Copiah-Lincoln Community College plans to use a $20,000 grant to develop a community fruit orchard and spruce up the campus.

The Mississippi Urban Forest Council wrote the grant and will help with all aspects of project implementation. Co-Lin students, employees and community members will participate in the project.

“We are so excited to participate in this initiative for both campus beautification and the educational opportunities it will provide,” said Co-Lin President Jane Hulon.

The Town of Wesson also received a beautification grant for $12,500 from Canadian National Railway and America in Bloom which funded the planting of many trees and flowers throughout the small town.

With a large number of volunteers and the Wesson Garden Club’s help and support, landscaping was added to the Old Wesson School and the courtyard fountain area on Main Street along with other areas. Work will continue with more trees being planted throughout town and around the park.

“Wesson is looking alive again,” said longtime resident Curtis Howington. “It is great to see people come together to make our home beautiful.”

A joint press event with representatives from Canadian National, America in Bloom and the MS Urban Forest Council was held on the Wesson Campus at the Ewing Administration Building Nov. 13.

“These types of activities are significant improvements to the community,” said Donna Yowell, executive director of the MS Urban Forest Council. “The social impact of green space, trees and gardens can be particularly pronounced when public spaces are transformed into places of beauty that foster safe places for neighborhood interaction, economic and property value enhancement, and improves the lives of those that live in or visit the community.”

America in Bloom envisions communities across the country as welcoming and vibrant places to live, work and play — benefiting from colorful plants and trees; enjoying clean environments; celebrating heritage, and planting pride through volunteerism. America in Bloom promotes nationwide beautification through education and community involvement by encouraging the use of flowers, plants, trees and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements.

The Mississippi Urban Forest Council is Mississippi’s own statewide nonprofit that works with communities and local groups to improve quality of life and support strong communities for economic success on a local level.