Eglin prepares for Earth Day 09

  • Published
  • By Mike Spaits
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Base volunteers continue the "going green" trend as they prepare to celebrate Earth Day 2009 for a whole week, April 20-24.

More than 300 Team Eglin volunteers are expected to help in the Earth Day activities here with events ranging from displays and handouts at the base exchange to a 5K Fun Run/Walk. The events are all being coordinated by the 96th Civil Engineer Group's Environmental Management Division and conclude with an Earth Day party for all the volunteers at the CE Pavilion.

Among the events scheduled is a shoreline cleanup on Santa Rosa Island, an environmental walk/run, cleanup of the Memorial Nature Trail and reservation, and environmental/ energy/bio-environmental exhibition displays at Eglin Elementary School.

"These events really show how much we can accomplish for our environment as a team," said Col. Bruce McClintock, 96th Air Base Wing commander. "Energy conservation is very high on the list for Team Eglin leadership, and we are very aware that we have limited resources and must conserve those resources to the greatest extent possible."

According to Mike Gilliam, Eglin's Earth Day coordinator and a 96th CEG pollution prevention specialist, Earth Day is a chance for everyone to help the world we live in.

"Since the very first celebration 37 years ago, Earth Day has provided a wonderful opportunity for individuals or groups to show their concern for their environment and make a positive impact by getting personally involved," said Mr. Gilliam.

Last year, volunteers gathered more than 25 tons of debris and trash in a single-day effort. 

"Earth Day is designed to expand environmental awareness while showing political leaders that the quality of our natural resources is a high priority. Here at Eglin, we have set up events that hopefully will not only be productive, but educational and entertaining as well," said Mr. Gilliam.

The week begins with Earth Day and energy displays at the BX foyer April 16. On April 20, the Earth Day team will conduct exhibits at Eglin Elementary School and host a cleanup on the reservation. Volunteers will gather on April 21 to conduct a cleanup on Memorial Nature Trail on Eglin main base. On April 22, volunteers will attach identification tags to approximately 80-125 base storm-water drains, and a crew will conduct a cleanup on the restricted portion of Santa Rosa Island. The week will wrap up on April 23, with a 5K Fun Run (the first 100 to sign up at the fitness center receive an Earth Day T-shirt) and a luncheon for all volunteers (excluding those who signed up for the fun run). 

"Last year, we had more than 600 volunteers and runners participate; and from the response we've received so far, I expect we'll have more this year, but, we still need volunteers in all areas," said Mr. Gilliam.

Earth Day is an international event demonstrating concern and mobilizing support for the environment. It was first celebrated on April 22, 1970, and rallied more than 20 million Americans from around the country and on college campuses to get involved in environmental "teachings." This event, which was the largest grassroots movement in U.S. history, created what has come to be known as the environmental movement. Out of this event came the first major pieces of environmental legislation--the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.

Anyone interested in volunteering should email Environmental Management's Volunteer Coordinator Ms. Erica Laine, erica.laine.ctr@eglin.af.mil.