Planting seeds of unity and growth

By: Jeremy Kranowitz

On Thursday, March 28, we partnered with the Center for Interfaith Cooperation to celebrate the arrival of Spring with an interfaith tree planting at Marian University. 

Spring is often associated with rebirth and renewal. In addition to welcoming the many wonders of Spring, this season also holds special significance for several faith communities as they observe their religious holidays and festivals. This provided a unique opportunity to combine KIB’s mission to engage diverse communities to create vibrant public spaces with CIC’s mission to increase religious literacy, build empathy, and facilitate interfaith encounters by planting trees. 

During the gathering, we were able to promote understanding and curiosity of religious practices while also adding to the urban tree canopy, which will have an impact for years to come — including cleaner air, carbon mitigation, and stormwater retention!

Prior to the tree planting, representatives provided reflections on the importance of taking care of our planet, both locally and globally, from the perspective of their respective faiths. The event included remarks from

• Center for Interfaith Cooperation, Executive Director Charlie Wiles
• Marian University, Father Barry Fisher
• IU Health, Rabbi Lew Weiss
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ernest Lifferth
• Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, JR Sandadi
• Indianapolis Muslim Community Association, Imam Ahmed Alamine
• Sufi Ruhaniat International, Caryn Flowers

“Center for Interfaith Cooperation is honored to work with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful to help restore a healthy canopy of trees in our city and revitalize our neighborhoods,” said Charlie Wiles, Executive Director of the Center for Interfaith Cooperation. “It feels good to literally get our hands dirty, together, in an effort to create a better future for everyone.”

“We come from different faith traditions and backgrounds, but events like these prove that we can all agree to come together to make a difference that will last generations,” said Jeremy Kranowitz, President and CEO, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. 

Like the diverse urban canopy that covers and protects Central Indiana, faith leaders reminded volunteers that while our religious identities may vary from one another, we are united in our commitment to taking care of our community now and for future generations to come.

Categories: Community Forestry, Engaged Citizens, Partners, Trees and Native Habitats