More than 100 volunteers celebrated National Public Lands Day with a native plant restoration event onboard Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, Calif., Oct. 20.
The event was made possible by a grant from the Department of Defense Legacy Program, intended to improve the wildlife habitat on base and involve the public.
“It’s a chance for the Department Of Defense to highlight our commitment to good sound stewardships with natural resources,” said Bob Schallmann, natural resources manager on the installation.
“We’ve driven by here on our way to the beach and I never realized that there was a wildlife refuge here,” said Andrea Castro, a mom with Boy Scout Troop 74 from Long Beach. “I think it’s cool!”
Volunteers helped restore a three-acre upland area with native plants adjacent to the wetlands, which will create much-needed transitional habitat for native birds, reptiles, mammals and pollinating insects.
The volunteers planted more than 700 flowers, grasses and shrubs, helping to maintain the installation’s reputation for environmental excellence under the command of Capt. Tripp Hardy.
“Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach is a significant natural resources trustee and is committed to protecting our environment and conserving our natural resources heritage for present and future generations,” said Hardy.
