Starkville to Establish New Arboretum at Cornerstone Park

Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNatureNews

Conceptual design of arboretum with trees and wetlands

News Summary

Starkville residents can look forward to a new Level I arboretum at Cornerstone Park. Spanning 80 acres, it will feature competition fields, promote local ecosystems, and enhance community engagement, with a public event for input scheduled for April 11. The initiative aims to foster appreciation for Mississippi’s natural habitats while emphasizing the importance of wetlands and sustainability.

Starkville Plans for a Stunning New Arboretum

Residents of Starkville, gather ’round! Excitement is in the air as plans are underway to create a remarkable Level I arboretum at Cornerstone Park. This stunning new sports complex, which opened its doors in 2023, will soon be home to Mississippi’s second-ever Level I demonstration site. The first one is located in Winona, and now, Starkville is ready to shine when it comes to showcasing our local ecosystems.

A Nature Haven in the Making

The ambitious project will utilize approximately 80 acres of undeveloped land at Cornerstone Park. Out of this, around 40 acres will be designated for competition fields, pleasing sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Surprisingly, while wetlands are usually tricky to develop, they present a unique opportunity here, making this arboretum a nature spot that can promote awareness about Mississippi’s rich ecosystems.

Understanding the Benefits of Wetlands

Wetlands are crucial for a number of reasons! They support important industries, especially catfish and seafood, while also enhancing our community health by helping to control flooding. Given their significance, the new arboretum aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of these vital ecosystems by weaving them into the park’s design.

What Is a Level I Arboretum?

You may be wondering, what does it mean to be a Level I arboretum? The designation is awarded by ArbNet, and it comes with specific requirements. It means that the arboretum will have an established plan, a dedicated governance group, and at least 25 different labeled trees or woody plants. Plus, dedicated volunteers or staff are necessary to keep things running smoothly. For context, Mississippi currently has seven non-accredited arboretums, with Starkville’s project holding the promise of potentially achieving Level II, III, or IV status as it develops.

Collaboration is Key

Excitingly, multiple stakeholders have jumped on board, weaving an intricate network to push this project forward. The state Forestry Commission, the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, Mississippi State University’s Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design, and Starkville’s Town and County Garden Club are all playing important roles in this endeavor.

Community Engagement Event

Mark your calendars, folks! There’s an engaging public event scheduled for April 11. This is a golden opportunity for local residents to weigh in on the arboretum’s layout, the selection of plants, and the types of services offered. The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at MSU’s landscape architecture department. Participants will have a fantastic chance to collaborate with experts and even create design sketches for the project!

Getting Hands-On Experience

In a fantastic display of initiative, a dozen MSU landscape architecture students recently participated in Arbor Day activities by planting 30 native trees on-site. This hands-on experience is invaluable for students, allowing them to grasp how design is a collaborative and iterative process.

What’s Next?

There are ongoing studies being conducted about the wildlife and project area throughout the year, with design plans anticipated to be finished by October. A comprehensive final plan, which will include programming details for the arboretum, is expected to be completed by December.

Funding and Construction

The actual construction of the arboretum will hinge on the scope of the design as well as the availability of grant funding. The Starkville Board of Aldermen has even approved up to $25,000 for design work by The Artful Gardner, a landscape design company led by Bob Brzuszek.

Why This Matters

Starkville’s Mayor has underscored the incredible value of incorporating natural spaces into urban settings, highlighting their impact on health and overall quality of life. This initiative hopes to nurture an appreciation for our local flora and fauna while promoting sustainability within our cherished community.

With so much unfolding, Starkville’s arboretum is destined to become a local treasure, blending natural beauty with education and community spirit. Get ready for an exciting journey ahead!