Rotary Clubs’ Work Inspires Island’s Brownies
The Rotary Clubs of Bermuda recently held a cleanup at the Riddles Bay Mangrove Reserve, while also inspiring the island’s Brownies to “become stewards of the environment.”
A spokesperson said, “This year, the Rotary Clubs of Bermuda have been cited for their interest and continued concern about the environment. Rotarians held a most successful cleanup at the Riddles Bay Mangrove Reserve recently.
“Tons of youth were privy to the brilliant article in the paper and students from both Government and private high schools, middle schools, and primary schools attended the cleanup, which resulted in tons of litter being collected. Requests were made to continue this initiative.
“One such group who were keen on preserving mangrove habitats was the West Pembroke/First Devonshire Brownies. They have teamed with Hamilton Rotary Club. It would be magical for youth groups on the island to embark on a special youth initiative where interested youth groups can partner with service clubs on the island to carry out projects dealing with environmental stewardship.
“As soon as Rotary International’s Mangrove Project was unveiled, the Brownies – who range in age from 7 to 10 – launched a local study on mangroves and their impact on both the environment and marine life. They are presently conducting a study on the preservation of the mangroves in Bermuda. Three years ago, over 200 Rotarians descended on Bermuda coming off a cruise ship in Dockyard, where a symposium was being held.
“They were able to clear out much of the bushes and litter in the area where there is a mangrove reserve, making it possible for individuals to access the reserve and plant and observe the mangroves. This has highlighted much interest in youth on the island. To this end the first Devonshire and first West Pembroke brownies have opted to work with Rotary as partners in preserving other mangrove reserves by removing litter surrounding the mangroves.
“On Thursday, October 10, several Brownies, with their parents, cleaned up the area where mangroves grow on the beach of the Blue Hole Hill Park in Baileys Bay. They collected over 1,000 pieces of microplastics several tin cans, paper, and large plastics and rope that were on the beach near the mangroves.
“The Brownies have learned about the impact of mangroves on marine life and the environment. The book that has gained much impetus within the group is ‘Daddy and I Explore the Mangroves,’ written by Dr David Chapman. They have embarked on a personal study and research on mangroves and the impact on the environment. Their study will culminate in presentations and displays in May as part of their end of year symposium.
“The girls have started the environmental project and have designed beautiful environmental posters which will be put on t-shirts and sold. Part proceeds will go towards the purchase of badges as well as group outings to Nonsuch Island and Trunk Island, as well as the aquarium. Part proceeds will also go to the Bermuda Aquarium for the restoration of green turtles and rehabilitation.
“In addition to studying the environment, they have done a geographical study of sand in Bermuda and most girls have collected little sand samples so that they can compare and contrast the texture of sand and study why the sand textures are different on South Shore and North Shore Beaches. They are discovering what makes sand look pink.
“They have embarked upon many individual projects at home, including the making of crabs and other marine animals from throwaways, design of collages from trash, and finding alternatives to plastics.
“We thank Rotary International and Rotary in Bermuda for inspiring our youth to become stewards of the environment. We thank our Government, local environmental advocates, and service groups for encouraging our youth to become stewards of our beautiful environment. Our youth are our changemakers.”
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Category: All, Environment
