Hanscom celebrates Arbor Day

  • Published
  • 66th Civil Engineering Division
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Col. Roman L. Hund, installation commander, and Hanscom Middle School students planted a pear tree along Eglin Street in celebration of Arbor Day April 28.

The location continued recent efforts to transform Eglin Street into a tree-lined street. The trees provide shade, color and numerous environmental benefits to the area.

“Trees on base help clean the air, conserve soil, moderate temperature and bring nature into a person's daily life,” said Michael Watkin, 66th Civil Engineering Division community planner. “Arbor Day also brings awareness to the dangers and long-term damage deforestation can have.”

By understanding and appreciating the role trees have in the environment, CE officials said people will begin to realize the importance of Arbor Day.

During the tree-planting ceremony, Hund read and signed an Arbor Day proclamation and discussed with the students the importance of trees in the environment. He also announced that the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Hanscom's commitment to urban forestry by naming the base a Tree City USA community for the 30th consecutive year.

To qualify as a Tree City USA community, the organization must have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a comprehensive forestry program and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The base has met these standards for the past 30 years.

For more information about Arbor Day or the Tree City USA program, visit www.arborday.org or contact base civil engineers at 781-225-6040.