Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.4.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. Our mission is to engage diverse communities to create vibrant public places, helping people and nature thrive ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.kibi.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Blog](https://www.kibi.org/blog/) - [After the Tree Planting, Summer Crews Take Over](https://www.kibi.org/2026/07/07/after-the-tree-planting-summer-crews-take-over/) - At the end of a tree planting, we have a lot to be proud of. Between the work of our partners, volunteers and staff, 50-100 new trees end up in the ground at a single event. What you may not know, though, is that for KIB and those trees, it's just the beginning. A young - [The Air We Breathe: Why Indianapolis Needs Trees More Than Ever](https://www.kibi.org/2026/06/09/the-air-we-breathe-why-indianapolis-needs-trees-more-than-ever/) - As a parent, I worry about the health and well-being of my children. All parents do. The recent news about air quality in Indiana has me worried about my kids, and about yours. As the President and CEO of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB), I am also writing with a message of some hope for the - [What a Good Neighbor Looks Like in Indianapolis](https://www.kibi.org/2026/05/16/what-a-good-neighbor-looks-like-in-indianapolis/) - The world can really feel heavy sometimes. The headlines, the noise, the feeling that things are getting harder to fix. We feel it too. But there's another story running underneath all of that, and it's been quietly unfolding in Indianapolis neighborhoods every weekend for 50 years. People planting trees they may never sit under. Neighbors - [Litter is Solvable. Indianapolis is Proving it.](https://www.kibi.org/2026/05/13/litter-is-solvable-indianapolis-is-proving-it/) - Today, our national partner Keep America Beautiful released their 2026 National Litter Study. The headline is encouraging: litter on America's roadways and waterways is down 34% since 2020. Down a third in five years across the entire country. That is a measurable shift in how Americans treat the places they share. The National Picture Waterway - [10 Ways to Volunteer During Earth Month in Indianapolis](https://www.kibi.org/2026/04/06/10-ways-to-volunteer-during-earth-month-in-indianapolis/) - Earth Month is a good reminder that local environmental work does not happen on its own. It happens because people choose to show up and give back (and get their hands dirty). If you have been looking for a way to pitch in this April, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful has plenty of great opportunities on the - [A Saturday of Cleanup, Tree Planting, and Restoration in Brookside Park](https://www.kibi.org/2026/03/30/a-saturday-of-cleanup-tree-planting-and-restoration-in-brookside-park/) - Brookside Park is one of those places that tells an incredible story about our city. It shows what a neighborhood values. It reflects how people gather, how they move through shared space, and whether a public place feels cared for. And on a recent Saturday morning, it showed something else: what it looks like when - [Across Faiths, One Shared Goal: 100+ Volunteers Plant 130 Trees in East Warren](https://www.kibi.org/2026/03/23/across-faiths-volunteers-plant-130-trees-in-east-warren/) - On a Saturday morning in the East Warren neighborhood, something powerful happened. More than 100 volunteers showed up, representing different backgrounds, different experiences, and different faith traditions, all with a shared goal: to care for the place we call home. Together, they planted 130 native trees. This interfaith tree planting, hosted by Keep Indianapolis Beautiful - [This Summer, Indianapolis Youth Can Earn, Learn, and Grow in Green Careers](https://www.kibi.org/2026/02/26/this-summer-indianapolis-youth-can-earn-learn-and-grow-in-green-careers/) - Every summer, something powerful happens across Indianapolis. Teens and college students step into parks, neighborhoods, medians, and waterways, not just as volunteers, but as paid professionals helping our city thrive. Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB), in partnership with the City of Indianapolis, is now hiring for our 2026 summer workforce programs. These paid positions give young - [5 Meaningful Ways to Volunteer in Indianapolis with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful in 2026](https://www.kibi.org/2026/01/26/5-meaningful-ways-to-volunteer-in-indianapolis-with-keep-indianapolis-beautiful-in-2026/) - Indianapolis is a city defined by its neighborhoods and the people who care for them. In 2026, there are more ways than ever to roll up your sleeves, meet your neighbors, and make a visible difference right where you live. Whether you’re looking for a one-day volunteer opportunity, an ongoing commitment, or a way to - [KIB is addressing lead contamination, and you can, too](https://www.kibi.org/2022/11/14/kib-is-addressing-lead-contamination-and-you-can-too/) - Toxic lead contamination is a scary topic that sometimes creeps into our news headlines, like it did with the crisis in Flint, Michigan, in 2014. Lead exposure can affect all of us, especially children, throughout the year, and high levels of exposure can be incredibly damaging to our health. The good news is that there - [Study shows reduction in gun violence at KIB's AES Project GreenSpace sites](https://www.kibi.org/2023/09/26/good-attracts-good-study-shows-kibs-aes-project-greenspace-sites-reduce-gun-violence/) - This morning marked a significant moment in our journey at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB), as we proudly unveiled the promising results of a year-long study of our AES Indianapolis Project GreenSpace program. Together with Mayor Joe Hogsett and other community members, we gathered at our Shelton Heights GreenSpace to announce the exciting findings of the - [Protecting our waterways together](https://www.kibi.org/2023/11/08/protecting-our-waterways-together/) - Indianapolis is a city where collaboration thrives. And our waterways are no exception! In October, we teamed up with Frank's Paddlesports Livery and Friends of the White River for a water cleanup to help protect and preserve Wallet Island and Butterfly Island. During this guided cleanup, volunteers made a meaningful contribution to the health and - [KIB's research earns national attention](https://www.kibi.org/2024/01/09/kibs-research-earns-national-attention/) - Keep Indianapolis Beautiful has been making our city cleaner, greener, and friendlier since 1976. And now, we know our work is helping to make Indianapolis safer too! A study by the University of Michigan School of Public Health discovered a 12% reduction in gun violence within a half-mile radius of KIB GreenSpaces. This is big - [Branching Out: From YTT Leader to Environmental Trailblazer](https://www.kibi.org/2024/01/23/branching-out-from-ytt-leader-to-environmental-trailblazer/) - Meet Ann Young, a passionate Indy resident with a unique blend of interests in conservation biology, ecology, and art history. Originally from Texas, Ann moved to Indiana almost three years ago. Her biology degree was one of the many things that made her interested in applying for the Youth Tree Team (YTT) program. From gaining - [Bridging Cities and Nature as an Urban Naturalist](https://www.kibi.org/2024/01/29/bridging-cities-and-nature-as-an-urban-naturalist/) - Sydney Geckler is currently pursuing her fifth (and final!) year of Urban Planning at the University of Cincinnati. Over the last five years, her journey has been filled with growth, exploration, and passion... a lot of which stemmed from the Urban Naturalist program! As an alum, she was able to not only expand her knowledge - [From Indiana to Florida: Post-Grad Adventures from an Urban Naturalist](https://www.kibi.org/2024/02/01/from-indiana-to-florida-post-grad-adventures-from-an-urban-naturalist/) - Anna Hopkins has taken her love for the outdoors from the heart of Indianapolis to the sunny landscapes of Tallahassee, Florida. After graduating from IU, she swapped the desk job for boots on the ground as an Event Coordinator at a state park, later transitioning to her current role as a Regional Coordinator for the - [Rooted in Passion: How YTT Shaped Cullen's Career Path](https://www.kibi.org/2024/02/01/rooted-in-passion/) - Meet Cullen Booth! A force of green goodness, Cullen embarked on his journey with the Youth Tree Team (YTT) back in 2014. From pruning crew to leader, Cullen's YTT adventure molded him into the environmental champion he is