Urban and Community Forestry
Mississippi’s Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program promotes the development, care, and protection of the trees growing where people live, work, and play in Mississippi. These trees help our economy as forest products, by saving energy, increasing property values, and stimulating sales. They protect our environment by cleaning our air and water, stabilizing the soil, and supporting wildlife. They improve our health and enrich our lives by providing shade, blocking UV-B radiation, improving hospital recovery times, and providing many other aesthetic and health benefits. These many benefits are maximized, and the few costs minimized by proper urban forest management.
Caring for the Trees Where We Live, Work, and Play
Urban and Community Forestry Program Staff:
State Program Coordinator
Alex Ballard
aballard@mfc..ms.gov (opens email client)
769-237-2934
Region 1 & 2 Partnership Coordinator
Tympel Harrison
tharrison@mfc.ms.gov (opens email client)
601-586-9829
Region 2 & 3 Partnership Coordinator
Loren Erickson
lerickson@mfc.ms.gov (opens email client)
601-278-3300
To find the partnership coordinator for your area, click on the map below:
The U&CF Program provides leadership, funding, and technical support to help cities and towns manage and expand their tree resources. U&CF staff guide local governments, non-profits, volunteers, and homeowners in Tree Management and Care. Some public resources are listed below.
- MFC serves as a liaison for the Arbor Day Foundation (ADF) Recognition Programs, including Tree City USA, Tree Campus Higher Education, and Tree Line USA, as well as other Arbor Day Foundation assistance.
- U&CF Grant Program
- NEW MANUAL – Coming Soon!
- Mississippi Arbor Day Events – to list your community events or for help planning an Arbor Day Celebration, please email comments@mfc.ms.gov (opens email client).
- Municipal Assistance for Popcorn Trees – The MFC UCF Program is currently taking applications from municipal governments statewide to assist with popcorn tree control on public property. To apply, please contact: comments@mfc.ms.gov (opens email client).
Developers and Building Contractors
The MFC provides developers and building contractors with technical advice on tree preservation during site planning and construction.
- Tree Protection Standards
- Root Zone Protection
Homeowners and Residents
MFC provides advice on insects, diseases, and other tree care issues.
- NEW MANUAL – Coming Soon!
- Videos:
Ask an Arborist Series – How to Properly Plant a Tree
- Mississippi Arbor Day Events, Tree Giveaways and Sales
- Selecting a tree care professional – Coming Soon!
- MS Tree Care Professionals and Providers Registry – Coming Soon!
- Mississippi Trees – The Mississippi Tree Identification Book
- Mississippi Trees App iOS & Android
- National Champion Tree Program
- MS CHAMPION TREES – Coming Soon!
- Arbor Day Foundation
Professionals and Volunteers
The MFC supports outreach, training, and continuing education opportunities for certified arborists and tree care professionals, as well as U&CF volunteers across the state.
- Tree Care Professionals and Providers Registry (Survey) (Tree Surgeon and Arborist Survey) – Coming Soon!
- Professional Arborist Association of Mississippi
- Keep Mississippi Beautiful
- Saluting Branches
