A Non-Profit OrganizationSpecial Edition—Summer 2012

The Tree Bank Foundation16301 N. Rockwell, Bldg. AEdmond, OK 73013T: 405.330.4701F: 405.330.5415E: mcaffrey@thetreebank.org

Don’t forget to visit us online!www.thetreebank.org

Non-profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDOklahoma City, OK

Permit No. 685

In This Issue:Tree Bank Foundation celebrates 25 years

Executive Director Mary Gilmore Caffrey bids farewell

Tree Bank project summaries and photos

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T he Tree Bank Foundation has been changing Oklahoma’s landscape for the past 25 years.

For a quarter century, the Tree Bank Foundation has been building a stronger sense of community through the promotion, development, and management of urban forestry projects with public and private partners. Its vision to change the landscape of Oklahoma one tree at a time can be seen in various projects across the state. Since 1987, the foundation has been planting thousands of trees for beauty, color, character, community pride, architectural definition, improved air quality, and the mental and physical well-being of state residents.

“Through the many, generous partnerships and the hard work from many volunteers, we’ve seen the landscape of Oklahoma transform,” said Mary Gilmore Caffrey, executive director of the Tree Bank Foundation. “Our projects have given a new face to local parks, public buildings, and even neighborhood commons areas. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who makes our projects possible and happy to contribute to the reduction of pollution in our state.”

The Tree Bank Foundation has made dramatic impacts to the state of Oklahoma. Over the course of its existence, more than 200,000 trees have been planted in various projects across the state. The value of these trees at maturation is more than $240 million.

The environmental impact of trees planted through the Tree Bank Foundation and its partners’ projects is also impressive. In one year alone, the trees will provide approximately $1.1 million worth of air pollution removal–contributing to the overall health of all Oklahomans.

“We applaud The Tree Bank Foundation for 25 years of improving Oklahoma, one tree at a time,” said George Geissler, State Forester and Director of Oklahoma Forestry Services. “It is a massive undertaking but we see the results of their efforts affecting communities across Oklahoma through healthier urban areas with improved air and water quality, beautiful landscapes, shaded playgrounds and engaged citizenry ready to further our mission of conserving, protecting and enhancing Oklahoma’s forests.”

Tree Bank trees can be found at community buildings, neighborhood common areas, public parks and many Oklahoma schools. As each recipient receives tree-planting and maintenance training, these Tree Bank trees boast a highly successful rate of taking root.

“To see this small organization with an equally small operating budget distribute over 200,000 trees over that time has been mind-boggling and extremely gratifying,” said Rob Shaff, current president of the Tree Bank Foundation.

Tree Bank Celebrates 25 Years as Non-Profit

Executive Director Announces Retirement

news

M ary Gilmore Caffrey, who has served as the executive director of the Tree Bank Foundation since its inception 25 years ago, has announced her retirement

effective September 30, 2012. Dr. Caffrey’s skill and diligence provided the Foundation with the ability to plant more than 200,000 trees on public grounds in Oklahoma, distribute more than 108,000 seedlings, replace trees lost or damaged following weather disasters, and create several educational programs.

The Foundation was founded in 1987 by volunteer supporters interested in promoting education, planting, care, and beautification of our state through a wide network of organizations and individuals committed to distributing trees. The value of the more than 200,000 trees brought to the state through the Tree Bank has been estimated to be more than $240 million at maturity.

In recent years, the Tree Bank partnered with the Apache Foundation, who provided tens of thousands of trees for distribution to public lands. This partnership has afforded significant benefits to communities all over the state seeking urban beautification.

The Tree Bank joined with the Oklahoma Forestry Services in creation of the Centennial Witness Trees in Oklahoma program in celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of Oklahoma statehood.

The Tree Bank Foundation is seeking a replacement for the executive director position. Dr. Mary Gilmore Caffrey has been with the Tree Bank

Foundation for 25 years.

summer 2012 • PAGE 3

Storm-Affected Area Re-Forested

project summaries

P artnering with Oklahoma Forestry Services and Atoka County volunteers, The Tree Bank

Foundation assisted the citizens of Tushka to re-forest the community devastated by an April 2011 tornado.

About 200 homes were damaged and 149 others destroyed in the April 14th tornado. The local school was destroyed as well. Other public areas were damaged severely. Hundreds of trees were damaged or destroyed in the community.

Sixteen trees, 5 gallon and 30 gallon size,

delivery, and planting kits were donated by The Tree Bank Foundation. The Apache Foundation Tree Planting Program donated 150 three gallon size trees and delivery to the community.

Five large trees were planted at the Tushka school ball field. Other trees were planted along Tushka streets and along Atoka County roads.

Oklahoma Forestry Services provided a tree planting and maintenance workshop and demonstration. They also supervised the plantings at the school ball fields.

Former Board Member To Be Recognized in Oklahoma Award Ceremony

Former Board Member Cathy Leichter will be recognized with an award during HeartLine’s “Festival of Hope” for her work with nonprofit organizations.

From HeartLine’s event invitation: “Cathy gives her time to fundraising and marketing to assist in raising awareness for various nonprofit organizations which do not have the budget to hire a full-time media and marketing person. She is an accomplished author. She assists Lyric Theater, The Tree Bank Foundation, and Oklahoma City University, among other groups.”

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Top: David T. Yost (right) presents Pat Downes with the Governor’s Commendation. Bottom: Tree Bank Foundation President Rob Shaff presents the framed “Terrific Tree Award” to Pat Downes. Congratulations, Pat!

C ommunity leader and local developer David T. Yost and The Tree Bank Foundation donated a tree and a

plaque in honor of business and civic leader Ray Ackerman.

Both Mr. Yost and Mr. Ackerman are longtime supporters of The Tree Bank Foundation and of community beautification.

The living tribute tree, a shumard oak, six inches in trunk diameter and about 25 feet tall, is planted on the Oklahoma River near the Chesapeake Boathouse in Oklahoma City.

The tree was dedicated on April 20, 2012. The tree is planted on Oklahoma City

Riverfront Authority property and was planted and is cared for by the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department.

The inscription on the plaque reads: “The deep roots and lofty future of this

strong oak tree symbolize both the man it honors and his vision for our city. Both solid footing and an ever higher reach are hallmarks of Ray Ackerman’s life and his tireless labors for Oklahoma City. Dedicated April 20, 2012.

T he Tree Bank Foundation’s partnership with Oklahoma City University grew by many trees this

year. The Tree Bank Foundation planted a Native Tree Arboretum of Oklahoma trees from across the state, creating a showcase of native trees on campus.

Oklahoma City University has made a strong commitment to an environmentally responsible campus. The new Native Tree Arboretum is open to the public and highlights the environmental benefits of trees, as well as focusing study on the unique features of Oklahoma trees. The

Tree Bank Foundation designed, managed, and implemented this arboretum as a gift to OCU.

Trees planted in the Arboretum include: blackgum, bald cypress, American elm, cedar elm, winged elm, canaertii juniper, bur oak, shumard oak, water oak, loblolly pine, and redbud.

Through the generosity of The Tree Bank Foundation, the Oklahoma City community and the Oklahoma City University campus have new shade and new opportunities for study.

Tree Dedicated to Local Leader

Arboretum Planted at OCU Campus

Photo from left to right is David Yost, Ray Ackerman, Pat Downes