today. Now living in Indianapolis with his partner, Cullen rocks his role as a Natural Resources Technician, - [Greening Urban Neighborhoods from the Ground Up](https://www.kibi.org/2024/04/18/greening-urban-neighborhoods-from-the-ground-up/) - How can community members come together, using data and community input, to address environmental concerns and effect change? That’s what The Greening Urban Neighborhoods from the Ground Up Initiative, a collaborative effort between Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) and Indiana University, is seeking to understand. The initiative aims to amplify community input regarding environmental issues impacting quality - [Meet our Urban Naturalists!](https://www.kibi.org/2024/05/28/meet-our-urban-naturalists/) - Summer is around the corner, which means its time to welcome our newest team members: our Urban Naturalists! This year's Urban Naturalists (UNs) represent four universities and will spend the next few months doing meaningful, environmental work for our city while engaging neighbors in community-based environmental stewardship. What kind of work exactly? The Urban Naturalists - [Join the Effort: Enhancing Tree Equity in Indianapolis](https://www.kibi.org/2024/06/07/join-the-effort-enhancing-tree-equity-in-indianapolis/) - If you could plant 3,000 trees anywhere in the City, where would you plant them? And, why? This is the question Keep Indianapolis Beautiful is faced with answering each year. We know trees provide incredible benefits like cooling our neighborhoods and reducing air conditioning costs, while also soaking up stormwater to prevent street flooding. With - [Shook Construction Celebrates 30 Years with KIB: Transforming Northwest Landing GreenSpace](https://www.kibi.org/2024/09/25/shook-construction-celebrates-30-years-with-kib-transforming-northwest-landing-greenspace/) - In honor of their 30th anniversary, Shook Construction teamed up with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) for a special workday at the Northwest Landing GreenSpace. This event was not just about celebrating a milestone, but also about giving back to a community they care about—one they’ve helped uplift through their commitment to service and partnership. Shook’s - [Welcoming New Leaders to the Keep Indianapolis Beautiful Board](https://www.kibi.org/2026/01/06/welcoming-new-leaders-to-the-keep-indianapolis-beautiful-board/) - Keep Indianapolis Beautiful is excited to welcome four new board members whose experience, leadership, and commitment to community will help guide our work into the future. Each brings a unique perspective rooted in sustainability, public service, community engagement, and strategic leadership — all critical to advancing our mission to help people and nature thrive. These - [GreenKeepers and Friends: Celebrating a Year of Impact](https://www.kibi.org/2025/12/16/greenkeepers-and-friends-celebrating-a-year-of-impact/) - The GreenKeepers and Friends End of Year Celebration was a joyful and meaningful way to close out 2025. With a cozy hot chocolate bar and a competitive round of KIB Jeopardy, we gathered to celebrate the incredible work of our GreenKeepers, Adopt-A-Block Captains, Ambassadors, and Tree Tenders, the specialized volunteers who make our mission possible. - [Celebrating a Season of Impact with our Urban Naturalists!](https://www.kibi.org/2025/11/26/celebrating-a-season-of-impact-with-our-urban-naturalists/) - 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 - [Powering a Greener Future: KIB Partners with Veregy to Go Solar](https://www.kibi.org/2025/11/12/powering-a-greener-future-kib-partners-with-veregy-to-go-solar/) - At Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB), our mission has always been rooted in helping people and nature thrive and now, that mission is getting a little sunnier. We’re proud to announce a new partnership with Veregy, an award-winning, NAESCO-accredited Energy Services Company, to install solar panels at KIB headquarters. This project marks a major milestone in - [From Trailer Park to Urban Oasis: The Remarkable Transformation of Shelton Heights GreenSpace](https://www.kibi.org/2024/10/16/seeitnow/) - If you've ever seen a before-and-after photo that made you do a double take, get ready to be amazed by the transformation story of Shelton