ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Community members attended the Aberdeen Proving Ground's annual Arbor/Earth Day celebration held at the APG Museum April 27. The event highlighted the installation's stewardship to the environment in support of the principles of Arbor Day and Earth Day.

During the event's opening ceremony ATEC-AEC Commanding General Brig. Gen. John Regan presented awards to local students who won APG's Arbor/Earth Day Poetry and Poster Contest. This year's theme was "Trees are Terrific….from Acorn to Oak."

Garrison Commander Col. Orlando Ortiz also presented a tree slice known as a "biscuit," taken from a black oak tree that stood on APG since the early 1800s to the APG Museum. The oak tree biscuits will be used for educational purposes.

The event also featured hands-on science demonstrations and activities from APG and community organizations. Activities included appearances by Smokey the Bear and McGruff the Crime Dog; recycled T-shirt crafts; bald Eagle videos of a live eagle nest; artifacts unearthed during construction at APG and more.