"Invest in Our Planet, Protect Our Future"
-Earth Month 2023

Background
Earth Day is a worldwide event celebrated annually on April 22 that has since expanded to the month of April. Earth Day was founded in 1970 as a grassroots effort by World War II veteran Senator Gaylord Nelson to raise environmental awareness and involve citizens and communities in creating a cleaner, healthier world. Since the 1990s the Department of the Navy and other military services have celebrated Earth Month annually, organizing events for the community, conducting educational outreach activities, and highlighting Navy/Marine environmental and energy programs.

A baby sea turtle is held up during an excavation at Fort Hase Beach, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The natural wildlife and landscape is a precious resource to both MCBH and the people of Hawaii, and we take seriously our stewardship role of protecting these resources. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brandon Aultman)

Operation Clean Water ‘Ohana
April 5th 1500-1700
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Come out and celebrate Earth Month by helping Base Environmental label storm drains! Help us remind residents not to dump any pollutants that will harm our coastal ecosystems.
LOAs issued for all active duty.
To Sign up contact: mcbh_ecpd_events@usmc.mil or 808.257.7001
What to bring: Closed toed shoes, water bottle, and sun protection

Weed Warriors
April 8th 0800-1200
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Join the Natural Resources team in removing invasive plants from Endangered Species habitats! Come prepared to work hard, get dirty, and possibly wet!
LOAs issued for all active duty
To Sign up contact to mcbh_ecpd_events@usmc.mil or 808.257.7000
What to bring: Closed toed shoes, water bottle, and sun protection

Mālama I Ka ‘Āina
April 10th through 14th
As units aboard MCBH execute Operation “Mālama I Ka ‘Āina,” base residents are encouraged to do their part in keeping our installation and community clean.
What can you do to help?
Pick up trash in yards and on sidewalks as you move around base. Call O’hana Military Communities at (808) 470-5400 to address cleanliness issues within base housing.

Mōkapu Cultural Sites Earth Day Bike Tour
April 22nd 0900-1200
Join MCBH Cultural Resource Managers on a 3-mile bicycle tour of protected Native Hawaiian cultural sites of historical significance on MCBH Mokapu Peninsula. You will learn about Ancient Hawaiian Village Sites, Mokapu’s Ancient Hawaiian Burial Area, and historic 1920/30’s Beach Cottage Remnants, all while keeping a net zero carbon footprint!
Space is limited and on a first come first serve basis.
To Sign up contact: mcbh_ecpd_events@usmc.mil or 808.257.6999
What to bring: BIKE, helmet, Closed toed shoes, water bottle, snacks, and sun protection

Hawaii Audubon Society Earth Day Birding Tour
April 28th 0800
Base Environmental and the Hawaii Audubon Society are partnering to offer base residents an opportunity to gain firsthand experience with Hawaii’s wildlife. Walk around the Nu’upia Ponds and get a unique look into the habitat of the endangered Ae’o (Hawaiian Stilt) and other native birds.
Space is limited and on a first come first serve basis.
To Sign up contact mcbh_ecpd_events@usmc.mil or 808.257.6999.
What to bring: Closed toed shoes, water bottle, and sun protection