The Live oak tree population was devastated during Hurricane Katrina, and several state and federal agencies are ensuring these unique landmarks survive.
The Live Oak Rescue Mission is a joint venture between the Land Trust for Mississippi Coastal Plain, The Home Depot Foundation and many other state and federal agencies.
The goal is to nurture the centuries-old trees back to health by replacing the soil Katrina took away and applying a hefty dose of water, mulch and care.
"You'll find many people's memories of life here are tied into these trees," Land Trust Executive Director Judy Steckler said. "They have a huge emotional value for people in this community."
Volunteers began site restoration Nov. 29 along Beach Boulevard in Pascagoula, and have since restored more than 300 trees from Pascagoula to Ocean Springs.
Steckler says an estimated 200 more Live oaks still need restoration across the Coast. The entire project is scheduled for completion within two weeks.
The Home Depot Foundation is funding the majority of the project in cooperation with Land Trust and the U.S. Forest Service. The foundation has already donated more than $2 million for recovery efforts, on top of the $10 million The Home Depot has donated.
Each restored tree is bordered with orange fencing to allow the soil and mulch to settle around the roots of the tree.
Greg Walker with the Mississippi Forestry Commission informs landowners who've had Live oaks restored to actively water them to remove any remaining salt brought in by the storm surge and to remove air pockets inside the roots.
State Forest Commission officials have held numerous meetings with the Mississippi State Extension Service and the Mississippi Urban Forest Council on how to restore coastal forests. Assessment teams will arrive on the Coast in January to determine the needs of the local urban forests.South Mississippi Sun Herald
