HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Base officials held a proclamation signing and tree planting ceremony here April 29 in recognition of National Arbor Day.
During the event, members of the 66th Civil Engineering Division planted two pear trees along the walkway west of Memorial Park near the base clinic.
“It’s with great pleasure that we recognize the importance of Arbor Day and the preservation of our trees and forested areas on base,” said Michael Lynch, 66 CED chief of portfolio optimization.
The 2021 celebration marked Hanscom’s 34th consecutive selection as a Tree City USA town.
To qualify for this distinction, a community must have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a comprehensive forestry program, an Arbor Day observance, and proclamation to be formally recognized as a Tree City.
“Hanscom is one of very few towns in New England to be recognized as a Tree City USA community for as many years,” said Michael Watkin, 66 CED community planner. “It’s an honor to hold that distinction.”
Prior to the tree planting, Col. Katrina Stephens, installation commander, signed a proclamation.
“Trees at Hanscom Air Force Base help beautify our community and contribute to those intangible qualities which help us maintain a high level of productivity in our individual workplaces,” said Stephens.
According to the Arbor Day Foundation website, there are many ways to celebrate Arbor Day, get creative and make nature-inspired art, go for a hike or plant a tree. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the observance.
“Although Arbor Day is just one day on the calendar, taking care of our trees is a year round commitment we don’t take lightly at Hanscom Air Force Base,” said Lynch.
Last year's annual Arbor Day festivities were cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information about Arbor Day or the Tree City USA program, visit www.arborday.org or email michael.watkin@us.af.mil.