Future master gardeners at the Early Learning Center at the Marine Corps Logistics Base weren't just making their school prettier on Wednesday, they were making it greener too. And they were getting some help from some high ranking gardeners.
Colonel Terry Williams, the Commander of the base was one of them. He said, "the kids are excited and we get to dig a little dirt as well."
The flowers were part of the Earth Day celebration at the Marine Corps Logistics Base. For the kids, the flowers are more than just a way to make the school look nice today. The lessons that they're learning here will last well into the future.
Colonel Williams said, "it teaches the kids the importance of the environment they live in."
It will be their job to take care of the planet in the generations to come. But the current generation has a role to play as well.
Celebrating Earth Day at the Marine Corps Logistics Base is more than about just playing in the dirt. It's also about going outside the gates and helping to clean up the community.
Marines are known for their grueling morning exercises, but this morning they were walking, bending and stretching for a different reason.
Staff Sergeant John Jenkins said that the Marines were: "showing the community that we care. Earth Day at the base and...helping out picking up trash."
With hundreds of cars passing by the stretch of Mock Road that borders the base every day, there's plenty of trash to find.
Corporal Dennis Evangelista said that they found: "A lot of parts from Styrofoam cups, pieces of paper that are torn up, cigarette butts and just some random trash."
You might think that all of this would be outside the mission of the Marines, but while it may not seem as important as the partnerships that the military has formed with other nations, the Marines understand that the environment can be a powerful ally for them.
Colonel Williams said, "if we take care of our environment, it will take care of us."
And it's a partnership that can benefit all mankind for many generations to come.
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Marines from the Marine Corps Logistics Base pick up trash along Mock Road in Albany on Wednesday morning.
Kids from the Early Learning Center at MCLB prepare to plant flowers at the base's Earth Day celebration on Wednesday.
Some of the flowers that were planted at MCLB's Earth Day celebration.
Marines pick up trash along Mock Road on Wednesday morning.
Mock Road sees hundreds of cars pass by each day. And litter often gathers along the sides of the road.
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