Squadron organizes Earth Week activities for students Published April 29, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Erica Crossen 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The 375th Civil Engineer Squadron was behind Earth Week efforts around Scott, with a focus on spreading more green around the base environment through kid-friendly activities and upholding the base's history of being environmentally friendly. Scott celebrated being a Tree City for 23 years on April 24, which was also Arbor Day, and as part of the effort to continue the stewardship of Scott's ecosystem, CES is scheduled to plant 73 new trees around the base. CES members have helped coordinate events at Scott AFB Elementary School since 2008. They taught students about animals, the environment, and what they can do to help the earth. Scott Elementary students were all involved in some Earth Week activity, and depending on what grade the students were in, they were asked to get creative in some artistic projects. Third grade students came together to make items out of recycled materials, and 4th and 5th grade students created earth-friendly themed posters. From those projects, CES chose winners that had the best, most creative concept. Mark McCoy, 375th CES Pollution Prevention and Cultural Resource Manager, said the activities should include the younger grade students, so they figured a simple, fun activity would get them involved too. What better way to involve them than let them get a little messy and do something a little different that they can be reminded by when they take the bag home," said McCoy. More than 420 kindergarten through 2nd grade students were able to hand paint reusable bags to take home. Jon Madigan, 375th CES Water Program Manager, said it's best to reach out to kids to teach them about environmental awareness sooner rather than later. "These activities make them aware of their impact on the environment and the animals in it," said Madigan, "so starting young is important to make them more mindful." CES also arranged for representatives from the St. Louis Zoo to bring amphibians and an owl to share with the students and gave them a chance to ask questions and learn more about these animals they may not necessarily see up close. McCoy said part of the fun for students to get involved in the Earth Week activities is just to get creative. This may help Earth Week be more memorable as a small way to teach them to take on earth-friendly habits.