by Sgt. Dana Beesley
Col. Timothy R. Dremann, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island Chief of Staff, speaks to attendees of the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the nature walk on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dana Beesley)
Parris Island celebrated Earth Day this year with a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new nature walk. This comes on the wings of the depot winning the 2021 Secretary of the Navy Environmental Award, which recognized the depot for excellence in integrating environmental and operational sustainability efforts and mitigating impacts from storm surge and sea level rise through 2065.
Using the sewer line easement that connects to Beaufort and Jasper Counties, the path features native vegetation and views of the water.
Environmental Director Maj. Marc Blair explained that the Environmental Division’s ultimate mission aboard the depot is to foster awareness and appreciation for the environment through events like the ribbon cutting ceremony, which also featured local vendors and artists, as well as community programs.
Col. Timothy R. Dremann, cuts the ribbon welcoming patrons to the nature walk during a ceremony on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. April 22, 2021. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dana Beesley)
“The Environmental Division ensures sustainability and environmental protection through environmental restoration, compliance and pollution prevention.” Blair said. “We ensure the depot can continue to train Marines, not just today, but in the future as well.”
John Holloway, Natural Resources Manager, said that by 2022, the division hopes to build onto this space and develop the nature trail farther along the depot.
“We want to establish a trailhead, informational signs along the path, and plant more trees in the future,” Holloway said.