Jim Kerkman (left), Fort McCoy forester, demonstrates to youth from the Fort McCoy Child Development Center how to plant red pine seedlings during Fort McCoy's observance of Arbor Day.

The youth, along with parent volunteers, Child Development Cent...

Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Steven W. Nott (left in background) and Garrison Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Bill Bissonette (right, background), along with youth from the Fort McCoy Child Development Center, display a National Arbor ...

FORT McCOY, Wis. -- Fort McCoy's observance of Arbor Day included tree-planting and the installation's receipt its 24th consecutive Tree City USA award.

Fort McCoy ForesterJim Kerkman, demonstrated to youth from the Fort McCoy Child Development Center how to plant red pine seedlings during Fort McCoy's observance of Arbor Day.

The youth, along with parent volunteers, Child Development Center staff and Directorate of Publics Works personnel planted trees April 26 near the old main gate, inside of the fence along Highway 21.

The trees eventually will provide a visual screen between the highway and the cantonment area. Kerkman said the trees take about 20 years to be full grown.

With the tree-planting complete, the youth then joined Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Steven W. Nott and Garrison Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Bill Bissonette to help display a National Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA flag, an honor Fort McCoy received for the 24th consecutive year.