04/11/2013 -- To commemorate this year’s Earth Day, April 22, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany will conduct a variety of activities to help keep the installation clean and environmentally safe.
The Marine Corps’ Earth Day theme for 2013 is “Global Reach, Local Action,” according to Marine Administrative Message 185/13.
As the nation’s “911” expeditionary fighting force, the Marine Corps recognizes the direct and indirect impacts its mission has on the environment and the communities in which Marines, Civilian-Marines and their families live, train and operate throughout the globe, the MARADMIN states.
To uphold the Marine Corps’ global responsibilities, defend its interests, and maintain its readiness, Marines, Civilian-Marines and their families must be good stewards of the natural and cultural resources entrusted to the Corps, the MARADMIN states. By taking proper measures to protect and conserve these resources, the Marine Corps ensures its ability to work, train and operate for generations to come. Many of these protective measures can be accomplished at the local level, making a difference on Marine Corps bases and in nearby communities and neighborhoods.
“MCLBA has a strong commitment to protecting the environment from its recycling, pollution prevention and monitoring, and natural resource programs,” Julie Robbins, natural resources manager, Instal-lation and Environmental Division, MCLB Albany, said. “Earth Day provides an opportunity to showcase these efforts and for everyone to reflect on the importance of being good stewards of our planet.”
MCLBA has been celebrating Earth Day for more than 10 years by providing educational materials and organizing litter removal on and around the base, according to Robbins.
I&E Division’s Environmental Branch has several Earth Day activities planned. More than 25 different types of native warm season grasses and wildflowers will be planted adjacent to Covella Pond in honor of Earth Day, she noted.
Additionally, nesting boxes for wildlife will be installed including bluebird boxes, a kestrel box and a butterfly box.
A second project will be conducted to remove litter and debris from around Indian Lake, a 90-acre cypress wetland found just north of the Lincoln Housing Area, Robbins said.
A 1/4-mile boardwalk and wildlife viewing platforms provide visitors an up-close view of the plant and animals inhabiting the wetlands including American alligators, wood ducks and songbirds, she said.
Environmental Branch personnel will remove the accumulated litter and debris in the area around wetland and the walking trail/boardwalk, Robbins added.
They will meet in the morning at the Natural and Cultural Resources Center, which is located off Williams Boulevard next door to the Teen Center.
The NCRC will also be open April 22 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This facility houses displays of the natural resources found on MCLB Albany as well as historic photographs and equipment used during the base’s early years.
“I think Earth Day is important because it reminds us how valuable and fragile our planet really is and that each of us is responsible for protecting our natural resources to ensure they are here for future generations,” Brian Wallace, environmental branch head, I&E Division, MCLB Albany, said.
I&E Division staff will also clean up trash in the base’s industrial area.
Also to observe Earth Day, Col. Don Davis, commanding officer, MCLB Albany, and children from the Child Development Center will plant flowers April 22 at 10 a.m.