Patuxent River Naval Air Station Patuxent River was awarded its 24th consecutive Tree City USA award on Thursdday, April 25. The award was presented by a representative from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The air station was also presented with a Maryland PLANT Community Award.
Pax River Commanding Officer Captain Benjamin Shevchuk declared April 25th Arbor Day and then accepted both awards. He recalled driving his daughter around the air station shortly after they first arrived and she commented that “it doesn’t look like a military base.” He said she noted the air station lacks the steam pipes that were evidenced at the other air stations they’ve been to. Capt. Shevchuk then spoke about living in the Pacific Northwest where pine trees are abundant.
Following the ceremony and the planting of a tree, Pax River Conservation Manager Kyle Rambo read a poem he wrote about trees.
