Sophisticated Pearls of Simpson County (SPSC) wasted no time planting pink and white crepe myrtle trees at Marvin Jackson Park in Magee after receiving approval from the Magee Board of Aldermen.
Nineteen men, women, boys and girls arrived about 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, with shovels, water and top soil to plant the flowering trees. Splitting into teams and working individually, the volunteers made quick work and wrapped up at 8:30 a.m.
The young trees are planted near the picnic tables in and around a cluster of large shade trees. Once mature, the new trees will provide not only more shade but beautiful color as well.
While the group is still in the early stages of its development, SPSC is committed to making a difference in Simpson County. All members have ties of some kind to the county but are not necessarily from here or live here.
One of their goals is to be good stewards of the earth and make it a better place to live. According to group member Kitzmet Craft, SPSC wanted to do now now since Earth Day was celebrated on April 22 and Arbor Day on April 25. Planting trees was an appropriate move, especially since there is an Enhance our Environment Committee within Sophisticated Pearls focusing on environmental issues.
Craft said, “Our mission is to prioritize activities that promote the adoption of more sustainable and responsible practices.”
Other events are also in the planning stages for the entire Goodwater community, where Marvin Jackson Park is located. These include a shredding and electronics recycling day and a gardening workshop. SPSC also hopes to plant a community garden at the old elementary school, now known as the Magee Consolidated-McLaurin Vocational Attendance Center.
