Celebrating a Season of Impact with our Urban Naturalists!

By: Birdie Ratliff

As our project season comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the incredible work of our Urban Naturalists (UNs) and all they made possible in 2025. From pruning thousands of trees to removing invasive species and restoring habitats across the city, this year’s UN teams made a massive impact on the health and resilience of Indianapolis’ natural spaces.

Our Summer and Fall Urban Naturalists dedicated their time, energy, and heart to caring for the places where people and nature meet. Their work was hands-on, challenging, and deeply meaningful — and our city is greener, healthier, and more beautiful thanks to them.

Here’s a snapshot of what the UNs accomplished this year:

• 2,322 trees pruned
• 18,170.4 pounds of litter collected
• 1,667 trees inventoried
• 28 different invasive species found and treated
• Over 40 acres of habitat maintained
• 1.65 acres seeded at Brookside Park
• 1.4 acres of invasives removed
• 14 enrichment sessions with green collar professionals

These numbers represent thousands of hours of work: clearing trails, restoring waterways, identifying native species, caring for young trees, and building career skills in the green collar workforce. More importantly, they reflect the dedication of young environmental leaders committed to helping Indianapolis thrive.

Summer Urban Naturalists

• John Swarr
• Jake Brenner
• Kila Wilson
• Kara Sterry
• Nya Schank
• Lily Bea Foster
• Sofia Rashid

Fall Urban Naturalists

• Lily Bea Foster
• Sofia Rashid
• Kara Sterry
• Mae Allen
• Kaylee Spears

We are deeply grateful for every day they spent in our parks, neighborhoods, and green corridors — pruning, planting, tracking, learning, and inspiring others along the way. Their work strengthens entire ecosystems and helps build the next generation of environmental stewards.

To our UNs: thank you for your passion, your curiosity, your grit, and your commitment to making Indianapolis more resilient. Your impact will continue to grow long after the season ends.

Categories: Education, Engaged Citizens, Habitat Restoration, Urban Naturalists