about us

Since our establishment as a non-profit in 1994, The Tree Foundation of Kern has been dedicated to the advancement of a sustainable urban and community forestry plan in Kern County. Through our work, more than 14,000 trees have been planted in over 400 locations throughout Kern County–if you were to line the trees we have planted along Highway 99, they would reach past Visalia!

Our mission is to educate and inspire people to enhance their own neighborhoods by planting and properly caring for trees. Our vision is to have healthy, vibrant, and sustainable urban forests in Kern County.

Along with planting and stewarding trees throughout Kern County, to further our vision and mission we provide resources to our community, offering educational events, volunteer opportunities, and workshops. The Tree Foundation has a nursery that grows trees for the organization and is available at low cost to schools, municipalities, and other organizations that plant trees in public places. We also have a partnership with the Kern County Youth Probation Program where youth grow and care for trees for The Tree Foundation while learning valuable horticulture skills and taking on new responsibilities.

Tree Foundation of Kern Board of Directors

Current board

• Conway Lopez, President, ISA Certified Arborist

• Melissa Iger, Executive Director, ISA Certified Arborist

• Renaldo Arroyo, Treasurer, ISA Certified Arborist

• Eric Mercure, Secretary

• Bill Kelly

• Lindsay Ono

• Sally Sterns

• John Enriquez

• Paula Martinez

• Don Woodard

• Josh Thompson, ISA Certified Master Arborist

• Fernando Aguirre

• Steve Flores

• Leanna Carskaddon