April is here and it is the time to get out into “nature” and enjoy the “environment”.  Which makes sense as the Rotary theme for April is the environment.  This past weekend I took a little hike above Palisades Reservoir and had time to think about our environment and how it has a different meaning to different people, and how we all enjoy it differently.  Palisades Reservoir is still low, the snowpack is below normal on the trail I hiked, and the potential lack of water can have an impact on Idaho Agriculture.  Where our environment has provided a wonderful place to grow crops.  In the canyon I could see signs of winter avalanches and major washes from previous years.  A place that feels largely untouched and I didn’t see many people.  On the other hand, I am sure the greenbelt was busy this weekend, full of people enjoying nature and our environment.  There is value to locations where our environment is natural, places where we have manicured our environment, and places where our environment provides food and natural resources.

 

The environmental focus for our Rotary Club is the effort we have put into the greenbelt, a place where large numbers enjoy nature.  Which reminds me, we have a duck race coming up so be ready to join in. 

 

When it comes to April, we also have some great speakers this month that will talk about conservation, habitat, and trees, along with a couple of nuclear energy topics.  Also, one more reminder is that the Rotary District Conference will be here in town on May 28-30 and you can register for as much or as little as you want.

 

Whatever your way is of enjoying the environment, now is the time of year to get outside.  Take a moment to say thanks for being fortunate enough to live in a nation that is prosperous enough to be able to value and invest in our environment.

 

Thanks for all of you in our great club and all that you do.