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HomeNews & Events Governor Tate Reeves Proclaims February 14 as Mississippi Arbor Day

Governor Tate Reeves Proclaims February 14 as Mississippi Arbor Day

By a proclamation from Governor Tate Reeves, Mississippi will recognize Arbor Day on Friday, February 14th. 

“National Arbor Day” is recognized in April. However, we honor Arbor Day in Mississippi on the second Friday in February,” said Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) State Forester Russell Bozeman. “Late winter is the best time to plant new trees because it helps young trees focus on putting down roots.”

Mississippi has celebrated Arbor Day since 1926 as a special day to recognize the statewide contributions of trees and forests. The benefits of forestry to Mississippi include a $15.44 Billion contribution to the state’s economy, more than 68,000 jobs, and an average of $8.2 Million toward education through Public School Trust (16th Section) Land timber sale revenue.

Additionally, Gov. Reeves has proclaimed February 14th-20th as Tree Planting Week across the state. This week, community partners, families, and friends will join to celebrate the benefits of trees. Alex Ballard, MFC Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator, states, “We look forward to the Arbor Day activities slated for this year. One of our big events is in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, with a special tree-planting ceremony. The event is at Oceola McCarty Park and Orchard in Hattiesburg on February 14th. The City Of Hattiesburg is a 32-year Tree City USA member, so we look forward to making the city even more beautiful.

Leading up to Mississippi Arbor Day, many counties host events, sales, and tree giveaways. As a public resource, the Mississippi Forestry Commission works with our natural resource partners to compile a statewide list of tree giveaways and sales here.

“On behalf of the Mississippi Forestry Commission and all of our forestry partners, we appreciate Gov. Reeves’s proclamation,” Bozeman said. “We also want to encourage all Mississippians to take advantage of the tree giveaways and sales in their communities to help spread the importance of trees for future generations. Healthy trees lead to healthy lives.” For more information about Mississippi Arbor Day, individuals should contact their local municipalities to see if they have plans for Abor Day or plant a tree to celebrate.