Indiana Tree Project: A Growing Legacy
Since 2010, the Indiana Tree Project has been growing Indiana’s forests, one tree at a time. Generous support from donors and partners has made the program flourish in its near 15-year history. A partnership between the INRF and the Division of Forestry, the program promotes healthy Hoosier forests through tree plantings, forest management, and land acquisition.
With Earth Day and Arbor Day upon us, we’re gearing up for another exciting year of tree plantings. As we look forward to another season of growth, we’re also taking a moment to reflect on the progress the Indiana Tree Project has made thanks to the dedication of our donors and DNR staff.
Clif Bar tree planting, fall 2023.
We’re kicking off the 2024 planting season with Clif Bar as we celebrate Earth Day at Greene-Sullivan State Forest once again. The planting will be the seventh time Clif Bar volunteers have joined Forestry staff to expand Indiana’s forests. A dedicated partner of the INRF and Indiana Tree Project since 2019, Clif Bar has planted more than 23,000 trees in numerous Indiana State Forests.
“Our relationship with Clif Bar is a great example of how long-term partnerships with our foundation benefit Indiana’s public lands. We appreciate their generosity and commitment to making Indiana a better place to live, work, and play.” – Jody Kress, INRF executive director
Ravinia State Forest, one of the newest Indiana State Forests, has received a great deal of support from Duke Energy, including a 2022 planting that added 5,000 trees to the property.
Indiana First Lady Janet Holcomb and Duke Energy Indiana State President Stan Pinegar planting trees in spring of 2022.
With a pledge to plant one tree for every kilowatt of solar installed, Huston Solar is another partner that has been a consistent supporter of Indiana’s forests. The group has added 5,000 trees to Indiana’s public lands so far, including a unique planting at Prophetstown State Park last fall.
“Not only is the Indiana Tree Project a great cause to support, but it also allows for the opportunity for team building and bonding. It fosters a sense of community support and teamwork among Huston employees, which is very important to our culture.” – Matt Huston, president of Huston Electric
Bowles Mattress Company is the most recent organization to join the INRF in supporting the growth of Indiana’s forests. With the launch of their Sleep IN Style mattress series, Bowles began donating a portion of proceeds to the Indiana Tree Project. With a 1,000-tree contribution already completed, the unique partnership will add thousands of trees to the landscape during the next few years.
Each of these unique partnerships plays an important role in creating healthy Hoosier forests. With the expert guidance of Forestry staff, tens of thousands of predominantly oak and walnut seedlings are well on their way to benefiting Hoosiers, wildlife, and our environment for years to come.
The Indiana Tree Project has also played a key role in supporting the DNR to meet its goal of planting one million trees, an initiative that began in 2020. With the milestone millionth tree being planted on Arbor Day, we’re excited to reflect on all the growth, but we’re also looking toward the future of Indiana’s forests.
Huston Solar tree planting, fall 2023.
With your support and the continued dedication of our partners, Indiana’s forests can continue to thrive and expand. When you donate to the Indiana Tree Project, you’ll receive a tree certificate that highlights which Indiana state forest your tree or trees will be planted in and showcases your commitment to Hoosier conservation.
If your organization is interested in creating a partnership that will benefit Hoosiers and our public lands for generations to come, please contact us.