Ridgeland plants over 200 trees

RIDGELAND — City officials unveiled more than 200 trees planted along Colony Park Boulevard in front of Ridgeland High School last month.

Mayor Gene F. McGee said the project is part of Ridgeland’s ongoing commitment to practice “good strong conservation.”

“These trees will benefit our children and grandchildren for many years to come,” McGee said.

Ward 5 Alderman Bill Lee described the trees as “out of this world” and “magnificent.” He said the trees are a welcome contribution to the beautification of the city.

“They say you are as you appear,” Lee said. “I think projects like this concerning the aesthetics of a city can go a long way in defining the city’s character.”

The trees were made possible by a $25,000 awarded by America in Bloom and Canadian National Railroad as part of the “Canadian National EcoConnexions from the Ground Up” program.

Public Works Director Alan Hart said the 218 trees were planted from I-55 to Highway 51 along the Colony Park Boulevard by Simmons Landscape. They planted Nuttall, Shumard and Willow trees, all three of which are varieties of oak.

Hart said the project cost roughly $42,000 and was a 50-50 match from the city and the grant.

In addition, Jan Richardson with Keep Ridgeland Beautiful, AIB Treasurer and Grant Review Committee Chair Dr. Marvin Miller and CN Railroad Government and Public Affairs Manager Stacey Lyons also spoke.

Miller said that his organization's goal is to “spread the word of the power of plants.”

“It goes beyond pretty,” Miller said.

Miller said that plants fight pollution and produce oxygen. He noted that as these trees grow they will provide shade along the roadside and reduce noise pollution from the road as well as other benefits to the area.

Richardson said that projects like this were one of the reasons Ridgeland had been named a Tree City USA for the 14thh year in a row by the Arbor Day Foundation.

“These trees provide innumerable value,” Richardson said. “We will enjoy these trees for years to come.”