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As Mississippi’s Arbor Day approaches, the University of Southern Mississippi Office of Sustainability is gearing up for its annual celebration, which will include replanting trees lost during the 2013 tornado. The event is set for Friday, Feb. 14, at 10 a.m. in The District, across from the Ogletree House.
In February 2013, an EF-4 tornado struck the USM campus, causing significant damage to buildings, infrastructure, and the landscape. Among the losses were numerous mature oak trees in The District, a prominent area at the front of the campus. More than a decade later, USM continues its efforts to restore the damaged landscape, underscoring the university’s commitment to sustainability.
Arbor Day, a national holiday dedicated to planting, nurturing, and celebrating trees, became an official observance in Mississippi in 1926. While National Arbor Day is typically held in late April, Mississippi observes its own Arbor Day on the second Friday in February, as the climate provides optimal conditions for tree planting. The day serves as an opportunity to educate the community about the importance of trees and their environmental benefits.
“It’s our dedication to not only care for the trees on campus but to also increase the trees on campus. That’s kind of what Arbor Day means to me,” said Michael Scully, USM’s landscape superintendent. “It’s a recognition of the beauty of trees on our campus specifically and across the nation.”
During the event, students, faculty, and volunteers will plant native oak trees to help restore USM’s tree canopy. Attendees can also join discussions with sustainability experts on topics such as urban forestry, climate resilience, and conservation practices. In addition to the Arbor Day event, USM has several ongoing projects aimed at enhancing the campus environment. A portion of the university’s Campus Beautification Fund, established after the 2013 tornado, will be used by this summer to revitalize areas impacted by the storm. These efforts will include updates to landscaping around the Ogletree House and the marquee sign at Highway 49 and Hardy Street.
Other planned improvements include planting Black-eyed Susans, USM’s school flower, across campus, and installing a fertigation system in the rose garden to enhance its growth.
The replanting efforts on Arbor Day are just one part of our larger vision for a greener campus,” said Michelle Shinall, assistant director for marketing and campus relations. “From enhancing green spaces to incorporating native plants, we are continuously looking for ways to create a healthier, more sustainable environment for everyone at USM.”
Arbor Day at USM is more than a tree-planting event; it reflects the University’s dedication to creating a greener future. The Office of Sustainability invites students, faculty, and the community to take part in this tradition and contribute to the ongoing effort to create a sustainable campus for future generations.