Tree City

Col. John Kubinec, 377th Air Base Wing commander, left, dons a Tree City USA cap and joins Donna Dunn, base community planner, in planting a new tree in the southwest corner of the 377 ABW headquarters building. The tree, a Chinquapin Oak, was planted in recognition of the base achieving Tree City status. (Photo by Dennis Carlson)

Kirtland takes part in Arbor Day, Tree City

Published April 25, 2013
By Adam Bailey
Nucleus staff writer

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Kirtland has received a new tree in celebration of Arbor Day.

Arbor Day is an annual observance where communities are encouraged to plant and care for trees.

A new Chinquapin oak was planted at the southwest corner of the 377th Air Base Wing Headquarters building in recognition of Kirtland attaining Tree City status through the Arbor Day Foundation.

"I think it's exciting that we're able to take part in Tree City and have done so for 13 years now," said Donna Dunn, base community planner.

Tree City is a national program that provides the structure for community forestry management for cities and towns across America. To qualify as a Tree City you must reach four standards: have a tree board or department, have a tree care ordinance, have a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita, and host an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.