The City of Laurel celebrated Arbor Day in grand style on Thursday, February 6th, as part of its long-standing commitment to urban forestry and community beautification. The celebration, which included planting a live oak at Boston Park, also marked an impressive milestone for the city—Laurel's 42nd consecutive year of being recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.
Boston Park, named in honor of Laurel native and Olympic gold medalist Ralph Boston, provided the backdrop for this special occasion. The tree was planted near the park’s splash pad, which pays tribute to late Mayor Melvin Mack. Mack, who was the city's first Black mayor, was known for his love of the local community.
“We’re glad that we were able to do it,” said Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee when the splashpad opened in 2023. “It’s a great honor for me to be a part of naming something after him that will be here for decades, and people will always remember him.”
The live oak, which will eventually provide shade for parents as they watch their children play on the splash pad, symbolizes the city's dedication to environmental sustainability and the well-being of its residents.
This year's Arbor Day celebration also included an exciting partnership with TREES MS, a grant program funded by the USDA Forest Service and administered by the Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC). TREES MS works with communities to promote the planting of trees and the preservation of urban forests.
The program hosted a community feedback event at the Laurel Visitors Center on Thursday night to gather input on where trees should be planted and what types of trees the community would like to see. Participants were also able to take home trees of their own, including oaks, a bald cypress, and a fig tree.
Arbor Day, which is celebrated on the second Friday of February in Mississippi, highlights the importance of trees in the state's ecosystem. The timing is perfect as late winter is considered the best time to plant new trees in Mississippi's climate. Across the state, events are held where trees are given away, and various tree-related activities take place to celebrate the contributions of trees and forests to the environment.
As part of the celebration, Laurel was honored by the Arbor Day Foundation with its 2024 Tree City USA designation. This prestigious recognition acknowledges the city's ongoing efforts to maintain and grow its urban forest. Laurel has earned this distinction every year since 1982, making it Mississippi’s longest-standing Tree City.
“We all have a role to play in shaping our future and tree champions like Laurel are leading the way,” said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency, and fostering good health in our nation’s cities. We’re proud Laurel is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees.”
In order to receive Tree City USA recognition, cities must meet four core standards: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration. Laurel’s dedication to these standards has not only enhanced the city's aesthetic appeal but has also contributed to a healthier, more sustainable community.
The 2024 recognition is another chapter in the city’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. Through efforts like Arbor Day celebrations and programs such as TREES MS, Laurel continues to provide long-term benefits to its residents, from reducing air pollution to enhancing mental health and creating a more resilient urban environment.
