Boardman River projects set for Saturday

TRAVERSE CITY - As part of a continuing effort to improve the Boardman River watershed, area Rotarians will take on several projects this Saturday, May 12. Starting at 8:30 a.m., Rotarians from all three Traverse City Rotary Clubs will gather on the banks of the Boardman River near the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA to build a bridge, construct a trail and perform maintenance at the site.

The work is part of a larger initiative to improve, protect and maintain freshwater resources in northwest Michigan. In 2004, to celebrate Rotary's centennial anniversary, $1 million was granted to Northwestern Michigan College's Great Lakes Water Studies Institute. In addition to the financial gift, the Rotary Water Studies Committee was formed with representation from all three Rotary Clubs. The purpose of the committee is to assist the Water Studies Institute and its partner organizations in a variety of ways with Rotarians' time, energy, talents and professional skills.

Over the past three years Rotarians have stabilized eroding Boardman stream banks, planted thousands of trees, installed fish habitat, and sponsored free fishing days for kids. Hundreds of volunteer hours have gone into improving the watershed.

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is located at 3000 Racquet Club Drive. The entrance is off the south side of South Airport Road between Cass Road and Barlow Street, opposite the Logan's Landing shopping area. For more information about this and other water-related projects, contact Becky Ewing, Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at 231-995-179