In service to military families and the many young children living on Hunter Army Airfield, the Savannah Tree Foundation is partnering with Garrison Commander Lt. Col. Michael Squires for a community tree planting on Saturday, December 10, beginning at 9 am. At this tree planting event, the Savannah Tree Foundation will plant the 4,000^th tree in its 34 year history.

Volunteers will plant over 50 native hardwood trees in addition to a longleaf pine restoration field, quickly surpassing the 4,000 tree milestone. Trees will be planted in a high-traffic mixed use area on base. Bordered by military operations, this area is used as a recreation area by families and a training ground by soldiers. Trees will also be planted adjacent to a pond and in a major roadway median. Additionally, over 200 longleaf pine trees will be planted to establish a restoration field. These trees will provide shade, habitat to wildlife, and numerous environmental benefits from cleaner air to cooler temperatures, while beautifying heavily used areas.

The public is invited to volunteer. The tree planting event will begin at 9:00 am at the Family Day Field on Stephen Douglas Street. In order to access the base, volunteers should bring a government issued photo id and drivers should provide proof of insurance and vehicle registration.

The Hunter Army Airfield tree planting is funded in part by donors to the Savannah Tree Foundation. Savannah Tree Foundation Executive Director Karen Jenkins fostered the partnership, “Urban environments require concentrated efforts to provide children with the benefits of nature. Our supporters are enthusiastic to back a cause that both improves the urban environment and serves our military families.” Partners for this project also include the Hunter Fire Department, Trustees’ Garden Club, Georgia Forestry Commission, and the Longleaf Alliance along with significant funding from the National Association of State Foresters in recognition of the 40^th anniversary of the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program, for which Hunter Army Airfield has earned recognition for the past 8 years.