Northwest Sailors, Students 'Green Up' NBK

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lawrence Davis, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

April 20, 2010 - SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- Pacific Northwest Sailors teamed up with local elementary school students to "green up" Trident Lakes Park in Bangor, Wash., near Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) April 20.

Volunteers contributed approximately 75 man-hours to clear nearly an acre of old, dying trees and invasive shrubbery and in their place planted 200 Grand Fir and 100 Western Red Cedar trees.

Walter Briggs, a forester from Navy Region Northwest, explained to the Sailors and students how clearing sick and intrusive vegetation promotes the health and growth of natural forest species and enhances wildlife habitat.

Students also toured the park, learned about storm water impact to the environment, how to identify wetlands and watched contractors re-stock the lakes with 1,000 rainbow trout.

Cmdr. Jim Travers, NBK's executive officer, said the Navy takes environmental conservation seriously.

"Naval Base Kitsap is committed to environmental stewardship, and as responsible stewards, it is important that we understand the environment and the impact we have on it. Events like this demonstrate our continued commitment to our environment and our community," said Travers.

The event provided a fun way to raise Sailor, student and community awareness on human impact to the environment, said Senior Chief Builder (SCW) Eric Davis, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest senior enlisted leader and event coordinator.

Elizabeth Joncas, a student at Clear Creek Elementary, said she enjoyed planting the trees.

"Trees present oxygen for us to breathe in, and if there weren't enough trees, we wouldn't be able to breathe," said Joncas.

"I'd like to do this again sometime. It was actually really fun," said Joncas.