Hanscom to celebrate Arbor Day on April 29 Published April 21, 2011 By Nick Bonard Community Planner, Civil Engineering HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- For the 24th consecutive year, Hanscom is celebrating Arbor Day with a tree planting ceremony. This year, two Callery pear trees - noted for their beautiful spring blossoms and fall color - will be planted. Pear trees are especially hardy street trees and are well suited to New England's climate. This year's planting also initiates a five year planting plan that will line the east side of Eglin Street, adjacent to the clinic, with trees to provide shade, color and numerous environmental benefits to the area. Traditionally, Arbor Day is held on the last Friday in April and is meant to celebrate all the ways in which trees enrich people's lives. Trees in cities and towns help clean the air, conserve soil, moderate temperature and bring nature into a person's daily life. Trees are a vital component of the infrastructure in cities and towns, and provide both environmental and economic benefits. Arbor Day also provides an opportunity for participants to act on the lessons of environmental stewardship by planting trees that can be enjoyed by many generations to come. This year's tree planting ceremony will take place on April 29 at 8:15 a.m., rain or shine, on the east side of Eglin Street, across from building 1900. To help celebrate the event, all personnel working at Hanscom are invited to attend alongside local youth from Hanscom Middle School and Col. Stacy L. Yike, 66th Air Base Group commander. For further information about Arbor Day or the tree planting ceremony, call 781-377-9893.