Base recognized as one 'Tree City'

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Holly Layer
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AI FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Once again, Wright-Patterson AFB has been recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation as a "Tree City USA" community. This is the 10th time the base has earned the award. 

In order to earn the right to call itself a "Tree City USA" community, the base had to meet four criteria: maintain a tree board or department, have a tree care ordinance, observe Arbor Day and direct a comprehensive forestry program. 

Susan Dilworth, the natural resources technician in the environmental management division of civil engineering, said 163 trees of various types, including tulip and pine, were planted on base in 2006. 

"As part of (civil engineering's) mission, we try to preserve the environment that is around us and having forests and trees in more natural than having pavement," said Jan Ferguson, chief of the operations branch in environmental management. 

Ms. Dilworth gave some other reasons why trees are good to have around. 

"Trees remove carbon dioxide from the air and put out oxygen through photosynthesis," she said. 

She also said trees help to moderate the temperature. 

"The 'shade effect' of trees lowers the temperature in that area," she said. "How fun would a picnic be if it were out in the blazing sun?" 

Other benefits of having trees include minimizing soil erosion and providing a habitat for the local wildlife, Ms. Dilworth said. 

Wright-Patterson's tree board, which gives approval for civil engineering to care for the base tree population, is made up of those representatives who are also members of the Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Council. 

"Civil engineering pruned 1,650 trees last year, removed dead limbs and trees, mulched and sprayed for insects," Ms. Dilworth said. 

Arbor Day is April 27 this year, and Ms. Dilworth said she is planning to plant one white pine tree in Area B.