Okobotree revives trees in the Iowa Great Lakes

A New Way to Honor Trees in Iowa

In the small town of Milford, Iowa, a unique initiative is transforming the way people think about trees. Okobotree, founded in 2022, has taken on the mission of extending the lifespan of trees in the Iowa Great Lakes by turning them into sculptures. This innovative approach not only preserves the beauty of nature but also fosters a deeper connection between the community and the environment.

Carrie Meyer, the Creative Artistic Director for Okobotree, emphasizes the significance of this project. “It creates community, and it creates oneness, and it takes something that was dead and makes it new life again. Really, it’s a rebirth of that and the arts in the area,” she explains. By repurposing trees that have been damaged by storms or disease, Okobotree offers a second chance for these trees to become part of the local art scene.

How the Process Works

For businesses or private homeowners with trees that have been affected by natural elements, Okobotree provides a solution. The organization works closely with an arborist, Craig Wilson, who evaluates the tree’s health before any carving begins. “He’ll come out, and he’ll evaluate the tree and make sure it’s good and healthy enough that we can have a carving,” says Meyer.

Once the tree is deemed suitable, the property owner can choose from one of three artists to create the sculpture. “The homeowner can choose what artist they want, they get to choose their design, and I work with them, work with the artist, coordinate the time, and the cool part for the homeowner is that we come in, we provide the arborist, we coordinate with the artists, and then we come in and do the cleanup so there’s no cleanup for the homeowner, which is very exciting,” Meyer adds.

A Collaborative Effort

The process involves collaboration between the homeowner, the artist, and Okobotree. The homeowner pays for the sculpture, and once completed, Okobotree takes care of all maintenance. “The maintenance becomes Okobotree’s responsibility, and so it gives us access to be able to come in every two to three years, we come and seal the trees and make sure everything is great,” Meyer explains.

This ongoing care ensures that each sculpture remains a vibrant piece of art for years to come. Earlier this year, Okobotree reached a milestone of 25 trees, and on Friday, they added number 26 at a private home in Milford. The sculpture was created by Clint Henik, a chainsaw artist and owner of Carve R Way.

The Stories Behind the Sculptures

Each tree carries a unique story, and Henik highlights the emotional aspect of the work. “The best part, especially with dealing with the Okoboji tree program, is all the stories. Every single one of the trees has a story behind it. It’s been great to be part of the program and hear all the stories and create a piece of art to represent the customer’s story,” he says.

Okobotree has six more trees scheduled for carving this year, but the organization has ambitious goals. “The record right now is 45 trees, and so my hope is by 2027, 2028 at the latest because I only do things full throttle,” says Meyer.

Exploring the Map of Okobotree Sculptures

To learn more about the locations of all 26 Okobotree sculptures, a map is available for public access. This interactive tool allows visitors to explore the artistic transformation of trees across the region.

Through its dedication to preserving nature and promoting the arts, Okobotree continues to make a lasting impact on the community. By turning trees into sculptures, the organization not only honors the environment but also creates a legacy of creativity and connection.