Robins gives back during Earth Day-related activities Published April 22, 2016 By Angela Woolen Robins Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Robins has long been a steward of the environment encouraging conservation through annual cleanups, recycling drives and various educational activities. One of the base's environmental claims to fame is its designation as a Tree City USA for the past 23 years. Looking around the parade field, trees of all sizes attest to the dedication of that title. This year a Flowering Dogwood, Cornus florida, was planted in recognition of someone who has spent 16 years dedicating herself to the 78th Environmental Management Branch. Krista Mott, branch geographical information systems specialist, was humbled by the tribute. "I was very surprised but honored," she said. Mott was instrumental in organizing many Arbor Day and Earth Day activities in the past. "She is a genuine tree hugger," said Craig Henry, Air Force Civil Engineer Center program manager. In past years, Mott has taken part in bird watching, lake cleanups and team canoe trips. About two dozen people attended the ceremony at the parade field. Wendy Burnett, Georgia Forestry Commission public relations director, presented the award to the base to recognize the efforts of those who have taken pride in making sure the trees, not only at the dedication grounds, were well taken care of. To celebrate both Arbor Day and Earth Day, the ceremony concluded with the planting of the tree. Mott grabbed a shovel, filled it with dirt and threw the dirt on the tree which will bear her name. "I've worked in environmental management since 2000," she said. "We were the stewards of the environment, so planting a tree symbolizes everything I worked for." As part of the Earth Day theme, Team Robins members also recently left their work areas to help clean up the local environment. The tasks included two local cemetery cleanups as well as Scout and Duck lakes.