JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- On May 15, 2019, JBER will host an Arbor Day Celebration at 10 a.m. outside the 673d Air Base Wing Headquarters building. During the ceremony, JBER will be presented a Tree City USA award by the State of Alaska Division of Forestry, on behalf of the National Arbor Day Foundation.
“JBER has been honored with the distinction of Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation for 22 consecutive years. This distinction recognizes JBER’s commitment to community forestry and the value of the community forest to the improvement of air, soil, and water quality and to the quality of life for all who live and work on JBER,” said Charlene Johnson, 673d Civil Engineer Squadron biologist.
Students from the neighboring Mt. Spurr Elementary School will participate in Wednesday’s event.
“JBER is honored to share this event with the students, staff, and teachers of Mt. Spurr Elementary School, who have participated in many Arbor Day events over these past 22 years,” said Johnson.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, three paper birch trees will be planted near the 673d ABW Headquarters building.
“While the rest of the nation celebrates Arbor Day on the last Friday in April, Alaska celebrates Arbor Day in May due to our chilly climate and the later growing season compared to the Lower 48,” Johnson said.
Media who wish to cover the Arbor Day event on Wednesday, May 15, should contact the JBER Public Affairs office by sending an email to jber.pa.mediaops@us.af.mil or calling (907) 552-8160 before 5 p.m., Tuesday, May 14, and provide the name of the media outlet, the reporter and a phone number.
For more information, please contact 673d Air Base Wing Public Affairs at 907-551-8995.