On Saturday, April 25, we had an enthusiastic group of 23 oyster reefers (aka Rotarians, family and friends) working with two marine biologists from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources placing manufactured wire reefs (MWRs) along the May River shoreline. This was part 2 of our annual Oyster Reef Restoration service project. We deployed the 40 MWRs that our volunteers built in March. It was a beautiful day on the river and we successfully completed a consequential service project, and all of our volunteers came away without injury -- a total success!
Our work is part of the SCDNR's South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement Program (SCORE). The MWRs provide habitat for oyster larvae to attach and develop. A healthy oyster population is important because each adult oyster filters and purifies up to 50 gallons of water per day, helping to keep our waterways clean.
Oysters build reefs which provide habitat for fish, shrimp, crabs, and other animals. Oysters are an integral part of our marine ecosystem. There are nearly 120 different species that frequent oyster reefs, including Red Drum, Blue Crabs, and Flounder. The MWRs also serve to limit erosion and stabilize the shoreline.
For more information on the SCORE program and to learn more about why their mission is so important in our area, visit their website at https://score.dnr.sc.gov/deepc9f3.html
Our 5th Wednesday Celebration will be on the evening of April 29. There will be no morning meeting but we will be partying at Station 300, 25 Innovation Drive. Please join us!
Regardless of issue, please let us know if something is going on to prevent you from attending our meetings. We have many members who can help, pray, or just call to lift your spirits.
Club Dues Invoices - please submit payment at your earliest convenience. Several Rotarians have outstanding balances from prior invoices - if you are unsure of who you are, please reach out to Don Kensey, Rotary Club of Bluffton Treasurer.
Do you worry about Alzheimer’s? We do not have a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but we must find one. Finding a cure starts with you. Every year the CART (Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust) Fund gives research grants focused on finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Have you given to the CART Fund this year? The CART Fund is dedicated to raising funds to provide “seed” money for cutting edge, high impact research in hopes of finding a cure/prevention for Alzheimer’s disease. The goal of the CART Fund is to encourage exploratory and developmental Alzheimer’s disease research projects within the United States. This is accomplished by providing financial support for the early and conceptual plans of those projects that may not yet be supported by extensive preliminary data but have the potential to substantially advance biomedical research. These projects should be distinct from those designed to increase knowledge in a well-established area unless they intend to extend previous discoveries toward new directions or applications.
If you would you like to donate to the C.A.R.T. fund, please scan the code below:
The Bluffton Rotary Club has a YouTube Channel! You will find previous guest speakers and other fun videos, so be on the lookout for more content in the future. All you have to do is create a YouTube account and subscribe...with 80+ current members, we can do better than eight subscriber's!! Link:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8TYzr9_xUE8Jfy-lniTt1A
Did you know ClubRunner is now available on your mobile device app store for FREE?!? Once downloaded, use your ClubRunner log-in. This will give you instant access to our member directory, events, news and other important information. Here is a video that highlights some of the features: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFLu08meAHI&t=12s
