Ridgeland Names Official Tree
CITY OF RIDGELAND NAMES OFFICIAL TREE IN HONOR OF THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY
RIDGELAND, MS – The City of Ridgeland has recently designated the pecan as the Official Tree of Ridgeland in honor of the 125th anniversary. On Tuesday, July 16, during the Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting, the anniversary planning committee joined for photos to commemorate the occasion, which included the reading and signing of the Resolution.
Whereas, the Highland Colony area was settled in the late 19th century for its agricultural promise, and quickly became one of Mississippi’s principal areas for truck farming. Known for its adaptable soil, which was perfect for producing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, the area was especially noted for its strawberry fields and peach, pear, and pecan orchards; and
Whereas, the pecan tree is one of the first documented crops planted in the Highland Colony of Ridgeland. By 1898, nearly 1,400 pecan trees had been planted, 100 acres of which were planted by Gorton Nichols and R.H. Thompson, two of the owners of the Highland Colony Company. The Nichols & Thompson’s Grafted Stock Pecan, as they named it, was a large, fancy, paper-shelled pecan that they believed to be the beginnings of a lucrative industry; and
Whereas, today, the majestic remnants of the old pecan groves and orchards planted by the first settlers of Ridgeland and the Highland Colony are scattered throughout the city. Notably, one such orchard can be found at Freedom Ridge Park. Many pecan trees would have been planted circa 1896, making them over 125 years old today; and
Whereas, trees are considered important community resources because of unique or noteworthy characteristics or values. Such trees have been described as heritage, historic, landmark, legacy, special interest significant and official. The City of Ridgeland Tree Ordinance
regulates protection and removal of trees in the City of Ridgeland. The Historical Society of Ridgeland is committed to preserving the heritage and historic nature of area trees. In the City of Ridgeland trees remain as documentation of a historic past and continue to mark the future.
Now, Therefore, I, Gene F. McGee, Mayor of Ridgeland, Mississippi, in honor of Ridgeland’s designation as Tree City USA and to mark its 125th anniversary, do hereby proclaim the pecan tree as the Official Tree for the City of Ridgeland.