Heights GreenSpace! This once-forgotten piece of land, previously a trailer park riddled with crime and neglect, has now blossomed into a vibrant community park, thanks to the dedication of neighbors, - [What Do You Value?](https://www.kibi.org/2025/09/03/what-do-you-value/) - For almost 50 years, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful has been working with tens of thousands of volunteers to make our city a “beautiful” place to live. But what does that mean? It may be surprising to learn that we care about – and are working to address – many of the same issues that matter to - [Honoring Indigenous Knowledge and Environmental Stewardship](https://www.kibi.org/2025/08/22/honoring-indigenous-knowledge-and-environmental-stewardship/) - Each month, during our Keep Indianapolis Beautiful staff meeting, our team takes time for a reflection on our values. These conversations connect the values of equity and community to the work we do in neighborhoods every day. This month, we reflected on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, which was observed on August - [Mozel Sanders Foundation GreenSpace Opening](https://www.kibi.org/2025/08/27/mozel-sanders-foundation-greenspace-opening/) - On Saturday, August 16, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB), in partnership with the Mozel Sanders Foundation, celebrated the grand opening of a new AES Indiana Project GreenSpace with a lively and welcoming community event. Around 50 neighbors gathered to enjoy music from a live DJ, a bounce house for the kids, rock painting, and a free - [25 Years of Adopt-A-Block](https://www.kibi.org/2025/07/18/25-years-of-adopt-a-block/) - Celebrating the everyday leaders building a cleaner, connected Indy This year marks the 25th Anniversary of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful’s Adopt-A-Block program, an initiative rooted in the idea that small, consistent acts of care can create big change across our city. Since its launch, Adopt-A-Block has grown to include over 1,300 Block Captains, neighbors who take - [Meet the 2025 Urban Naturalists](https://www.kibi.org/2025/06/20/meet-the-2025-urban-naturalists/) - Say hello to the passionate crew of Urban Naturalists bringing joy, energy, and environmental know-how to every corner of the city this season! Each of these Urban Naturalists brings something unique to the field. Whether it's a deep knowledge of dystopian novels, a passion for local ecology, or a great playlist. Follow along this season - [Inside the Lives of Indy’s Future Changemakers](https://www.kibi.org/2025/05/23/youthtreeteamleaders2025/) - Meet the 2025 Youth Tree Team This incredible group of young leaders is planting more than just trees this summer; they're planting seeds of connection, leadership, and impact across Indy. Each of these team leaders brings something special to the field: whether it’s a strong work ethic, a unique sense of humor, or a love - [Beautifying Indy’s Busiest Roads](https://www.kibi.org/2025/04/03/beautifying-indys-busiest-roads/) - For almost 50 years, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful has worked in partnership with the City of Indianapolis and dedicated volunteers to keep litter off the streets in neighborhoods across the city. A persistent problem has been all the litter on our busiest roads where multiple lanes of traffic and fast driving make litter removal difficult. A - [You’re Part of Something Big.](https://www.kibi.org/2025/03/21/earthday2025cleanup/) - Making history for a cleaner, greener Indianapolis. Ryann and Kyle are here to show you what this Earth Month is all about. Hit play to see what makes this cleanup the largest waterway restoration in KIB’s history! Over 5 Miles. 