JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Joint Base Charleston natural resources staff met with children and faculty members at the Joint Base Charleston Naval Weapons Station Child Development Center for the base’s Arbor Day celebration, held annually on Dec. 7.
Keith Thompson, the conservation program manager with the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron and Alan Hill, base forester from the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron, spoke during the event about the importance of trees in our communities. Following the discussion, students assisted the natural resources staff in planting a Live Oak tree on the grounds of the CDC.
“Joint Base Charleston has been designated by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA for 21 years,” said Thompson. “This is a true testament of our excellence in urban forestry management.”
Guy Sabin, vice president of the South Carolina Forestry Association, recognized JB Charleston as a certified tree farm through the American Tree Farm System during the celebration. The American Tree Farm System recognizes outstanding stewardship in the management of natural resources including timber, wildlife, water and recreational opportunities.
“Tree Farm is a nationally recognized third party certification program which requires participates to adhere to a rigorous set of standards in order to achieve and maintain certification,” said Hill. “Joint Base Charleston is the first military installation in South Carolina and only the second in the nation to achieve this certification.”
The base has a tree ordinance providing guidance for managing urban trees. Trees that must be removed for construction or other projects are required to be replaced with new trees that are of the same or a similar species indigenous to the area.
“Joint Base Charleston has always placed great emphasis on trees both in forests and in urban settings,” said Thompson.
Arbor Day started in Nebraska on April 10, 1872, to recognize the benefits trees provide. Following the example set in 1872, all states now celebrate Arbor Day each year.
For more information about Arbor Day, visit www.arborday.org