Thursday, about 30 men and women working at the Naval Oceanographic Office at Stennis donated part of their day to perform volunteer work at the Crosby Arboretum.

The idea to volunteer at the arboretum was a perfect fit since a number of people who work at the agency visit the attraction on the weekends, and it’s close to the office, said Aerographer Mate First Class Andrew Ribar.

Ribar, who is also the organization’s community relations coordinator called the arboretum to offer their assistance and found out that there was a lot of work that needs to be done.

During that day the group of first class and chief petty officers helped build a new nature trail next to the swamp exhibit, planted a number of trees around the arboretum, painted the front gate and helped with the pruning of trees.

Ribar said the biggest project they worked on that day was the trail, because it involved moving a lot of dirt and stone around.

“It’s a big difference from working in the office,” Ribar said. “Out here you can immediately see the efforts of your work. It’s good to be outside in the fresh air and see results.”

Ribar said the group already had a successful day just before lunch because they had accomplished more in that time than the arboretum staff estimated could be done in an entire day.

While the volunteers only had one day to donate, they intend to do some more work at the arboretum in the future.

Office Associate-Volunteer Coordinator Cathy Seals Bordelon said lunch for the volunteers was donated by Avon Engineered Fabrications, Inc.