Oxford Tree Board to Hold Street Tree Inventory Project Informational Meeting June 30

The Grove at the University of Mississippi

The Oxford Tree Board is leading an Oxford Street Tree Inventory Project, and they are looking for volunteers to help collect urban forestry data in the city limits of Oxford. Urban tree inventories are essential for providing data needed to make management decisions regarding local forests and associated ecosystem services.

Volunteers will assess street trees and document their findings. Before going out, volunteers will be trained to measure tree species, size and location, and will learn about the types of ground cover under the tree, such as shrubs, grass and pavement. Tree health and GPS training will also be taught.

“Urban trees provide a number of important benefits, such as improved water and air quality, energy savings, carbon storage, recreation opportunities and wildlife habitat,” said Jason Gordon, assistant extension professor at Mississippi State University. “The measurements do not harm trees in any way, and the crew makes every effort to leave no trace of their work.”

Volunteers of all backgrounds and skill levels are encouraged to participate. An informational meeting will take place at the Lafayette County Extension Office at 101 Veterans Drive from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on June 30. Anyone interested in volunteering is invited to attend. For more information on this project, contact Margaret Webb, MSU extension coordinator for Lafayette County, at mwebb@ext.msstate.edu, or call 234-4451.

Beth Harmon is managing editor for HottyToddy.com. Email her at beth.harmon@hottytoddy.com.