“These kinds of efforts help people become invested in the story of this tree, the history of Tulsa, and the significance of this spot,’ – Chris McCabe
TULSA – Tulsa Council Oak Park saw volunteers, including Mvskoke citizens and members of the Rotary Club of Tulsa, come out for a community workday on Saturday, Aug. 29. Volunteers pulled weeds and tended flower beds. The park was returned to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s care during the 39th Annual Council Oak Tree Day in 2025.
The Tvlse Council Oak Foundation is a nonprofit that is composed of a 12-member board. Among the board members are MCN Secretary of Culture and Humanities RaeLynn Butler and Mvskoke citizen Melissa Welch. The last community work day took place on Saturday, May 16.
Tvlse Council Oak Foundation President and Founder Chris McCabe said when it comes to mobilizing volunteers, every job is important. He described the feeling of seeing volunteers donate their time as “unifying.” McCabe explained that the foundation’s goal is to share the park’s story with others who may not be aware of its historical significance.
“The park is in the hands of the Muscogee Nation. So I think our goals for the park are what the Muscogee Nation’s goal is for the park,” McCabe said. “Other things are ancillary to that, like promoting the tree, keeping the tree’s story and the consciousness of Tulsa’s mind, creating educational resources around the tree that we can develop for local elementary kids.”
Mvskoke citizen and artist Carly Treece volunteered her time to assist with park cleanup. After learning that the park needed help, Treece felt called to lend a hand.
“I felt it was important to come out here and have a Muscogee presence out here,” Treece said. “I just feel it’s important for Muscogee citizens to come out here and help.”
Treece remarked that she found it therapeutic to be outside in the garden. Nature and the outdoors are important to her and have appeared as themes in her artwork.
Last month, Council Oak Park was dropped as a Mobile Migration garden in this year’s Monarchs on the Mountain Festival for neglect and alleged herbicide use. The decision was voted on by the Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition during a meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 4. MCN Tribal leaders deny the Nation has ever used herbicides for park upkeep.
When asked about the future of the park’s designation as a Mobile Migration Garden, McCabe said the foundation has spoken with the organizers of Monarchs over the Mountain to determine what can be done about it. McCabe said that he was unaware that the park was on the Mobile Migration Garden list. He added that the park was put on the Mobile Migration Garden list before the foundation became involved.
“People are concerned about this place. They hold it dearly in their heart. We need to make sure we are appropriately caring for it in a way that reflects publicly where people know this is a cared-for, loved-for space,” McCabe said.
To stay up to date on future Tvlse Council Oak Foundation community workdays, visit their Facebook Page, Tvlse Council Oak Foundation.
