Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif. -- Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., hosted its 4th annual Earth Day event at McTureous Hall, April 11.
At the event, children and adults learned about the environment and what they can do to protect the High Desert habitat.
“All the departments on the installation helped make the event happen. It was not just an environmental division event; it was a joint effort,” said Raul Garcia, environmental specialist on the base.
Garcia said the purpose of the event was to inspire people to be more environmentally friendly and proactive about saving the Earth’s natural resources.
Dr. Mike Glassey, the post entomologist on National Training Center Fort Irwin, said the event gave adults and children a chance to learn about the steps taken to sustain the environment. From time to time, the environment isn’t taken care of but this event gave people the tools to better take care of their habitat and surroundings.
Steps that people can take to make the environment cleaner are: throwing cans, bottles, cardboard, paper, and plastics into recycling receptacles and using more eco-friendly items, such as hybrid vehicles and biodegradable water bottles.
“When you go to throw your bottle away, do not throw it away with the rest of your trash; throw it in the recycle bin,” said Glassey. “The goal is to get people thinking about what they can do to improve their daily behavior. All of us get into habits, and not all of our habits are good, so we need to break
(them).”
If people start doing little things to help save the environment and it catches on, it can become a big thing, added Glassey.
The Marines and employees on the base that save water, gas, and energy, can use these earth-friendly measures at home as well.
It is important that the base shows the community that the Marine Corps is making efforts in promoting environmental awareness, conserving natural resources and being a sustainable base, explained Garcia.
MCLB Barstow is sustainable because the base does not abuse the natural resources it has and it also preserves them. The base installed a wind turbine and a solar farm, and is home to several buildings throughout the Nebo and Yermo sides with solar panels. The base also uses eco-friendly chemicals that are better for the environment and the workers.
The commanding officer of MCLB Barstow, Col. Michael L. Scalise, along with the base executive officer, Lt. Col. Kenneth Lee and Sgt. Maj. Richard Charron, attended the event and all thought it had a great turn out.
Scalise said the event turned out great as the children walked through the Mobile Sensory Safari Van and got their faces painted. Many children also enjoyed Glassey’s display of different desert animals and learned the importance of keeping the environment healthy. They also enjoyed multiple
interactive activities.
Pricilla Baca, a child who was enjoying the festivities, said her favorite part of the event was seeing all the animals in Glassey’s exhibit. She also enjoyed the mobile safari because
she was able to walk through and see the animals up close and personal.
The event was centered around teaching the children, explained Garcia.
“If the children learn about the environment early in life … the more likely they are to help sustain the environment,” said Garcia.
The event gave children and adults alike, a better
understanding about how the environment works and how the smallest things can help save it. The environment is fragile and putting information out there for people to learn is important, concluded Garcia.
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