McConnell recognizes 'sturdiest' members -- trees

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  McConnell will recognize the efforts and loyalty of some its sturdiest members - trees.

Arbor Day is nationally recognized April 29. During this day, ceremonies will be held throughout the country to promote a healthy environment through education and action.

"Tree knowledge is important because it promotes awareness of the natural world," said Tina Seemayer, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron environmental engineer. "If we have Airmen that are aware of the natural world, we can use them as part of a  'rapid response program,' preventing invasive pests and disease from attacking our trees."

McConnell's tree knowledge was even recognized recently when it received the title Tree City USA for its environmental efforts in 2010.  This is the 17th consecutive year that McConnell has received the title.

Many of the trees at McConnell were planted by contractors or the 22nd CES. McConnell has one of five southern magnolias growing in the Wichita, Kan., area. Having Airmen help preserve local trees from diseases and other threats is very important said one Kansas certified arborist.

"As a natural prairie, trees are not prolific in Kansas, so each one is precious," said John R. Hoisington, McConnell's Kansas certified arborist. "[This is] because of soil conditions and partial burning of prairie."

There are many trees throughout the base, from conifers that do not lose their leaves, to the seasonal deciduous trees that lose their leaves in the fall. At McConnell, fruit bearing trees are discouraged in order to promote McConnell's Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard program .

"Planting trees and beatifying the area shows that McConnell is committed to having a healthy and green environment for Airmen and their families," said Mrs. Seemayer.

Some trees around McConnell are "dressed."  This means that the lower branches are removed for security reasons. Dressed and other trees at McConnell provide Airmen with one of the most basic human needs -- oxygen.

"Trees make our earth's ecosystem fully mission capable," said Mrs. Seemayer. "This in turn allows McConnell's Airmen to do their mission."

Trees also provide erosion protection, shade, pollution prevention, natural habitats and much more.

McConnell is scheduled to host an official Arbor Day Ceremony at 4:30 p.m. April 27,2011, at the School Age Program building. A smaller ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. April 29 at the youth center during McConnell's Memorial Walk. For more information, Airmen can visit the Sedgwick County Extension office on 21st and Rich Road to see and identify all the trees in Kansas.

For questions about trees or Arbor Day, call Mrs. Seemayer at (316) 759-4445