February 6, 2007
Contact: Rick Olson
Urban & Community Forestry Coordinator
(601) 359-2856
rolson@mfc.state.ms.us
Mississippi’s 81st observance of Arbor Day will occur on February 9, 2007. A special ceremony will be held at the in the first floor Rotunda of the State Capital at 10:00 a.m. on Friday. Lieutenant Governor Amy Tuck will present a special Arbor Day message. This year’s theme, “Recover, Rebuild, Renew, & Replant”, reminds us that is even more important to plant trees to replace those that were damaged or destroyed by the storm. Not only is it important to plant trees out in the woods to insure the productivity of our timberlands, but also in cities and towns. This is the time to remember what trees do for us and also how they can help us heal in our communities.
Arbor Day is the start of Tree Planting Week in Mississippi. During February 9-15, 2007 the Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Districts in association with the Mississippi Forestry Commission, Mississippi Forestry Association, MS Department of Environmental Quality, Mississippi State Extension Service, Mississippi Urban Forest Council and the USDA Forest Service will encourage everyone to get out there and plant a tree. On Arbor Day free trees will be given away. To find out where you can go to get a free tree in your county, contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District office or office of the Mississippi Forestry Commission.
Get out there and plant a tree for Arbor Day. “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago and the second best time is now.”
For more information on Arbor Day, contact Rick Olson, Mississippi Forestry Commission, 301 N. Lamar St., Suite 300, Jackson, MS 39201, (601) 359-2856 or rolson@mfc.state.ms.us