LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Team Little Rock celebrated Earth Day with an expo and a tree-planting ceremony April 20-21, 2017, at the Jacksonville Lighthouse Charter School: Flightline Upper Academy and Arnold Drive Elementary.
The expo included environmental agency booths from the U.S. Forestry Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission,
and the Pulaski Conservation District. Mascots such as McGruff the Crime Dog and Smokey the Bear also came out to show their support.
“The children and the community have a great opportunity to learn about the importance of protecting our environment in a fun way,”’ said Wendee Marconi, Earth Day organizer. “By enlightening our children, we empower them to make a positive change to ensure they have a bright future.”
The Rusty Patch bumblebee served as both the focal point and the mascot for this year’s event. The Rusty Patch bumblebee is a species that recently made it onto the World Wildlife Fund endangered species list.
“We choose a mascot every year to help illustrate that not all environmental issues are on a global scale where children may feel their contribution will get lost in the masses,” Marconi said.
Students and staff participated in the expo’s opening ceremony by dressing up as bumblebees. The ceremony also included a Color Guard, displayed by Cub Scout Pack 170, and a pledge of allegiance. Pack 170, located on base, planted two trees behind the Flightline Upper Academy to attract pollinators, similar to the Rusty Patch Bumblebee.
“I believe that even a small group of committed people can have a major impact on the world,” Marconi said. “By bringing the community together for a common cause, it can plant a seed that will grow into a forest of knowledge.”
While coinciding with this year’s U.S. Air Force Earth Day theme of “Conserve today, Secure tomorrow,” Team Little Rock teaches younger generations how to plant seeds and roots for their future.