SANTA FE, NM – The New Mexico State Forestry Division (NMSF) and the New Mexico Army National Guard (NMANG), typically partners in fighting wildfires in our state, traded their fire gear for shovels on Friday March 16, 2018 in honor of Arbor Month.

"Arbor Month is a good reminder of how essential our community trees and forests are to our everyday lives," said Jennifer Dann, Urban and Community Forestry Program Manager. "They provide cooling shade, cleaner water and air, plus shelter and food for wildlife. Trees are also a vital part of our economy, supporting both business and tourism."

During Friday's ceremony, Kenneth Nava, Adjutant General of the New Mexico Army National Guard, Ken McQueen, Cabinet Secretary of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), and Donald Griego, State Forester of the New Mexico State Forestry Division (NMSF), joined together with shovels in hand to plant a pair of Piñon trees at the NMANG Headquarters in Santa Fe. The Piñon is New Mexico's State Tree.

The State Forestry Division invites all New Mexicans to make a difference now and for generations to come, by participating in tree planting events in their communities. For more information on how you can get involved, contact the NMSF Urban and Community Forestry Program at (505) 345-2200, or email Program Manager Jennifer Dann at JenniferL.Dann@state.nm.us.

Adjutant General Kenneth Nava, NMANG & Cabinet Secrtary Ken McQueen, EMNRD