Co-Lin joins statewide planting program

Co-Lin has received a grant for tree planting and beautification throughout the Wesson campus, encompassing landscaping of the campus entrance and pedestrian corridor and creation of a fruit tree orchard.

Mississippi Urban Forest Council (MUFC) in partnership with America in Bloom and Canadian National Railroad (CN) is bringing the project to the college as part of a planting program in varied locales throughout the state that will become part of the "Mississippi Arboretum Trail."

“These types of activities are significant improvements to the community," says MUFC Executive Director Donna Yowell. "The social impact of green space, trees and gardens can be particularly pronounced when public spaces are transformed into places of beauty that foster safe places for neighborhood interaction, economic and property value enhancement, and improves the lives of those that live in or visit the community."

“We are so excited to participate in this initiative for both campus beautification and educational opportunities it will provide.” said Dr. Jane Hulon, Co-Lin President.

MUFC is Mississippi’s only statewide nonprofit that works with communities and local groups to improve quality of life through landscapes and support strong communities for economic success on a local level. The Mississippi Urban Forest Council and its’ volunteers, the Urban Forest Masters have planted over 379,000 trees and donated over 3 million flower bulbs in Mississippi since 2010.

CN – Canadian National Railroad Company -- along with its operating railway subsidiaries serves the cities and ports of Vancouver, Montreal New Orleans, Mobile and Jackson, MS with connections to all points in North America. It is a true backbone of the economy, transporting approximately C$250 billion worth of goods annually for the wide range of business sectors, ranging from resource products to manufactured products to consumer goods, across a rail network spanning Canada and mid-America.

America In Bloom promotes nationwide beautification through education and community involvement by encouraging the use of flowers, plants, trees and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements. It envisions communities across the country as welcoming and vibrant places to live, work and play – benefitting from colorful plants and trees, enjoying clean environments, celebrating heritage, and planting pride through volunteerism.

For more information on MUFC programs, visit www.msurbanforest.com.