MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Whether hiking, fishing, exercising or just looking for a quiet place to observe the wilderness, the Miramar Fish Pond has all the amenities for a simple outdoor getaway.

Approximately 17 members of the Environmental Management Department here took part in cleaning the fitness trail and fish pond aboard the air station April 21, as a tribute to Earth Day.

“Someone took care of the grounds Marines train on and the recreational facilities aboard the air station so it is our responsibility to preserve the environment for our future generations,” said Andrew J. Depaolo, the Environmental Management Systems comprehensive training education program coordinator.

The members of the environmental department spent more than two and a half hours picking up trash, debris and fishing equipment from the surrounding piers and fitness trail.

The pond is an ecological reserve that is approximately 250 meters long, 150 meters wide and more than 30 feet deep, which attracts a wide variety of wildlife ranging from waterfowl, birds and mammals to fish and reptiles.

It is also stocked with Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Channel Catfish, making it an ideal fishing environment for Miramar’s patrons.

A fitness trail equipped with different exercise stations wraps around the perimeter of the pond, providing opportunities for joggers, hikers or those looking to enjoy the wildlife to go completely around the body of water.

“The fish pond is a valuable recreation area that is probably one of the best places on the air station to see a wide diversity of wildlife,” said David Boyer, the director of the Natural Resource Department here.

In 2000, the pond was drained, excavated and restored in order to control plants and weeds, and to make it more accessible to the public. It also provided biologists and scientists an opportunity to look at the area for soil erosion and degradation.

“It’s a pond that people frequently use and is considered an environmentally sensitive area, as well as a wildlife and botanical reserve,’ said Depaolo.

Because trash has an impact on the environment, when it rains, the run-off from the pond affects plants and wildlife downstream and can contaminate swimming and drinking water, he explained.

The Environmental Management Department organizes a different event to celebrate Earth Day every year. This year was their first time cleaning the fish pond.

“It is important for anyone who visits or uses the pond to help keep it clean so that the future generations can enjoy its recreational opportunities,” said Depaolo. “It makes sense for us to preserve this environment.”

For more information about the Miramar Fish Pond, visit www.mccsmiramar.com/fishpond.