Continuing its long-standing legacy of environmental stewardship, the Rotary Club of Traverse City will host an Earth Day Volunteer Workbee today in partnership with the Grand Traverse Conservation District (GTCD). The event will take place at the Natural Education Reserve, a 505-acre public conservation area along the Boardman-Ottaway River.

From 10am to 12 pm today, Rotarian volunteers will gather to plant over 600 native trees, shrubs, and plants in the exposed bottomlands of the former Sabin Pond, an area undergoing ecological restoration following the removal of the Sabin Dam in 2018. The planting effort supports habitat restoration, erosion control, and climate resilience—and is part of a broader, decades-long effort to return the Boardman-Ottaway River to its natural channel.

This effort is made possible in part through a District Local Grant from Rotary District 6290, as well as additional funding from the Club's Friends of the Boardman Fund. In March, the Rotary Club of Traverse City granted GTCD $6,000 through this combined funding to support the purchase of native plants, necessary equipment, and volunteer supplies. The funds will also contribute to GTCD’s larger restoration efforts, including the future Ottaway Crossing Footbridge.