10 Sites. Hundreds of Volunteers. One City. This Earth Month, we’re taking on the largest - [Planting Seeds for a Career in Leadership](https://www.kibi.org/2025/03/07/planting-seeds-for-a-career-in-leadership/) - For Jillian Lain, her career in community engagement and leadership began with a shovel in hand and a passion for making a difference. As a Youth Tree Team (YTT) leader in 2007, Jillian didn’t know then that her summer job with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) would shape the way she approached her professional journey, leadership - [VOLUNTEERS TO PLANT MONARCH BUTTERFLY SANCTUARY ALONG WHITE RIVER](https://www.kibi.org/2017/10/26/volunteers-to-plant-monarch-butterfly-sanctuary-along-white-river/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. dnl@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 Volunteers to Plant Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary along the White River Native planting project and Día de los Muertos celebration to raise awareness about pollinator habitat and river preservation INDIANAPOLIS – (October 26, 2017) Amid Day of the Dead celebrations, volunteers will help create a monarch butterfly - [VOLUNTEERING WITH KEEP INDIANAPOLIS BEAUTIFUL COVID-19 HEALTH & SAFETY PROCEDURES](https://www.kibi.org/2020/07/01/volunteering-with-keep-indianapolis-beautiful-covid-19-health-safety-procedures/) - Note: Keep Indianapolis Beautiful is following guidance from Mayor Joe Hogsett and the Marion County Public Health Department regarding recommendations, restrictions, and workplace adjustments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. KIB’s volunteer and project procedures are subject to change based on guidance from Mayor Hogsett and the MCPHD. General questions from the public or healthcare providers - [SUMMER OF PLOGGING KICKS OFF](https://www.kibi.org/2018/06/14/summer-of-plogging-kicks-off/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. cleanneighborhoods@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 Summer of Plogging Series for Cleaner Trails and Roadways Kicks Off This Weekend Keep Indianapolis Beautiful and November Project host a running + picking up litter 6k series this summer INDIANAPOLIS – (June 14, 2018) Keep Indinanapolis Beautiful (KIB) and the November Project (NP) are bringing - [SHERRIE BOSSUNG RECEIVES KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL'S LADY BIRD JOHNSON AWARD](https://www.kibi.org/2018/01/18/sherrie-bossung-receives-keep-america-beautifuls-lady-bird-johnson-award/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Mike Rosen, Keep America Beautiful mrosen@kab.org c: 203-659-3008 Ashley Haynes, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. communications@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 Indianapolis’ Sherrie Bossung Receives Keep America Beautiful’s Lady Bird Johnson Award Former Eli Lilly and Company Leader Honored for Leadership in Volunteerism by Iconic National Nonprofit DALLAS, Texas (Jan. 18, 2018) – Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s - [SAINT IN THE STREETS TEAMS UP WITH KEEP INDIANAPOLIS BEAUTIFUL FOR FALL CLEANUP](https://www.kibi.org/2018/10/05/saint-in-the-streets-teams-up-with-keep-indianapolis-beautiful-for-fall-cleanup/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Ashley Haynes, Director of Marketing Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. cleanneighborhoods@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 Emily Koschnick, Deputy Communications Director Office of Mayor Joe Hogsett—City of Indianapolis emily.koschnick@indy.gov o: 317-327-4287 c: 317-995-3289 Saints in the Streets to lead River West Neighborhood Great Indy Cleanup with the Help of 400 Keep Indianapolis Beautiful Volunteers this SaturdayKIB, Mayor Hogsett, and - [ROCHE EMPLOYEES WILL TAKE PART IN EIGHTH ANNUAL DAY OF SERVICE TOMORROW BY PLANTING 200 TREES IN WASHINGTON PARK](https://www.kibi.org/2018/05/03/roche-employees-will-take-part-in-eighth-annual-day-of-service-tomorrow-by-planting-200-trees-in-washington-park/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Ashley Haynes, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. development@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 Carole Puls, Roche Diagnostics Corporation carole.puls@roche.com c: 317-829-4827 Roche Employees Will Take Part in Eighth Annual Day of Service Tomorrow by Planting 200 Trees in Washington Park INDIANAPOLIS – (May 3, 2018) Washington Park will receive new trees and beautification on Friday, May 4, with the - [ROCHE EMPLOYEES TO TAKE PART IN NINTH ANNUAL DAY OF SERVICE](https://www.kibi.org/2019/05/01/roche-employees-to-take-part-in-ninth-annual-day-of-service/) - MEDIA ALERTContact: Ashley Haynes, Director of MarketingKeep Indianapolis Beautiful248-760-6995development@kibi.org Carole PulsRoche Diagnostics Corporation317-829-4827 carole.puls@roche.com