubs: Bronxville Rotary (https://bronxvillerotary.com/); Eastchester Rotary (https://eastchester-rotary.org/); Scarsdale Rotary (https://scarsdalerotary.org/).Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/bronxvillerotary) and Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/bronxville_rotary/.

See photos below!