Fort Walker’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division (ERND) was in full force on April 20 at Fredericksburg, Virginia’s Earth Day festival dubbed “Earth Day on the Rappahannock”.
Gleaming smiles chased away gloomy clouds as thousands of families strolled among 74 exhibitors at the free event. The ENRD shared a sprawling display of furs, antlers, preserved insects, turtle shells and many more touchable exhibits for learning about the plants and wildlife on the installation, as well as how Fort Walker cares for, and preserves, their habitats.
Wide-eyed children, some who could barely see over the top of the tables, were captivated as they felt deer pelts, saw curiously large insects they’d never seen, and learned about the multiple, diverse native species of northern Virginia from Fort Walker’s subject matter experts. The sensory-centric display was so well received it earned the “Best Hands-On” exhibitor for the festival.
Fort Walker’s Forestry Division eagerly shared their much-lauded timber program, spoke about the various species of plant and trees local to the installation, and shared how the division cares for endangered plant species. Of note, Fort Walker boasts the tallest tree in Virginia, a soaring tulip poplar measuring an astonishing 184 feet!
The Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation were also on hand demonstrating and promoting all the outdoor recreational opportunities that go hand-in-hand with the popular hunting and fishing locations on Fort Walker. The installation is an outdoorsman’s paradise for boating, hiking, camping, or just getting away for some peace and quiet to relax in one of the many secluded cabins.
Regarding the event, ENRD Chief, Gef Fisher said, “I am very proud to see the ENRD team interact with everyone representing the Army and Fort Walker. It’s important to integrate hands-on learning into our exhibits.”
In all, Fort Walker’s environmental story was shared with thousands of Virginians, offering the surrounding community a unique perspective of the conservation and preservation efforts and the importance of being a good steward of the natural resources, both on and off the installation.
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