The Mississippi Urban Forest Council and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality have partnered to create a new program to help you and your community.  The program is the “Scenic Communities of Mississippi” and provides very valuable education and information for you to enhance your community.  Scenic Communities are those that strive for sound management of natural resources to enhance your community and provide social, environmental, and economic benefits to your citizens and visitors.  Topics such as parks, trails, clean water and air, trees, gardens, landscapes, litter, recycling, crime, water management, and other projects related to natural resources are included in the program.

During these challenging times these issues become even more important for the quality of life and the sustainability of your city.  Finding resources to assist you in these activities becomes even more important due to budgets, limited personnel and increased needs.     

Scenic Communities is a two part program.  Part one includes a resource guide that lists grants and other resources located here in Mississippi.  You will also find recommended "Best Management Practices” (BMPs) that are easy to implement.  Part two of the program includes a recognition and awards program.  If you complete the score card that is included in this packet and submit it to the Mississippi Urban Forest Council by October 15th of this year and future years, your community will be eligible for the ‘Scenic Community’ designation for the community.

This is a great way to promote your town, help attract more business and create a great place to live, work, and play.  We invite you to participate in this volunteer program.  We know it will provide you with wonderful help to get projects completed and even paid for on a local level.  This is a program you can include local groups such as civic groups, churches, garden clubs and others to help you create an even more beautiful and healthy community.  We want to help you create great places for everyone to live, work, and play.  

You are invited to attend a free training online through Zoom for a complete review of the program, how to become a Scenic Community and what are the benefits to you and your citizens.

Please register with the link below and attend this free important information.  If you can’t attend, we suggest you delegate someone to participate so you do not miss this opportunity.  It may not be repeated. “Scenic Communities of Mississippi” Zoom class is August 27, 2002 at 10:00AM. 

Register with this link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81272329900?pwd=aEdWVktVVDFEWEs2d1RVaWdMWEFpdz09