Youth help Fort McCoy observe Earth Day, Arbor Day

By Rob Schuette, Fort McCoy Public AffairsMay 17, 2010

Youth help Fort McCoy observe Earth Day, Arbor Day
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Pre-kindergarteners from the Fort McCoy Child Development Center display Fort McCoy's Tree City USA flag during an Arbor Day observance. Helping, from left, are: Garrison Commander Col. David E. Chesser, Garrison Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. M... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Youth help Fort McCoy observe Earth Day, Arbor Day
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT McCOY, Wis. -- A little youth power went a long way toward helping the Fort McCoy Directorate of Public Works Forestry Section have successful Earth Day/Arbor Day events.

Seventh-grade students from the West Salem Middle School spent part of their career day activities April 22 - Earth Day - helping Forestry personnel remove pine and spruce seedlings from the Tarr Creek area. Jim Kerkman, Fort McCoy forester, said this helped thin the trees in that area to a more-sustainable level.

The seedlings then were used to support the installation's National Arbor Day event April 30. Kerkman said the seedlings were planted near building 108 to provide additional tree cover. Pre-kindergarten children from Fort McCoy's Child Development Center helped Forestry personnel and members of the Fort McCoy Command Group plant the several dozen seedlings.

The Arbor Day Foundation recognized the installation as a Tree City USA for the 21st consecutive year and also gave it a Tree City USA Growth Award.

Kerkman said Fort McCoy received the award for its community forestry efforts in planning and management, park and open space, tree planting and maintenance, and hazard tree program.

Fort McCoy continues to meet the standards to become a Tree City USA community, which include a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive forestry program and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Garrison Commander Col. David E. Chesser, who participated in the Arbor Day ceremony, signed a proclamation that stated these (future) trees are one of the most important natural resources contained on Fort McCoy.

Trees benefit Fort McCoy by providing a quality training environment, watershed protection, wood products, food and shelter for wildlife, outdoor recreation opportunities, clean air, noise buffers and beautification.

"Communities that are honored with a Tree City USA designation and Growth Award make a strong commitment to planting and caring for trees, and we applaud their efforts," said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation.

Information about the Arbor Day Foundation is available at http://www.arborday.org.

More information about the Tree City USA award program can be found at the Web site http://www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.