Ocean Springs News
City to Celebrate Arbor Day by Giving Away Trees
Ocean Springs, MS – On Saturday, February 28 at 9:30 a.m., City officials and the Ocean Springs Garden Club will celebrate Arbor Day by giving away trees at the Ocean Springs Civic Center, 3730 Bienville Boulevard.
The outdoor ceremony will begin with an invocation by Dr. Earl Stewart, First Presbyterian Church. The Colors will be presented by the Ocean Springs High School Jr. ROTC. Mayor Pro Tem Greg Denyer will lead the “Pledge of Allegiance.” Miss Carolyn Ramseur of Ocean Springs High School will perform “America, the Beautiful.” Alderman-at-Large Julia Weaver will serve as event moderator.
Alderman Weaver will call for nomination of the 2009 Pat and Ethelyn Connor Tree Canopy Award, an honor presented to the person or group who has excelled in their efforts to preserve the canopy. The winner of this award will be announced at the Herb and Garden Festival on March 28.
During the presentation, memorial trees will be dedicated to: Mrs. Iola Oglesby, Ocean Springs Garden Club, Mrs. Bennie Van Court, Ocean Springs Garden Club, Mr. Kenneth Ducksworth, former Public Works employee, Mr. L. C. Gipson, Jr., former Public Works employee, and Mr. Wally Page, former businessman and Civil Service Board member. Family members and friends of the honored recipients are encouraged to attend.
Following, Murville Alleman, City Arborist, will demonstrate proper tree planting. Following the demonstration, trees will be given away by city staff, members of the Garden Club, the Mayor’s Youth Council and the Police Reserves. The trees will be available for distribution on a first come, first serve basis until 1:00 p.m. Only three trees of the three gallon size will be given per household. Citizens should prepare for appropriate transporation of the three gallon, 5 – 7 ft. trees before arriving.
The following trees will be available for distribution to the public: Shumard’s Oak, Bald Cypress, Inkberry, Swamp White Oak, Pin Oak, and Red Oak.
The City will also distribute protective tree guards, a plastic form that fits around the trunk of the tree. Because of the limited supply, these will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.
The Ocean Springs Arbor Day Celebration is sponsored by Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain and Replant South Mississippi.
