Seal Beach Joins With Community for Tree Planting

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Eli Medellin, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach Public Affairs

Seal Beach, Calif. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach and members of the community worked together March 31 to enhance the view at a vacant corner on base near a busy public intersection.

Volunteers planted 24 western sycamore trees along the fence line of the installation in an effort to enhance the environment, as well as relations between the base and the community.

"I believe it's important for Sailors to work with the community and present a positive image," said Yeoman 1st Class Kiona Gilbert. "What we're doing here is good for the environment as well."

This particular species of sycamore is native to southern California and is drought-tolerant.

The oleander trees that had originally occupied the space had grown too close to the fence and were in violation of force protection regulations.

At the same time, the local Seal Beach Lions Club was conducting a beautification program to donate trees around the city.

"It's the perfect combination," said Lions Club Environmental Chairperson Laura Ellsworth. "The military is close to our hearts and we live here, so every time we pass by we'll see the trees we planted here."

"We especially appreciate the great support that our local Lions Club has shown to the base," said Commanding Officer Capt. Terry Auberry. "Our community partnerships are an important reason why we are one of the Navy's top installations when it comes to environmental support."

The Seal Beach installation recently won both the Chief of Naval Operations' and Secretary of the Navy's award for Environmental Sustainability (Industrial Installation) for outstanding performance in promoting environmental stewardship.