Beale celebrates Earth Day

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Allen Pollard
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Each year Team Beale observes Earth Day on April 22 by taking actions to support the Air Force's Earth Day theme of "Conserve Today - Secure Tomorrow."

Team Beale honored Earth Day with a week-long celebration of events to include a birds of prey presentation, tree planting, a vernal pool tour and a guided nature walk.

"Earth Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the natural resources that we tend to take for granted in our daily lives," said Bridgette Kirk, 9th Civil Engineering Squadron environmental impact analysis process/National Environmental Policy Act support.

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22, where worldwide events are held to support environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970, when U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin introduced the idea for a "national teach-in on the environment."

The first Earth Day lead to the creation of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the passing of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts.

This year, Air Force activities will focus on sustainability programs, including the use of renewable energy sources and energy conservation.

"Reducing energy use is most easily accomplished by ensuring that all routine maintenance and replacement of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems is done with the most cost-effective and energy efficient equipment available," said Robert McBride, 9th CES energy manager. "It can be as easy as turning off unneeded lights and not leaving windows and doors open."

Kirk mentioned how she enjoys being able to advocate on the great things that Beale is doing for Earth Day, and being able to talk to people about why it is so critical that we take action because how we treat the environment today will impact what's left of it in the future.

"(Beale's) theme this year, 'It takes us all,' captures the idea that everyone has an important role to play in keeping resources available for the future," Kirk said. "Whether this is taking shorter showers, turning off the lights when you leave the office, or even recycling, we all can contribute."

Recently, Beale's Environmental Restoration Program contributed by excavating more than 17,000 tons of contaminated soil, an accomplishment that helped earn them the 2013 U.S. Air Force Gen. Thomas D. White Installation Award for Environmental Restoration Program Excellence.

"Earth Day reminds us to be good stewards of the environment and the resources for future generations," Kirk said. "We must educate the youth on the importance of protecting the air, land and water from pollution year round not just on Earth Day."

Some information courtesy of earthday.org.