CDC celebrates Arbor and Earth Day

Children from the Child Development Center plant a tree during an Arbor Day ceremony on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 23, 2013. Each year, a day is set aside in recognition of Arbor Day, an observance that encourages tree planting, care and preservation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Sean Martin)

CDC celebrates Arbor and Earth Day

Children from the Child Development Center participate in a recycle relay during an Earth Day ceremony on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 23, 2013. The event focused on the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle. It taught children the importance and benefits of recycling. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Sean Martin)

CDC children plant tree, recycle trash

Published April 26, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Children at the Child Development Center got the opportunity to celebrate and learn about Earth day and Arbor day, here Tuesday.

The celebration began with the planting of a tree on the grounds of CDC West. After, the children learned about the three R's of recycling: reduce, reuse and recycle, through a recycling relay.

The event was focused on how children can make a difference in where they live, and how litter can harm wildlife and the planet.

"We wanted to bring awareness to the importance of trees, nature and recycling to the children," said Bill Lee, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Flight hazardous waste manager. "We also taught them about what earth day and arbor day are about. These children are our future and many don't realize that they can make a change and that's what we try to teach them. No matter how small they are they are still important."

Barksdale has more than 18,000 acres of trees and the importance of reducing the impact on the environment is one of the top priorities of the base and the Department of Defense. Each year the DOD honors individuals, teams, and installations for outstanding achievements and innovative environmental practices and partnerships that promote quality of life and increase efficiencies without compromising mission success.

"We host events within the community and this was the first time that we have done this at the CDC and with this age group," said Lee.

This year's CDC earth day and arbor day celebration may be just for kids but the message behind what the children learn are helping each other to save what we have. Since it began in 1970, the earth day program continues to educate and promote taking care of our one non-renewable natural resource: Earth.