Air Force observes Earth Day 2010

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Air Force representatives will plant a Valley Forge American Elm tree April 22 in the Pentagon courtyard as part of the Air Force's observances of Earth Day.

Debra Tune, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics, will officiate and make brief remarks at the ceremony. This is one of 40 similar native-species tree plantings planned by Air Force Real Property Agency officials to take place at current and former Air Force bases across the United States in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.

People at Air Force bases worldwide are participating in a wide variety of Earth Day observances on or around April 22. Events scheduled include beach, stream and base clean-ups; reusable bag and energy-efficient light bulb giveaways; a baby salmon release; storm water identification projects; art and writing contests; guided nature walks; compost giveaway; and educational fairs.

The Air Force is trustee to more than 8 million acres of land, water and air assets including more than 234,000 acres of wetlands, 570,000 acres of forested landscape and 200 miles of preserved coastline. Some 70 threatened and endangered species are found on Air Force real property.

Officials in the Office of the Secretary of Defense announced last week that the Air Force won four 2010 Secretary of Defense awards for environmental excellence. The Air Force was named the winner of awards for natural resource conservation, environmental restoration (two awards) and environmental excellence in weapon system acquisition.