Gov. Reeves Proclaims February 14 as Mississippi Arbor Day

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

“Nationally, Arbor Day is recognized in April,” said Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) state forester, Russell Bozeman. “However, we celebrate Arbor Day in Mississippi on the second Friday in February each year because late winter is the best time to plant new trees. This gives the young trees time to take root before the spring green-up begins.”

Mississippi has been celebrating Arbor Day since 1926 as a special day to recognize the statewide contributions of trees and forests. The benefits of forestry to Mississippi include an approximately $12.8 billion contribution to the state’s economy, more than 70,000 jobs and an average of $10.4 million toward education through Public School Trust (16th Section) Land timber sale revenue.

Additionally, Gov. Reeves has proclaimed February 14-21 as Tree Planting Week across the state. During this week, community partners, families and friends will join together to celebrate the benefits of trees and community forests to recognize the unique beauty and diversity of Mississippi’s native trees.

Leading up to Mississippi Arbor Day, many counties will host events and give away trees, or sell them at a reduced price. A list of these tree giveaways and sales can be found at http://www.mfc.ms.gov/.

“On behalf of the Mississippi Forestry Commission and all of our forestry partners, I want to thank Gov. Reeves for this proclamation,” Bozeman said. “I 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.”

To learn more about the Mississippi Forestry Commission, please visit our website and follow us on social media: YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.