Since 2003, a group of Kingfisher residents has been focused on greening up the local landscape.

The Kingfisher Tree Board, whose efforts have spearheaded the city’s longtime designation as “Tree City USA,” is observing Arbor Day March 30 with an ongoing effort to trim storm-damaged limbs from local school campuses.

In addition to planting and tending trees and flowering shrubs at city schools and parks, the group also has been a driving force behind larger quality of life projects, as a part of its mission to “strive to be a catalyst for constant beautification of the city of Kingfisher.”

The board’s efforts helped develop the north entrance park on U.S. 81 and the Centennial Grove at Kingfisher Middle School, as well as planting 500 redbud trees at Kingfisher Park and other trees at the Kingfisher Golf Course entrance and Kingfisher Cemetery.

Next on the list is construction of an Arbor Day Park at the cul-de-sac on Clark Drive, including a kid-friendly climbing wall, in partnership with the city of Kingfisher, community donors and a Walmart Foundation grant.

Founding members of the board included Richard Lemon, Brian Walker, Kim Stewart, Brian Walter and Carolyn Flood. Current members are listed under the photo above.