Tree Planting at Jackson State University

Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi was the site of the fourth event on the National Tree Planting Campaign, which kicks off the Arbor Day Foundation’s newest initiative, Tree Campus USA. 

October 28 was perfect for planting trees—sunny, cool, and full of energy from students ready to make their mark on campus. 

We opened the event with presentations from Arbor Day Foundation, Toyota and Jackson State University representatives, as well as members of the community.  All expressed their appreciation for the gift of 100 new trees for the Jackson State University campus and their excitement about being recognized as one of the first Tree Campus USA universities in the country, and the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) institution to receive this recognition.  Sr. Vice President, Troy Stovall received the Tree Campus USA recognition plaque and flag for the university. 

Many students had never planted a tree before and learned a lot about the process.  One student commented on how much work it really took to get it planted correctly, but was looking forward to coming back in the years to come to see how well it had grown.  And that’s the important part about these events—connecting students with their environment to foster the growth of the next generation of tree stewards. 

Thank you to all Jackson State volunteers and especially to the administration and facilities departments for all their work in planning and facilitating this event!  Go Tigers!

-Mary Widhelm