Metro-Jackson_

Metro – Jackson Urban Forestry Initiative

Sponsors include: MS Forestry Commission,

USDA Forest Service,

MS State Extension Service

 The metro areas are faced with numerous challenges due to tree loss from Hurricane Katrina and the challenge of increasing a healthy green infrstructure.  Many businesses and home owners will plant trees and it is important that they plant the Right Tree in the Right Place .  Also, with downtown revitalization issues at the peak, this project will ensure that urban forestry is an intregal part of this process.  The project will include urban forestry in urban sprawl issues with each metro area community and include homeowners, business owners and school student education on urban forestry.  The benefits of urban forestry will be promoted and included in all model projects; benefits such as storm mitigation, crime reduction, economic enhancement, beautification, water quality, green infrastructure and many other benefits. At the same time, this program will educate the community, organizations, local elected officials, statewide officials serving in the capital city, and other public entities to the importance of urban forestry in their community. 

This project will be the first project ever to put urban forestry center front in the City of Jackson and the Metro areas; creating a sustainable program and many opportunities for individual community service, especially in underserved areas of the city.

All citizens and cities are invited to participate. The kick-off date of the project is September 2007.  

If you would like to participate on the development team or just stay in touch with progress via the Internet please let us know at:

Donna Yowell – 601-672-0755 or dyowell@aol.com