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20th FW celebrates Arbor Day

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jensen Stidham
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The 20th Fighter Wing celebrated Arbor Day by planting a Bald Cyprus tree here, April 22.

Members of the 20th FW gathered for the planting and spoke on the importance of trees.

"Arbor Day is a special day in which we take time to give something back to our environment by planting trees, and by doing so they give back to us," said Col. Stephen Jost, 20th FW commander. "The activities of this Arbor Day will help us experience a sense of community involvement and achievement. "

Sumter S.C., to include Shaw, is a member of Tree City USA, a national program helping to improve community forestry management for cities and towns across America.

Planting trees as a part of Tree City USA has been observed at Shaw since 1999.

"Trees are low-maintenance and promote energy conservation by reducing energy costs by up to 50 percent," said Lois Edwards, South Carolina Forestry Commission representative. "Trees are a legacy that we will leave for our children and our nation for generations to come."

Trees provide natural beauty throughout the installation helping to increase clean air, water, and wildlife habitats.