Growing Arbor Day support

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michelle Vickers
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  The 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron hosted an Arbor Day celebration Apr. 26 at the stream by the Child Development Center Main at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

This is Hurlburt Field's 18th year as a Tree City USA community as designated by the Arbor Day Foundation.

The title of being a Tree City is only bestowed upon communities that have met rigid standards for establishing a tree management program. The program provides a framework for educating the public about the important roles of trees in the environment.

"Trees in our community reduce erosion, provide windbreaks, cut heating and cooling costs, clean the air, produce life-giving oxygen, provide habitat for wildlife," said Col. Jim Slife, commander of 1st Special Operations Wing, reading from the base Arbor Day Proclamation.

The children from the Hurlburt Field Youth Center joined Slife in helping shovel as part of a tree planting. The tree will be part of a new outdoor classroom environment located along the stream.

"The dogwood tree we dedicate today will overlook a new science classroom created to teach children about natural habitats," Slife read from the proclamation before planting the sapling. "It will serve as a symbol of our vow to preserve the environment not just today but each day. And, it provides a constant reminder of our commitment to protect earth's resources and the benefits it provides."

Jazir Simon, a Youth Center student, also read a poem by Susan M. Paprocki about the benefits of trees and encouraging children to love trees.

"Why not hug a tree today, or pat it on its bark?" Simon read. "Give a tree a great big squeeze, at home or in the park."