Grand Forks AFB receives national recognition 16 years in a row

Published Sept. 30, 2009
By Senior Airman R. Michael Longoria
319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., received a Tree City USA Community Award for the 16th straight year during an Arbor Day celebration Sept. 29.

"A community, its elected officials and its citizens that provide needed care for its trees deserves recognition and thanks," said John Rosenow, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation.

The base received the award after meeting all the Tree City USA standards: having a tree board, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

"Trees are a vital component of the infrastructure in our cities and towns, and they also provide environmental and economical benefits," said Mr. Rosenow. "Cities that are recognized with a Tree City USA designation go to great lengths to plant and care for the community forest."

Arbor Day was founded by J. Sterling Morton in 1872 as a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care.

"We celebrate Arbor Day to share our commitment of community forestry with base personnel and families," said Kristen A. Rundquist, 319th Civil Engineer Squadron.

The base celebrated the occasion by planting trees near the base's honor guard building with the assistance of children from the youth center.

"Events like this shows that the base recognizes trees are part of our community infrastructure as well as providing aesthetics, cooling and shelter," said Ms. Rundquist. "I think it also shows that we have a desire to live in a community which cares about its environment."

For more information on Tree City USA, log on to www.arborday.org/treecityusa.