Shaw earns recognition from NADF Published Oct. 27, 2010 By Doug Back 20th Civil Engineer Squadron forester SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Shaw recently earned recognition by the National Arbor Day Foundation for achieving and maintaining Tree City USA status for 11 years. Lois Edwards, Pee Dee Region urban forester, South Carolina Forestry Commission, presented a "Tree City" to Lt. Col. Mathew Benivegna, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, during a brief ceremony here on Sept. 22, 2010. To achieve and maintain Tree City status, a community must have a tree care ordinance, a tree governing body, an active and comprehensive urban forestry program, and an annual Arbor Day observance. Shaw Air Force Base has been a Tree City since 1998. "It's one thing to achieve an accomplishment like this for one or two years, but for a base to consistently make the effort and achieve Tree City USA status for 11 years, it is quite remarkable considering all of the other activities Shaw is involved with on a worldwide basis," Ms. Edwards said. She noted trees are important to a community for a number of reasons. They help clean air and water, moderate temperatures by providing shade and windbreaks, and serve as noise and visual buffers. Songbirds, squirrels, and other wildlife depend on trees for habitat. According to civil engineers, Shaw's trees didn't occur by accident. Many people and organizations have been involved in its creation and maintenance, including the community planner, construction management, housing, service contracts, entomology, and many others. Everyone in Team Shaw can have an impact on the status and quality of the urban forest by reporting any suggestions or problems to the base forester at 895-9994 or e-mail at douglas.back@shaw.af.mil