Kickin' it for conservation

  • Published
  • By Barbara Fisher
  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  The Energy Management Office and Environmental Management Branch invites Hill AFB's military, civilians, retirees and families to "Kickin' It ... for Conservation," an energy and environmental fair, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 9.

The event, with a back-to-nature ambience, will be held outside, of course, at one of the base's storm water retention ponds, Pond 3 (located along Hill AFB's walking trail below the Log Cabin). There will be displays, booths and hands-on activities, such as catch-and-release fishing, at this free event, open to those with ID cards and access to the base. Food will be available for purchase.

"This is a continuation of our Earth Day (April 22) recognition," said Michelle Cottle, the 75th Civil Engineer Group's environmental compliance chief. "Because the weather is so unpredictable in April, we decided to hold this event in June so everyone can get outdoors for more enjoyment."

The afternoon will offer:

· Native American craft making, such as a split-twig deer.

· Conservation games.

· Information on the 100 years of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the opportunity to go on a bird walk with an expert.

· Catch-and-release fishing. The Utah Division of Wildlife will have its angling trailer with poles, lures and bait to help the young learn to fish. (Volunteers are welcome to help and should contact Russ Lawrence at 801-775-6972 to sign up).

· Birdhouse building with Home Depot.

· Learning about backyard bird feeding and bird songs.

· Casting wildlife tracks in plaster of Paris.

· Doing hands-on activities to learn about animal adaptations.

· Information from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources about Utah animals and other natural resources.

· Energy information, including how to create electricity with a water wheel and using solar panels, courtesy of Gardner Energy.

· A demonstration by Blue Monkey Bicycles on how electric bicycles work; rides on the bicycles will be offered.

· An electric car display courtesy of the Larry H. Miller car dealership.

· Information on outdoor safety, first aid, how to deal with snake bites, etc., courtesy of Intermountain Health Care.

· Maps provided by Weber Pathways highlighting some of Utah's natural resource points of interest.

· Information on plants, grass and watering techniques and a demonstration on composting and raising your own garden in a raised garden bed, courtesy of the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District.

"We are excited and looking forward to hosting a successful, fun, and educational event," said Karen Bastian, Hill AFB's energy outreach coordinator. "We hope to make this an annual event."

(No federal endorsement of commercial sponsors or participants is intended.)