Community leaders, environmental advocates, Rotarians, and local families gathered at MacArthur Park Restaurant in Rockville Centre to celebrate the official chartering of the Environmental Rotaract Club of Nassau County (Eco-Rotaract).
This historic milestone marked the launch of the first environmental-focused Rotaract Club in Long Island, under Rotary International. The new club was founded in direct response to Long Island’s growing climate challenges, including coastal erosion, sea level rise, flooding, and biodiversity loss.
✨ A Night of Inspiration
The evening’s highlight was the induction of 14 founding members, who were formally pinned and pledged their commitment during a joyful ceremony.
Guest speakers included:
🌱 Melissa Griffin, Founding President, who emphasized environmental equity: “Some places get a lot of money and are really well taken care of, and some not so much. I would really like to see that equalized so that everybody on our island, no matter where you live, has access to those beautiful green spaces.”
🌱 Chris McBride, Club Secretary, who echoed the importance of community involvement and local partnerships.
⚖️ John Parker, environmental attorney and Nassau County Bar Association board member, who spoke about New York State’s progress in renewable energy and green infrastructure, inspiring attendees to stay engaged in the fight for a sustainable future.
💚 Kimberly Johnson, mental health professional, who highlighted the emotional and physical benefits of connecting with nature.
Special guests included Rotary dignitaries such as Past District Governor and Membership Chair Thomas Crowley and Current District Governor Lydia Wells, both of whom praised the club’s mission. Dewey Smalls of the Freeport-Roosevelt NAACP delivered an invocation, and Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé presented official citations recognizing the club’s leadership in sustainability.
Guests also enjoyed dinner, raffles, and fellowship — with a 50/50 drawing awarding $125 to one lucky winner.
🌱 Early Action: Leading by Example
Even before Charter Night, Eco-Rotaract members had already launched impactful initiatives at Brookside Preserve, including:
Planting native species to restore biodiversity
Installing bat boxes to support pollinators
Removing invasive species that threaten local habitats
These projects embody the club’s commitment to grassroots action and hands-on service.
🌍 Looking Ahead: Local Action, Global Impact
Eco-Rotaract Nassau County is committed to Rotary’s guiding environmental principles:
Protecting the environment through direct action
Supporting green legislation
Conserving forests, waterways, and natural habitats
Educating both members and the community
Securing funding for ecological programs
Promoting sustainable gardening and landscaping
Advancing environmental justice and peace
As part of its long-term vision, the club also plans to participate in at least one international collaboration annually, connecting with Rotary clubs worldwide to share solutions and scale impact.
🎉 Join Us
The Charter Night celebration was just the beginning. With upcoming initiatives like Bee House Building at Brookside Preserve and Movie Night: Ripples of Plastic, Eco-Rotaract is already building momentum.
If you’re passionate about protecting the environment, promoting sustainability, and creating positive change, there’s a place for you here.
👉 Learn more about membership at erncli.org
👉 Follow us on social media for updates on events and projects