The Seeds of the Fellowship of the Trees
“Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”
- Robert Louis Stevenson
The future of the proposed Rotary Fellowship of the Trees is rooted in the belief that each of us can leave a lasting legacy – a living legacy of trees and forests that will thrive for generations to come. It's about more than just planting trees; it's about cultivating a global movement of environmental stewardship, fostering international collaboration, and inspiring a deeper connection to the natural world.
While the future of this story is yet to be written by thousands of individuals from every corner of the globe, the vision was born from the lifelong journey of Corey and Brendon Kerkela, a father and son team of anthropologists turned park rangers who have shared a profound love for exploration and a deep respect for the planet.
From a young age, Brendon accompanied me on countless adventures, immersing ourselves in the vibrant tapestry of cultures and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature across the globe. Our travels have taken us to remote corners of the world, from the vibrant markets and amazing temples of Rajasthan to the highest reaches of many of the world’s greatest mountain ranges, fostering a deep appreciation for the diversity of human experience and the interconnectedness of all life.
Our father-son team has always sought to understand the world around them, not just as tourists, but as curious observers, eager to learn from the people and places they encounter. Our journeys have been a constant exploration of the human spirit, a quest to understand our place within the intricate web of life.
Below is a shameless plug for family travel and a chance to get to know us better.
A Trip to Nepal: Beauty, Pollution, and Inspiration
Our journey to Nepal was a profound experience. We were captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas, the warmth and hospitality of the Nepali people, and the vibrant tapestry of their culture. We trekked through remote villages, marveling at the resilience of communities living in harmony with nature. However, this idyllic picture was soon disrupted by the stark realities of over-tourism and environmental degradation. We witnessed firsthand the impact of pollution on the pristine mountain air and the strain that mass tourism was placing on local resources.
Driven by a desire to explore the less-traveled paths, we ventured off the beaten track, venturing into the Annapurna Region on alternative trails without a guide. This decision, while initially exciting, soon proved to be a dangerous miscalculation. We found ourselves lost and stranded on the edge of a mountain during a landslide with night approaching and very little of the trail left to mention. The traversing of the sheer cliffface with little in the way of safety equipment was harrowing and life-threatening. This brush with mortality was a sobering reminder of the fragility of the natural world and the importance of respecting its power.
More importantly, this experience ignited a profound sense of responsibility within us. We realized that we could not simply be passive observers of the world's beauty; we had to become active participants in its preservation. We vowed to make a difference, to leave a positive impact on the people and places we encountered on our travels.
The solitude of the road less traveled in Nepal
The Birth of a Vision
Following our life-altering experience in Nepal, we knew we needed to find a way to give back. Brendon, ever the visionary, proposed a "gap year" following his Graduation from the University of Florida – a year dedicated to travel and service. Instead of a traditional backpacking trip, we envisioned an ambitious journey across Europe and Asia, utilizing an electric vehicle to minimize our environmental impact. This "Go Green Tour" would not only be a personal journey of self-discovery but also an opportunity to promote cultural heritage, eco-tourism, and sustainable travel practices in each destination we visited.
The idea then evolved. We began to ponder how we could leave a lasting mark on each community we encountered. What tangible contribution could we make to express our gratitude for the experiences we gained and the kindness we received? The answer, we realized, was simple yet profound: plant trees. By planting trees in each location we visited, we could contribute to local environmental efforts, support biodiversity, and leave behind a living legacy of our journey.
This simple yet powerful idea began to take root. We started to research organizations that aligned with our vision, seeking partners who shared our passion for environmental conservation and community engagement. It was during this search that we discovered Rotary International.
Finding Our Roots in Rotary
As we delved deeper into the world of Rotary International, we were immediately drawn to the organization's core values: service, friendship, and international cooperation. These values resonated deeply with our own beliefs and aspirations. We were inspired by the countless stories of Rotarians making a positive impact in their communities and around the world.
We began to explore how we could leverage the power of the Rotary network to amplify our tree-planting efforts. We reached out to local Rotary Clubs, sharing our vision and seeking potential partnerships for our next trips.
Our resultant pilot projects in Peru and India proved to be incredibly rewarding. Working alongside dedicated Rotarians, we planted hundreds of trees, engaged with local communities, and experienced firsthand the transformative power of collaborative action.
Check out this video about our first small project below and get an idea of why trees are important and how Rotary is an amazing network of people positioned to make a difference.
These early experiences solidified our belief that Rotary International provided the ideal platform for our vision to flourish. With its global reach, its commitment to service, and its strong network of dedicated volunteers, Rotary has the potential to become a driving force in global tree-planting initiatives.
Becoming a Rotarian is not a requirement for joining the Rotary Fellowship of the Trees, but you may find the experience of joining your local club to be very rewarding.
Find a Rotary Club Near You
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Find a Rotary Club Near You 〰️
The Genesis of the Rotary Fellowship of the Trees
Inspired by these early successes, we began to envision a larger, more ambitious initiative. We realized that we needed to create a dedicated platform within Rotary to unite like-minded individuals who shared our passion for environmental stewardship and international cooperation. This led to the creation of the Proposed Rotary Fellowship of the Trees.
We reached out to many of the individuals who helped us with the initial plantings, as well as our contacts in Rotary International, academia, and the Florida Park Service to gauge interest in developing a Rotary Fellowship and non-profit 501(c)(3) to promote planting and friendships all around the World, and the response was unbelievably positive.
The Proposed Fellowship aims to leverage the immense power of the Rotary network to achieve ambitious goals, including planting billions of trees worldwide, fostering international collaboration among Rotarians, and inspiring a new generation of environmental stewards. We believe that by working together, we can make a significant impact on the global environment and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
The Mission of the Rotary Fellowship of the Trees
“Planting trees and fostering peace through friendship around the world”
The Rotary Fellowship of the Trees is guided by a set of core values that emphasize environmental stewardship, international cooperation, and human connection. Our mission is to:
Plant Trees Worldwide: To establish tree-planting projects in every corner of the globe, restoring vital ecosystems and combating climate change.
Build a Global Network: To connect Rotarians and other philanthropists from around the world through shared experiences in environmental conservation, fostering lasting friendships and a global network of environmental stewards.
Inspire Future Generations: To cultivate a love for nature and a commitment to environmental responsibility among young people, ensuring a sustainable future for all.
VII. Join the Movement
Join a team of volunteers to plant over 1 Billion trees by 2035!
The Rotary Fellowship of the Trees is more than just an organization; it is a group of friends planting living landmarks near and far. It is a movement of individuals and communities coming together to create a greener, more connected world. We invite you to join us in this important endeavor. Whether you are a seasoned Rotarian or simply someone who shares our passion for environmental stewardship, there is a place for you in the Fellowship.
Together, let us plant the seeds of change, nurture a global network of environmental stewards, and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. Let us work together to build a world where trees thrive, communities flourish, and the spirit of Rotary shines brightly.
