Planting Trees at Prophetstown State Park with Huston Solar

Cool temperatures, stunning colors, and plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities are just a few of the things we look forward to each fall. The season also provides an important opportunity for the growth of Indiana’s forests. Volunteers from Huston Solar, alongside staff from Indiana State Parks and the Division of Forestry, recently took that opportunity and planted 3,000 trees in Prophetstown State Park as part of the Indiana Tree Project.

The planting was the second time that Huston Solar employees have spent a day volunteering on Indiana’s public lands, but the day in the park also marked a first for many involved. Indiana Tree Project plantings have often improved Indiana’s State Forests, but this was the first time an Indiana State Park was the host.

Volunteers planting trees with Jason Getz, Prophetstown State Park property manager.

“Huston Solar pledged to plant one tree for every kilowatt we install of solar,” said Matt Huston, president of Huston Electric. “We will continue to support the Indiana Tree Project as long as we are installing solar in Indiana, and that doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.”

Prophetstown provided the ideal location for the planting because its staff are diligently working to restore its habitat. On a guided hike around the property, Jenna Parks Freeman, the park’s interpretive naturalist, explained the importance of this work to the volunteers.

“We are working to restore the oak savanna habitat on the property,” Parks Freeman said. “Your work today promotes that restoration and helps blend together the diverse habitats at Prophetstown.”

Parks Freeman leads volunteers on a guided hike.

Oak savanna, once a prominent habitat in northwest Indiana, combines aspects of forest and prairie ecosystems. The melding of tallgrass prairie and hardwood forests provides shelter and forage for numerous wildlife and insect species.

“Pheasants, wild turkey, quail, deer, bobcats, and coyotes are some of the wildlife we see in this habitat,” Parks Freeman said. “None of these have been reintroduced to the property by us; they return because of the improved and increased habitat.”

The educational hike provided the volunteers with ample opportunity to ask questions and learn about the natural resources of the property. That education, along with the planting itself and a group lunch, gave the volunteers the chance to spend valuable time together outside of the work setting.

“Not only is the Indiana Tree Project a great cause to support, but it also allows for the opportunity for team building and bonding,” Huston said. “It fosters a sense of community support and teamwork among Huston employees, which is very important to our culture.”

Volunteers planting rows of various oak and walnut saplings.

Years from now, the volunteers will be able to return to the planting site and see the impact of their work. While the planting site is currently lined with saplings, those trees will continue to grow, supporting Indiana’s natural legacy for generations to come.

The Indiana Tree Project, like all of the INRF’s projects and programs, is made possible by the generous support of our donors and partners. If you want to help celebrate and preserve Indiana’s natural legacy, consider donating to the INRF today.