In celebration of Arbor Week in Oklahoma, Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company (OG&E) continued its tradition of donating and planting trees across its service area in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation.

This year, OG&E donated 680 trees, including 250 full-size trees, to communities across Oklahoma. The tree planting and giveaway events held special significance for tornado-affected communities in Choctaw, Harrah, and Sulphur, as well as other communities such as Coyle, Drumright, Langston, Poteau, Shady Point, and Wellston.

"We recognize the profound impact tornadoes have on the communities we serve,” said Kimberlee Adams. “Many residents in Oklahoma have lost trees on their properties due to the storms that tore through their communities. By planting and providing free trees to residents, we are helping rebuild their tree canopies which will provide benefits for the community for years to come.”

Each community received a mix of large species trees and utility-friendly trees to help rebuild their tree canopies damaged by tornadoes. OG&E employees and community volunteers planted trees in public parks and community centers and distributed free tree seedlings to residents.

“OG&E has been with us every step of the way,” said Stuart Drake, City Manager of Choctaw. “We had a lot of damage with the storms and with the community receiving trees, it’s very beneficial. We’re grateful for the partnership.”

Along with planting and giving away trees, OG&E provided educational materials on proper tree care, pruning, and the importance of planting the right tree in the right place. This initiative raised awareness about the benefits of trees and their role in energy conservation and environmental sustainability.

"There is a strong emotional connection to planting these trees which creates a tie to the park, the community, and the tree,” said Chris Martin, OG&E Vegetation Management Supervisor. “So many communities lost a lot of tree canopy through storms, so providing these trees will help these communities rebuild.”

To learn more about OG&E’s commitment to environmental stewardship, visit oge.com/environmental-stewardship.

Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company (OG&E), a subsidiary of OGE Energy Corp., provides our customers in Oklahoma and western Arkansas with the safe, reliable electricity needed to power their businesses and homes with some of the nation's lowest electric rates. We are committed to generating and delivering electricity, protecting the environment, and providing excellent service to approximately 900,000 customers. Our employees live, work, and volunteer in the communities we serve. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.