Nature with Neighbors

Bringing People Together Through Purposeful Stewardship

The Nature With Neighbors project is more than a volunteer initiative—it’s a vibrant celebration of our shared commitment to environmental stewardship, community connection, and meaningful action. First launched by the Erie Rotary Club, this ongoing project has become a powerful example of how small acts of care can leave a lasting imprint on the land and in the hearts of those who call it home.

The Mission

To restore and enhance local natural spaces while creating opportunities for neighbors to connect, learn, and serve together. Whether planting native vegetation, repairing trails, or revitalizing wetlands, each event brings volunteers into the heart of our community’s green spaces.

The Work

At the core of the project is hands-on conservation. In July 2024, the Wedding Project edition of Nature With Neighbors transformed a neglected corner of open space into a picturesque setting for a local wedding—complete with cleared trails, blooming wildflowers, and carefully landscaped gathering spaces. Beyond the celebration, the improvements have become a lasting gift to the community.

Volunteers of all ages worked side-by-side to:

• Remove invasive species

• Plant native flora and pollinator-friendly plants

• Beautify a public space with sustainable design

Guided by Rotary Values

The success of Nature With Neighbors is rooted in the Rotary 4-Way Test, ensuring the project reflects truth, fairness, goodwill, and shared benefit:

• Is it the truth? Every step of the project—from planning to execution—has been openly shared with the community.

• Is it fair to all concerned? The improved space is free and accessible to all, created by volunteers from all walks of life.

• Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Absolutely. Strangers became teammates. Neighbors became friends.

• Will it be beneficial to all concerned? The restored land now provides beauty, function, and educational value to our entire town.

The Impact

• Community Unity: Dozens of Rotary and non-Rotary volunteers participated, including families, students, and local organizations.

• Environmental Value: Native plantings support pollinators and wildlife, and trail restoration encourages healthy recreation.

• Civic Pride: The transformed landscape stands as a living symbol of what can happen when a community works together.

Sustainable and Ongoing

Nature With Neighbors is designed for long-term sustainability. Future project phases are already in the works, and the Erie Rotary Club is collaborating with partners like Friends of Coal Creek and the Town of Erie Open Space Division to identify additional sites in need of stewardship.