Eglin conserving today for a secure tomorrow

  • Published
  • By Mike Spaits
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Spring is a time of renewal, when Mother Nature renews her leaves and sprouts life from dormant twigs. It's also a time for people everywhere to renew their commitment to better the environment. Earth Day is April 22, and the theme this year is "Conserve Today. Secure Tomorrow."

"This year's theme falls right in line with what Eglin is doing," said Mike Gilliam, Eglin Earth Day coordinator. "A team of volunteers are helping us identify the last set of stormwater runoff points and our energy team is showing people how to conserve electricity and fuel."

Some of the other activities planned include Earth Day and energy conservation displays at the base exchange, April 20. Those displays and more will also be at Fort Walton Landing April 15 as Eglin celebrates alongside of the city of Fort Walton Beach.  An Okaloosa County-sponsored beach cleanup will take place April 23 on Okaloosa Island and in Destin. And from April 18-21, Jackson Guard will conduct free guided kayak tours of Turkey Creek on Eglin's reservation.

At the Earth Day celebration at Fort Walton Landing, Eglin environmental and energy professionals, along with more than 30 city agencies and vendors, will provide over 2,000 area school children the opportunity to learn about the many aspects of the environment and energy conservation tips on how everyone can do his or her part.

These programs will show participants how to be more environmentally/world friendly. The event will feature several interactive and educational exhibits and displays by agencies. The event is open to the public from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Anyone interested in participating in the stormwater identification project can join Team Eglin's volunteers April 23 from 8 -11 a.m., at the Eglin Beach Community Center to remove debris from the beaches. Volunteers will receive a free T-shirt and lunch for helping, and the community center will offer reduced food and drink prices starting at 11 a.m.

Volunteers for the county's beach cleanup April 23 from 8 - 11 a.m., should meet at Beasley Park on Okaloosa Island, Beach Park east of SurfDweller, and Henderson Beach State Park in Destin. All volunteers will receive free T-shirts and drinks. For more information, visit http://www.co.okaloosa.fl.us/living_environment_beach.html.