A program that allows inmates to grow trees that eventually are planted in state parks is getting a new, high-profile partner: Bob Ross.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is teaming up with Bob Ross Inc. for the "Happy Little Trees" planting program, which will result in 1,000 trees planted in 21 state parks. The trees, including white cedar, paper birch, sugar maple and black cherry, are native to Michigan.

The late painter and TV personality was known for his landscapes and his legacy endures as a pop culture phenomenon.

“The Bob Ross Company is thrilled to partner with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to ensure every happy tree in Michigan state parks has a friend through the Happy Little Trees program,” Sarah Strohl, an executive assistant at Bob Ross Inc, said in a news release. “Like Bob often said, ‘There’s nothing wrong with making friends with nature.’”

"Happy Little Trees Ahead" signs, featuring Ross will be on display at Orchard Beach State Park, Port Crescent State Park and Yankee Springs Recreation Area as the 13-year-old program celebrates Michigan State Parks' centennial anniversary.

Michelle Coss, DNR fund and resource development coordinator, said the program, a partnership with the state Department of Corrections, got started in 2006.

This year, about 30-40 prisoners from three locations — Ionia, Muskegon and Jackson Correctional facilities — will participate in the program.

Chris Gautz, spokesman with the Department of Corrections, said the program has evolved.

"The prisoners really enjoy doing it and giving back as a form of restorative justice," Gautz said. "They learn a lot about what goes into (growing a tree) and take responsibility."

State parks receiving trees are:

Huron Ecoregion: Lakeport, Port Crescent, Sanilac and Sleeper

Lakeport, Port Crescent, Sanilac and Sleeper Battle Creek Outwash Plain: Fort Custer and Yankee Springs

Fort Custer and Yankee Springs Allegan Ecoregion: Warren Dunes

Warren Dunes Cadillac Ecoregion: Mitchell and Wilson

Mitchell and Wilson Manistee Ecoregion: Ludington, Mears, Orchard Beach and Silver Lake

Ludington, Mears, Orchard Beach and Silver Lake Escanaba Ecoregion: Fayette, Indian Lake, Palms Brook and Wells

Fayette, Indian Lake, Palms Brook and Wells Luce/Dickinson Ecoregion: Laughing Whitefish, Muskallonge Lake, Tahquamenon Falls and Wagner Falls

Once the trees at the correctional faculties are grown and healthy, parks in the Lower Peninsula will receive trees in May and trees will be planted in the Upper Peninsula in June.

The first planting will be at the Warren Dunes State Park in Berrien County after May 19.

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