New trees have come to the Seal Beach Navy base.
Sailors assigned to Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach and members of the community worked together Saturday, March 31, to enhance the view at a vacant corner on the base near a busy intersection.
Twenty-four western sycamore trees were planted along the fence line of the installation in an effort to enhance the environment, as well as relations between the base and the community.
“I believe it’s important for Sailors to work with the community and present a positive image,” said Yeoman First Class Kiona Gilbert. “What we’re doing here is good for the environment as well.
This particular species of sycamore is native to southern California and is drought-tolerant.
The previous oleander trees that had originally occupied the space near the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Seal Beach Boulevard had to be removed because they had grown too close to the fence and were in violation of force protection regulations.
At the same time, the local Seal Beach Lions Club was conducting a beautification program to donate trees around the city.
“It’s the perfect combination,” said Lions Club Environmental Chairperson Laura Ellsworth. “The military is close to our hearts and we live here, so every time we pass by we’ll see the trees we planted here.”
“We especially appreciate the great support that our local Lions Club has shown to the base,” said Capt. Terry Auberry, commanding officer of the base. “Our community partnerships are an important reason why we are one of the Navy’s top installations when it comes to environmental support.”
The Seal Beach installation recently won both the Chief of Naval Operations’ and Secretary of the Navy’s awards for Environmental Sustainability (Industrial Installation) for outstanding performance in promoting environmental stewardship.
