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By Amanda Sullivan, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs OfficeApril 13, 2022
FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — Earth Day is April 22, and the Directorate of Public Works’ Environmental Division has events planned throughout the week to help the Fort Leonard Wood community learn more about the importance of protecting and maintaining the environment.
This year’s Army Earth Day theme, “Sustain the Mission, Secure the Future,” is something Environmental Division Chief Charlie Neel said Fort Leonard Wood has a very proud record of doing.
“Earth Day is a great time for us to celebrate what Fort Leonard Wood does for the environment throughout the year, and we have some remarkable accomplishments,” he said.
To highlight some of those accomplishments, the division will host four events, beginning with a scavenger hunt on Saturday. Additionally, there will be a nature hike, a meet-and-greet with the environmental team, and an e-cycling event, where customers can drop off unused electronics for recycling with the chance to win prizes.
All events are open to anyone with access to Fort Leonard Wood, and participants of all ages are invited to attend.
The following is an overview of each event:
“Features will range from historical sites and fishing ponds, to recreational areas,” Stormwater Specialist Patricia Littleton said.
Teams are limited to one vehicle each, and the three teams that return to Memorial Grove by noon with the most points will receive prizes.
“Plan to discover natural events and phenomena as nature reveals, or as questions may prompt, as we get outside and make personal connections with nature,” Lohraff said.
In addition to nature inquisitiveness, Lohraff recommended coming prepared for inclement weather, bringing binoculars, appropriate clothing items and snacks.
Call 573.596.2814 for details.
“Much of our day-to-day work is compliance-driven, which is very important, but we also do some fascinating work that we don’t always get to highlight,” said Stephanie Nutt, an archaeologist here, who works to preserve Fort Leonard Wood’s cultural resources. “This event will allow us to share information about the different aspects of our natural, cultural and environmental resources on post, and we hope that visitors will leave with a better understanding of how we work to preserve and protect our resources.”
Call 573.596.7607 or 573.596.3880 for details.
Examples of items that can be dropped off include computers and computer accessories, printers, modems, flat-screen televisions, cell phones and boxed ink cartridges. Staff will be available to help unload heavier items.
“E-waste is currently the fastest growing waste stream in the world, and also one of the least recycled forms of waste,” said Environmental Protection Assistant Robert Schultz.
Call 573.563.3880 for details.
