RAF Lakenheath celebrates Earth Week Published April 25, 2011 By Senior Airman Tiffany M. Deuel 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- From planting seeds to collecting microorganisms, laying an organic walking path and checking car exhausts for cleanliness, it's evident that Airmen at RAF Lakenheath are celebrating Earth Week. Between April 18 - 22, Airmen and their families celebrated a week full of activities to help raise awareness and appreciation for the environment both on and off base. "(The volunteers) went out to West Stow, a local country park, where we laid an organic walking path to help access to one of the lakes," said Hazel Neal, 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron secretary and Earth Week Committee member. "We did a litter pick-up outside the base as well. We picked up 30 bags of rubbish, which was really, really impressive." During the week, base school-children learned about the local biodiversity and ecosystems with a trip to the base pond. "We have the Lakenheath Elementary School classes come out every year for pond dipping during Earth Week," said Master Sgt. Christopher Woolington, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Flight superintendent and Earth Week Committee member. "Pond habitats contain a large number of different plants and animals. The invertebrates found vary from large to small and their comparatively alien nature makes them a source of fascination for children in addition to educating them on this natural resource as invertebrates are an essential part of the ecosystem." Additionally, there was an Earth Week event held for the adults to raise awareness for vehicle pollution. The dirty sock competition allowed Airmen to bring their vehicles to Defender Park to have the cleanliness of its exhaust tested. A sock was placed over the exhaust with a rubber band and the car idled for 2 minutes. The cleanest sock was named the winner and the owner received a coupon for a free car wash. "The dirty sock competition (makes) people aware that their cars do contribute to pollution," said Staff Sgt. Heather Pelley, 48th Contracting Squadron contracting specialist. Liberty Airmen took a serious stance on preserving the environment. "(Earth Week) was a huge success. It was a joint effort between RAFs Lakenheath and Mildenhall and we had a lot of good responses from both the on base and off base communities in raising awareness for our natural resources," said Sergeant Woolington.