HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — In spite of the rain, families gathered at Centennial Park Aug. 8 for the fourth annual Kickin’ It for Conservation energy and environmental fair.

Although officially celebrated in April, Michelle Cottle, environmental branch chief for the 75th Civil Engineer Group, said the event served as the base’s commemoration of Earth Day and was an opportunity for children and adults to learn how to conserve energy and protect the environment.

The event kicked off with the signing of a Tree City USA proclamation by Col. Deron Frailie, 75th Air Base Wing vice commander.

The proclamation designated the day as Arbor Day at Hill Air Force Base and recognized the base as a Tree City USA community for the 26th consecutive year.

Nick King, Hill’s energy and utility manager, said that while the event focused on environmental preservation, it also highlighted the Air Force’s commitment to energy efficiency through interactive displays and educational opportunities.

Some of the displays and activities offered at the fair included wildlife observations, learning about bugs other critters, a battery powered automobile and bicycles, birdhouse building, backyard bird feeding techniques, the impacts of fire on the environment, and water resources and plants presentations.