Library adds tree to collection for Arbor Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joe McFadden
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Although Hurlburt Field's maple tree population may have only grown by one, the tree's significance will continue to be appreciated long after its planting at a ceremony at the base library April 28.

The base library and the 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron partnered with wing leadership to hold the ceremony in observance of Arbor Day, a holiday designated for the caring of trees and the environment.

"The tree we plant today will serve as a symbol to our vow to preserve the environment not just today, but each day," said Col. Daniel Zook, 1st Special Operations Wing vice commander, while reading the Arbor Day proclamation from Col. Greg Lengyel, 1st SOW commander. "It will grow as a steadfast reminder of our commitment to protect Earth's resources."

Colonel Zook and Chief Master Sgt. Aubrey Harvey, 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron superintendent, planted the tree next to the library's tree circle and outdoor classroom.

The Arbor Day proclamation cited the additional importance of trees in the community for their role in reducing erosion, providing wind breaks, cutting heating and cooling costs, cleaning the air, producing life-giving oxygen and providing habitat for wildlife.

"One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and outputs four tons of oxygen," said Kristal Walsh, 1st SOCES natural resource manager and ceremony host. "That is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people."

Dozens of Airmen, civilians and children attended the event and also participated in a plant swap and brown bag lunch to encourage further environmentally-minded activities throughout the day.

"This was an awesome collaboration of the community to share what we love about the outdoors with others," said Vicky Stever, library director. "This is also a great way for kids to connect with nature to learn about it and learn to love it while becoming good stewards of the environment."

According to the Arbor Day Foundation Web site, Arbor Day was founded by J. Sterling Morton, a former U.S. agriculture secretary, when he proposed the tree-planting holiday in 1872. It was estimated that more than one million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor Day.