The historic city of Natchez, in partnership with the Green Infrastructure Center, Inc. (GIC), is excited to announce the “TREES MS Open House: Planning & Planting a Resilient Natchez” on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Downtown Depot Visitor Center, located at 200 N. Broadway Street.
This community-focused event aims to engage residents in shaping the future of Natchez’s urban tree canopy. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the environmental and community benefits of trees, provide input on where new trees should be planted, and sign up for upcoming tree-planting initiatives.
“The TREES MS Assistance Program begins with a city-wide planning phase to assess tree coverage and identify management opportunities,” explained Misty Booth, GIC Community Forester. “Now, as we enter the planting phase, we need input from Natchez residents. Their feedback will guide us in prioritizing neighborhoods for these vital projects.”
The open house will feature a short presentation at 10:30 AM, but residents are welcome to drop in anytime during the event hours. Interactive displays, including community tree maps, will give participants a hands-on opportunity to explore strategies for growing and maintaining a healthy urban forest.
Ryan Porter, Director of Natchez Parks & Recreation, highlighted the importance of the project, saying, “A thriving tree canopy is crucial for a resilient community. Trees provide shade, clean our air, manage stormwater runoff, and enhance our overall quality of life. Together, we can create a greener Natchez, one tree at a time.”
Porter, who served on the Natchez Tree Canopy Advisory Committee during the program’s initial phase, encourages all residents to participate. As an added incentive, attendees who provide feedback will be entered into a raffle to win one of 20 trees. Light refreshments, sponsored by Neel-Schaffer, Inc., will be served.
The event is free and family-friendly, and volunteers interested in participating in future tree-planting efforts are strongly encouraged to attend.
The TREES MS Assistance Program extends beyond Natchez, mobilizing communities across Mississippi, including Gulfport, Amory, Kosciusko, the MS Band of Choctaw Indians, and Laurel. Residents interested in volunteering for local efforts or learning about future events can fill out the Community Interest Survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QP8D5QT.
For more information, contact:
- Ryan Porter, Director of Natchez Parks and Recreation: (601) 597-4495 or rporter@natchez.ms.us
- Misty Booth, GIC Community Forester: (434) 996-9207 or mbooth@gicing.org
Join the movement to create a healthier, greener Natchez—because the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, and the second-best time is now.
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