FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — The Great Place celebrated its designation as a Tree City USA community during a ceremony Nov. 15 at the Sportsmen’s Center picnic area, highlighting the installation’s commitment to urban forestry and environmental stewardship.
“It’s an honor to be here today as we celebrate Fort Cavazos’ recognition as a Tree City USA community,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Loyd Rhoades, U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Cavazos command sergeant major. “Fort Cavazos’ dedication to the principles of the Tree City USA program illustrates our promise to continue to protect and nurture
the environment.”
Rhoades, Directorate of Public Works officials and a representative from the Texas A&M Forest Service celebrated Texas Arbor Day with a proclamation signing and
tree-planting ceremony.
While National Arbor Day is observed in April, Texas celebrates its own Arbor Day in November since it is an ideal time for planting. The timing aligns with cooler temperatures and increased soil moisture to help newly planted trees establish strong roots before the intense summer
heat arrives.
“As we continue to plant, maintain and protect our trees, we’re not only enriching the lives of the warfighter and their families, but also setting an example of environmental stewardship for other military installations and neighboring communities to follow,” Rhoades said.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. The program requires communities to meet the four core standards — a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. Fort Cavazos has met the program requirements for 19 consecutive years.
Highlights of accomplishments made by Fort Cavazos include planting 596 trees, pruning and watering more than 4,625 trees and overseeing design and landscaping plans for
construction projects.
“I want to thank Fort Cavazos and everyone involved on your Tree City USA certification,” said Hector Marines-Chio, regional urban forester, Texas A&M Forest Service. “What you do here at Fort Cavazos is a big deal not only for the region but for the state and is an inspiration for other military installations to follow.”
Rhoades signed the Fort Cavazos Arbor Day proclamation to reflect the community’s promise to growing its urban forest, followed by a ceremonial planting of an elm tree.
“Arbor Day provides an opportunity to teach fundamental lessons about the stewardship of our natural resources … and a time we can pause to appreciate trees in our lives,” Rhoades said.
To learn more the about native plants, pollinators, avian species and citizen science opportunities, like and follow Facebook.com/Fort.Cavazos.AIM.Team
and Facebook.com/FortCavazosDPW.
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