Woman’s Club: River Review
Michael Collins of American Climate Partners discussed the organization’s conservation initiatives at the April meeting of the Woman’s Club of Orange County. (Photo Credit: Hazel Arruda)
The Woman’s Club of Orange County held its monthly meeting Thursday, April 13, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Michael Collins, executive director of American Climate Partners, served as guest speaker.
American Climate Partners is focused on developing conservational programs that create jobs in rural areas of the Mid-Atlantic region. Funding for these efforts comes from individuals, corporate donors and grants from private foundations.
Programs include the restoration of the upper Rapidan, river remediation, removal of mill dams, reestablishing native grasslands with native grasses, and the Rapidan Fish Passage Project. Seven years ago, Stream Sweepers was created by hiring and training dozens of college-age students in a homegrown river conservation corps like the old Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Depression.
Thousands of tires and bags of trash have been removed from hundreds of miles of river since then. Stream Sweepers is also involved in the Clinch River Clean-up Project. Michael gave a detailed and enjoyable presentation on all the programs his organization is involved in, and answered many questions posed by the group.
The Woman’s Club finance committee also held a garden-themed fundraiser during the April meeting. Members bid on plants, seeds, banners, tools, puzzles and more. On June 3, the Woman’s Club will host a yard sale at 204 Selma Road, across from Orange County High School. More information will be available soon.
New members are always welcome to join the club. Each meeting features a guest speaker from Orange County, followed by a short business meeting and refreshments. Those interested in becoming a member can contact Dorothy at cluffd@verizon.net for more information.
- Hazel Arruda and Rita Flyzik, Publicity Committee, Woman’s Club of Orange County