From press and staff reports
The City of Kosciusko is taking steps to grow its urban tree canopy through a new partnership with the Trees Mississippi Assistance Program, marked this week by an Arbor Day tree planting and a community open house at Jason Niles Park.
City officials, community members and representatives from the Green Infrastructure Center gathered Tuesday morning to plant a black gum tree in honor of Arbor Day.
Mayor Tim Kyle also read a proclamation declaring Feb. 13, 2026, as Arbor Day in Kosciusko and Feb. 9–13 as Tree Planting Week in the city.
“Trees are something we see every day and often take for granted,” Kyle said. “But they provide real benefits — from shade and beauty to economic and environmental value. This is an opportunity to bring more trees back into our community.”
Kosciusko is one of six cities statewide selected to participate in the competitive assistance program, which is funded through the Mississippi Forestry Commission and supported by the U.S. Forest Service. The initiative includes a planning phase to assess the city’s existing tree canopy and identify areas for improvement, followed by an implementation phase focused on planting and long-term maintenance.
Misty Booth, a community forester with the Green Infrastructure Center, said the open house was designed to give residents a chance to review maps, learn about local tree coverage and offer input on future planting efforts.
“We’ve been working with a local committee to analyze canopy data and identify gaps,” Booth said. “Now we’re moving into the community outreach and implementation phase, where residents can help shape what that looks like.”
The Trees MS Open House was held Tuesday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Jason Niles Park Pavilion. A short presentation took place at 5:30 p.m., and attendees were invited to complete a survey to provide feedback. As an incentive, 30 trees were given away as door prizes, with drawings held throughout the event.
Organizers described the open house as a relaxed, come-and-go setting that was free and family-friendly.
In addition to increasing overall tree coverage, city leaders said they hope to enhance public spaces, including the downtown square, by incorporating more greenery into heavily paved areas.
“We’ve lost a number of older trees over the years,” Kyle said. “This program gives us a chance to be intentional about what we plant and where we plant it, so future generations can enjoy the benefits.”
The city expects to receive significant program support over the next two years, including the planting of approximately 200 new trees throughout Kosciusko. Native species, such as Eastern redbud trees — a nod to the city’s original name, Red Bud Springs — are among those being considered.
Booth said trees provide environmental, economic and social benefits, including improved air and water quality, reduced energy costs and enhanced property values.
As the program moves forward, the city plans to form a second-phase committee and hire a local coordinator to help rally volunteers and oversee community-based planting projects.
City officials encouraged residents to stay involved and participate in future tree planting efforts as Kosciusko works toward becoming a more resilient and greener community.
