HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — The 75th Civil Engineer Group’s Energy Management Office and Environmental Management Branch invite Hill AFB’s military, civilians, retirees and families, of all ages, to the second annual “Kickin’ It … for Conservation,” an Energy & Environmental Fair, 3-6 p.m., May 11.
The event will be held along one of the base’s stormwater retention ponds, Pond 3 (located along the walking trail below the Log Cabin). There will be displays, booths and hands-on activities, such as catch and release fishing. The event will be free and open to those with ID cards and access to the base.
“This is our annual recognition of Earth Day (April 22),” said Michelle Cottle, the 75th Civil Engineer Group’s environmental compliance chief. “Because the weather is so unpredictable in April, we have begun holding our recognition later. We want everyone to come out and enjoy the outdoors.”
The afternoon will kick off with the signing of a Tree City Proclamation by 75th Air Base Wing Commander Col. Jennifer Hammerstedt. The proclamation designates May 11, 2017 as Arbor Day on Hill AFB and recognizes 24 years of the Air Force’s commitment in keeping Hill AFB green with trees.
The afternoon also includes:
• Participation in the traditional native activity of creating a split twig figurine – found in numerous archaeological sites throughout Utah – will be offered.
• Rios Pacheco from the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone will be available to talk about tribal current and historic uses of native plants.
• Judy Calhoun and her Golden Eagle Glorious Aureus will make three presentations about what makes raptors unique and why they are important as nature’s environmental barometers. The presentations will be at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.
• Hill AFB Entomology highlights bugs and critters on the base.
• The Utah Division of Wildlife will have their angling trailer with poles, lures and bait to help the young learn to fish. (Volunteers are welcome to help and should contact Nick Brown at 777-7652 to sign up).
• Wild About Birds will offer backyard bird feeding techniques and tips, as well as other bird related items.
• Weber Basin Water Conservancy District will present information about water resources and plants for the local environment.
• Home Depot will teach children how to make and keep their own bird houses.
• Painting Plaster of Paris wildlife tracks will be offered.
• Information will be presented from Hill AFB Natural Resources Team about Utah animals and other natural resources.
• A red-tailed hawk nest, as well as nests from other species, will be available.
• A very large Air Force agricultural tractor used for range restoration at the Utah Test and Training Range will be on display.
• Battery powered bicycles will be displayed.
“This event offers a hands-on approach to learning about the environment and those species within it,” said Karen Bastian, Hill AFB’s energy outreach coordinator. “Children and adults can gain an appreciation of how species survive and how important they are to the ecosystem. We can all gain some understanding and appreciation of how fragile the environment really is.”
