Kicking off Spring with the 4th Annual Earth Day Extravaganza

Twentynine Palms -- The 4th Annual Earth Day Extravaganza, hosted by Lincoln Military Housing and Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, took place at Lincoln Military Housing Athletic Field aboard the Combat Center on April 13, 2018.

The purpose of the extravaganza is to bring the installation’s families together to teach them about recycling and conservation, and how they can help support that mission.

“Today is meant primarily as outreach for families to spread sustainability practices,” said Maj. David L. Tran, director, NREA. “We’re located in a remote area, which makes it difficult to sustain air and water quality and conserve land resources. Our mission is to be better stewards of the resources we have.”

Over the past four years, this event has given parents a chance to wind down and relax while their children are able to have freedom to play with their friends. In addition, the extravaganza provides attendees with a large variety of free food and activities.

“The best part about today was that the kids have so much to do,” said Sam Hoversten, wife of Sgt. Maj. Jared Hovertsen, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment’s sergeant major. “From the bounce houses to the dog show, tacos, face painting and kettlecorn, I was kept busy too. I don’t have to watch them closely because I know they’re going to be safe here. I love that the base is always throwing events like this.”
According to Keith Mohn, research scientist and HMMS programmer, Battele, the annual Earth Day event has contributed to Combat Center patron’s preservation efforts.

“Since we started the extravaganza, there’s been a direct correlation to an increase in recycling and conservation aboard the base,” Mohn said. “We’re 1% away from reaching this year’s goal, and we believe this event will get us there.”