Hanscom observes National Arbor Day

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – 66th Air Base Group Civil Engineering and Hanscom Middle School students joined Col. Roman Hund, installation commander, near the base clinic May 4 to plant a Callery pear tree in recognition of National Arbor Day.

As part of the annual tree-planting ceremony, Hund read and signed the 2018 Arbor Day proclamation and discussed with students the importance of trees to the environment.

“I urge all base personnel to support efforts to protect our trees, shrubs, woodlands and wetlands,” said Hund. “I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the wellbeing of this and future generations.”

It was announced during the ceremony 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 31st 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 more than 30 years.

“Only a handful of New England communities have been recognized as a Tree City USA community for more than 30 years,” said Michael Watkin, CE community planner. “We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment.”

According to the Tree City USA website, the program provides direction, assistance and national recognition for communities. It says it is the framework for a healthy, sustainable urban forestry program.

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

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

The tree-planting location continues recent efforts here to transform park areas and streetscapes. According to Watkin, the pear trees provide shade, color and numerous environmental benefits to Hanscom.

The ceremony included the presentation of environmental projects completed by Hanscom Middle School students.

National Arbor Day is typically held on the last Friday in April, but many states observe Arbor Day on different dates throughout the year based on best tree-planting times in their area.

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.