Tennessee Valley Authority donates $50,000 to University of Mississippi for tree canopy restoration

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) contributed $50,000 to the University of Mississippi to replace trees lost during the winter storm “Fern.” The storm damaged roughly 11% of the campus canopy, with about 5% loss in the central area and heavier damage on the South Campus Rail Trail.

University officials said the gift will enable a larger‑scale replanting effort than originally planned. “TVA’s generous gift will allow the university to replace trees on a much greater scale than originally planned,” said Nathan Lazinsky, director of the Department of Landscape Services. TVA program manager David Mitchell added that the investment aims to create a more resilient urban forest that can better withstand future weather events.

The partnership builds on previous TVA tree‑planting collaborations with regional universities and is intended to improve shade, air quality, storm‑water management, and wildlife habitat on campus.