Roche Employees Will Take Part in Ninth Annual Day of Service This Friday by Planting 150 Trees in Broad Ripple-area Storm water Basin and Park Beautification INDIANAPOLIS – (May 1, 2019) Broad Ripple-area neighborhoods and parks will receive new trees and beautification on - [PERRY MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL WIN LITTER PSA VIDEO CONTEST](https://www.kibi.org/2017/11/30/perry-meridian-high-school-win-litter-psa-video-contest/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. engage@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 Perry Meridian High School Wins “It’s My City Litter PSA” Video Contest MARION COUNTY (November 30, 2017) – To build awareness of littering, the “It’s My City Litter PSA Contest” encouraged all K–12 students in Marion County to create 30- or 60-second videos that explain - [PACERS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT TEAM UP WITH KIB](https://www.kibi.org/2018/04/16/pacers-sports-entertainment-team-up-with-kib/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. development@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 Pacers Sports & Entertainment teams up with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful to plant trees during Earth Week25 Trees to be planted for every three-pointer made during Pacers Sustainability Week presented by Republic Services INDIANAPOLIS – (April 16, 2018) Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) staff will join - [NEXTGEAR CAPITAL VOLUNTEERS WITH KIB](https://www.kibi.org/2017/11/02/nextgear-capital-volunteers-with-kib/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Ashley Haynes, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. development@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 Grant Scharton, NextGear Capital grant.scharton@coxautoinc.com c: 317-941-9446 NextGear Capital team members to volunteer with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful in celebration of Cox Conserves Chairman’s Cup Award INDIANAPOLIS – (Nov. 2, 2017) Eleanor Skillen Elementary (IPS #34) will have new nature play equipment installed in the school’s outdoor - [NEXTGEAR CAPITAL TEAMS UP WITH KIB](https://www.kibi.org/2018/05/15/nextgear-capital-teams-up-with-kib/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Ashley Haynes, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. development@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 Erin Kahre, NextGear Capital Erin.Kahre@coxautoinc.com c: 317-319-3035 Indianapolis’ Riverside Park to Undergo Habitat Restoration Project with Community Support INDIANAPOLIS – (May 15, 2018) NextGear Capital will partner with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) and Indy Parks on Wednesday, May 16 to aid in a habitat restoration project - [NEXTGEAR CAPITAL EMPLOYEES TO VOLUNTEER WITH KEEP INDIANAPOLIS BEAUTIFUL IN SECOND ANNUAL DAY OF SERVICE](https://www.kibi.org/2019/04/09/nextgear-capital-employees-to-volunteer-with-keep-indianapolis-beautiful-in-second-annual-day-of-service/) - MEDIA ALERTContact: Ashley Haynes, Director of MarketingKeep Indianapolis Beautiful248-760-6995development@kibi.org Erin Kahre NextGear CapitalP: 317.319.3035Erin.Kahre@coxautoinc.com NextGear Capital employees to volunteer with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful in second annual Day of Service INDIANAPOLIS – (April 10, 2019) NextGear Capital will partner with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) on Wednesday, April 10 to plant 130 trees in one of the city’s - [University Heights Pocket Park](https://www.kibi.org/2014/01/01/university-heights-pocket-park/) - 4133 MATHEWS AVENUE A partnership between KIB, the University Heights Neighborhood Association (UHNA), and the University of Indianapolis will transform the former site of a vacant apartment building into a community pocket park and greenspace. The park will serve to focal point for neighborhood get together, offer teaching opportunities about native plants and the natural - [MORE THAN 100 YOUTH TO COMPETE FOR WORLD'S GREATEST SUMMER JOB AT KIB](https://www.kibi.org/2018/03/14/more-than-100-youth-to-compete-for-worlds-greatest-summer-job-at-kib/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. youthtreeteam@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 