Mississippi Power plants community roots in Arbor Day tree giveaway

The calendar says Arbor Day is April 24, but volunteers from Mississippi Power along with several area organizations kicked of the celebration Feb. 13 with a tree giveaway in downtown Meridian.

“Mississippi Power continues to be environmental stewards for the communities we live in and serve,” said Tommy Jackson, Newton district manager. “We worked with the city of Meridian’s Tree Commission and Go Green Meridian to make this event happen.”

Despite freezing temperatures, 300 apple, plum, pear, pomegranate, and mayhaw trees were distributed to area residents.
“These trees will help the Meridian area by offering cooling shades, improved air quality, soil erosion prevention and water cleansing,”
Jackson added. The trees will also provide a food source for the individuals that participated, which goes hand in hand with Go Green Meridian’s vision of empowering area residents to make healthy, sustainable life choices.”

Nearly 200 people attended the event that included the tree giveaway and a tree planting ceremony with Meridian city councilmen and members of the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors.