USM Arbor Day tree giveaway

Today, in honor of Arbor Day, the University of Southern Mississippi hosted their inaugural sapling drive-thru giveaway.

Saplings available were live oak, cherry bark oak, willow oak, and river birch. Guests were to drive up to Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, select three saplings they’d prefer and plant them to replenish any lost or damaged trees from the recent storms the Coast has taken on.

This time of year is the perfect time for replanting just in time for spring. USM Interim Director of Marine Education Dr. Jessie Kastler said, “People like to be around trees, but it also increases air quality. It improves health from different conditions and largely it’s an environmental issue. We need the trees for their habitat, they provide places for animals to live and water quality once again.”

USM would like to thank the Mississippi Forestry Commission and Fulgham’s Incorporated Tree Preservation Specialist and Consultants for their help in making today’s Arbor Day giveaway a success.