Kadena goes green for Earth Day ’09 Published April 22, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Nestor Cruz 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Airmen, civilians and their families are gearing up for Earth Day 2009 with a variety of events and activities to help raise awareness for the environment. Earth Day began in 1970 with Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin and 20 million Americans participating in a grassroots demonstration. Members from the 718th Civil Engineer Squadron's natural resources element have coordinated with several base agencies and organizations to organize events to celebrate the 39th worldwide Earth Day celebration. "We have an on-going poster and essay writing contest," said Michael Carsley, 718th CES environmental engineer. "The entries were submitted to us from various Kadena schools." Engineers from the natural resources element are sponsoring a tree-planting April 28 at Marek Park. Students from Kadena schools participated in the event. The Schilling Community Center will host another Family Fun Night April 24 at 6 p.m., but with an Earth Day theme. The event will include educational booths on recycling, alternative fuels, and energy conservation. Staff members from the Outdoor Recreation office will sponsor a Project HOPE clean-up activity April 25 at 9 a.m. at Devil's Cove. For more information on this event, call 959-2811. For information on protecting the environment or other Earth Day events, call the natural resources element at 634-2600.