MSU celebrates Arbor Day with tree planting

Contact: Karen Brasher

STARKVILLE, Miss.--Arbor Day, celebrated for more than 135 years as a special time set aside for tree planting, will be observed Feb. 14 at Mississippi State.

Nationally, the air quality-enhancement celebration takes place on the last Friday in April. Southern states observe Arbor Day, however, in January and February when tree planting in the region is climatically ideal.

Beginning at 11 a.m. and open to all, the MSU program led by the Society of American Foresters student chapter will involve the planting of bald cypress trees on the west side of the historic Newell-Grissom Building, current home of MSU varsity volleyball.

"Mississippi State has a beautiful campus and takes great pride in our variety of trees in the landscape," said Jason Gordon, assistant extension professor. "The Arbor Day event helps us celebrate the beauty of our campus and the value of trees both in improved air quality and aesthetically."

For additional details on the event, contact Gordon at 662-325-8851 or jgordon@cfr.msstate.edu.

For information about Mississippi State University, see www.msstate.edu.