Replant South Mississippi
Replant Stone County is a grassroots response to a regional initiative whose goal it is to
replace 300,000 trees lost in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. We invite everyone in Stone
County and the City of Wiggins to join in and help replant Stone County.
Hurricane Katrina destroyed many of the centuries-old oak trees and other coastal heritage
trees in our county. Many of us know that restoring our natural heritage is a critical
component of rebuilding our communities. Replanting trees is a sign of hope and a symbol
of our resiliency.
There are many benefits of urban forests: cooling temperatures, reducing storm water
runoff, absorbing carbon dioxide, reducing soil erosion and providing a healthier, more
pleasant atmosphere in which to live and work. Trees can reduce wind by 80% and can
significantly cut noise and light pollution. In a single year, 1 acre of trees can absorb as
much carbon dioxide as is produced by a car driven up to 26,000 miles ("Benefits of Urban
Trees," USDA Forest Service 1997). Trees also make urban life healthier by removing
gaseous pollutants from the air and by trapping dust, ash, pollen and smoke which can
damage our lungs (Ibid.).
How can you participate in Replant Stone County? The Land Trust for the Mississippi
Coastal Plain has partnered with the Sun Herald, Mississippi Forestry Commission, Other
Partners and local communities to create a unique partnership whose purpose is to restore
the urban forest of south Mississippi. Specifically, the goal is to plant 300,000 fastgrowing,
native trees during the next three years. We invite you to become involved in this
regional initiative. Take a look at your neighborhood and note areas that need heritage trees
along the viewshed. Join us in planning, planting and caring for these new trees made
available by Replant South Mississippi partners.
You may pick up an application at C ity Hall, Stone County Court House, O’Neal-Bond
Eng., Inc. or print the form off the Stone County/EDP website. Applications can be
returned to any of the above listed places. We will call applicants and let them know when
the trees are ready to pick up, which should be on national Arbor Day.
Call Jon Bond at 601-928-7390.
