NASWF to be Named Tree City USA for 21st Year
NASWF to be Named Tree City USA for 21st Year
Ceremony will be immediately followed by base tree lighting
For the 21st consecutive year, Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field has achieved designation from the National Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA for its dedication to conservation and urban renewal. The base will plant a tree to recognize its completion of the requirements and to celebrate the accomplishment Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 9:30 a.m. behind the base’s supply building.
The Arbor Day Foundation presents a proclamation and banner to the command to recognize the achievement. NAS Whiting Field Commanding Officer Capt. Matthew Coughlin will throw in the first shovelful of dirt.
“Preservation and conservation of our natural resources is important to the sustainability of our mission here at NAS Whiting Field, and I appreciate being a part of a program that recognizes our support of responsible environmental stewardship,” he said.
The ceremony is only the final step in the process. Throughout the year, the NAS Whiting Field Natural Resources team has to: ensure an allocated cost is directed toward forestry projects (this has to exceed $2 per person on the base), maintain an Urban Forestry Ordnance, and have a board with regular meetings. All of the requirements serve to raise the awareness of how important trees are to our society. Not only do they provide a natural beauty, but trees also give shade, help to lower temperatures in urban areas, increase the oxygen level in their areas, and help to cleanse pollutants from groundwater and the air.
The ceremony is coordinated by Ron Cherry, the base’s environmental programs manager, and it is one of the highlights of his year.
“Trees are the longest living organisms on our planet and one of the greatest natural renewable resources. They keep our air supply clean, enhance aesthetic value, reduce noise pollution, improve water quality, help prevent erosion, provide food and building materials, create shade, and make our landscapes more beautiful. Planting trees now will help ensure a promising future for NAS Whiting Field,” he said.
Base forestry programs in 2012 spent more than $80,000 in maintenance for existing woodlands and replaced 8 to 10 trees that were lost through the year through storm damage, disease or other causes. The live oak being planted Dec. 4 is replacing to replace such a tree. The amount invested in maintenance was approximately 10 times the necessary amount to qualify for the program.
Additionally, the base will celebrate the Christmas season with the lighting of the base tree in front of the command building immediately following the Tree City ceremony. Children from the base Child Development Center will hang their handmade ornaments, sing a couple of carols, and help Coughlin throw the switch to light the tree. Morale Welfare and Recreation will provide snacks for the guests.
