NATURE BOY
Environmental Scientist Craig Frye leads effort 
to bring new trees to SD1 Public Service Park

SD1 has been awarded a $2,500 grant from the Northern Kentucky Urban and Community Forest Council (NKUCFC) to restore an urban forest at the Public Service Park (PSP) located at SD1's main office in Ft. Wright. 

The grant was used to plant a dozen trees and native shrubs in the park's urban forest, a northern section of the park that had been designed as a model for visitors and students to learn about the benefits of an urban forest ecosystem. However, in recent years, invasive species had taken over that area of the park. 

In 2022, SD1 knew action was needed and hired a contractor to remove the invasive species and perform ongoing maintenance to ensure future plants thrive. Thanks to the grant from the NKUCFC, SD1 was able to begin restoring the area to once again provide an educational model for the community.

SD1 worked with Ammon Nursery in Burlington to choose the right trees for the project, including oaks, maples and other species that are native to the area. The trees were planted in this summer by SD1 employees Craig Frye and Andrew Doyle in just a few days.

Frye, an environmental scientist who has worked for the SD1 stormwater utility for 17 years, has a passion for the outdoors.

“Our job, as folks living on this earth, is to make it better for the next generation,” Frye says. “We don’t want to leave this place a mess for someone else to fix.”

Frye says he has loved hiking, camping and everything nature-related since he was a boy. This led him to pursuing environmental science and ultimately his position at SD1. 

But he is quick to point out that the Urban Forest project was a collective effort. “It definitely wasn’t just me planting and taking care of the forest,” he says. 

The restored Urban Forest at the PSP helps to reduce stormwater runoff, improve climate and provide habitat for local wildlife. It is also a valuable asset to the community, providing educational opportunities for visitors and more than 1,500 students each year.  

Aside from the natural benefits, the new trees enhance the aesthetic value of the park, making it more attractive and appealing to visitors.

“SD1 is grateful to the NKUCFC for their support,” says Frye. “We are excited to see our Urban Forest continue to thrive in the years to come. We hope that it will inspire others to plant trees in their lawns and neighborhoods to help make our community a better place.”