More than 100 Indy Youth to Compete for the World’s Greatest Summer Job with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful this Saturday High school students to plant trees as part of application process for KIB’s Youth Tree Team INDIANAPOLIS – (March 14, 2018) Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB) - [MANNEQUINS MAKE BAD VOLUNTEERS](https://www.kibi.org/2018/10/01/mannequins-make-bad-volunteers/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. communications@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 Keep Indianapolis Beautiful kicks off fall community projects with a call for human beings because mannequins make bad volunteersKIB calls Indianapolis to take part in dozens of fall tree plantings, greenspace projects, and litter cleanups VIDEO – See why volunteers are important to Keep Indianapolis Beautiful: https://youtu.be/cQ0LK42Fb-I INDIANAPOLIS - [LIME PARTNERS WITH KEEP INDIANAPOLIS BEAUTIFUL TO SUPPORT REVITALIZATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN INDIANAPOLIS](https://www.kibi.org/2019/07/31/lime-partners-with-keep-indianapolis-beautiful-to-support-revitalization-and-community-engagement-in-indianapolis/) - MEDIA ALERTContact: Ashley Haynes, Director of MarketingKeep Indianapolis Beautiful248-760-6995communications@kibi.org LIME MEDIA CONTACT:Russell Murphyrussell.murphy@li.me LIME PARTNERS WITH KEEP INDIANAPOLIS BEAUTIFUL TO SUPPORT REVITALIZATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN INDIANAPOLIS Lime users will be able to round up ride costs to support Keep Indianapolis Beautiful's work maintaining a vibrant and inviting city INDIANAPOLIS,IN (July 31, 2019) - Lime— the leading - [KIB'S GREAT INDY CLEANUP IN KENNEDY KING NEIGHBORHOOD](https://www.kibi.org/2017/10/17/kibs-great-indy-cleanup-in-kennedy-king-neighborhood/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. cleanneighborhoods@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 Aliya WishnerOffice of Mayor Joe Hogsett – City of IndianapolisC: 317.995.7645aliya.wishner@indy.gov More than 200 volunteers to focus cleanup efforts in Kennedy King neighborhoodKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, City of Indianapolis to host annual Great Indy Cleanup Focus Neighborhood event to clean one of Indy’s major gateways INDIANAPOLIS - [KIB'S GREAT INDY CLEANUP IN CHRISTIAN PARK](https://www.kibi.org/2019/04/26/kibs-great-indy-cleanup-in-christian-park/) - MEDIA ALERTContact: Ashley Haynes, Director of MarketingKeep Indianapolis Beautiful248-760-6995cleanneighborhoods@kibi.org Emily Koschnick, Deputy Communications DirectorOffice of Mayor Joe Hogsett – City of Indianapolis(317) 995-3289emily.koschnick@indy.gov My Christian Park Neighborhood to “Spring Clean” with the Help of Over 550 Keep Indianapolis Beautiful Volunteers this Saturday.KIB, City of Indianapolis to host annual April Great Indy Cleanup focus event with community volunteers - [KIB VOLUNTEERS BREAK GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS TITLE](https://www.kibi.org/2017/09/29/kib-volunteers-break-guinness-world-records-title/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. C: 317-793-2871volunteer@kibi.org Volunteers break GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title and raise awareness about litter and civic prideIndianapolis achieves GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for Largest display of chalk pavement art with over 800 drawings INDIANAPOLIS – (September 29, 2017) A total of 811 chalk drawings earned Indianapolis the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for - [KIB TO LEAD VOLUNTEERS IN GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ TITLE ATTEMPT](https://www.kibi.org/2017/09/25/kib-to-lead-volunteers-in-guinness-world-records-title-attempt/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. C: 317-793-2871volunteer@kibi.org Keep Indianapolis Beautiful to Lead Volunteers in a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Title Attempt to End LitteringCommunity volunteers attempt record title for Largest display of chalk pavement art to raise awareness about litter and civic pride in Indianapolis INDIANAPOLIS – (September 25, 2017) Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) will lead - [KIB TO HOST FIRST FRIDAY EVENT](https://www.kibi.org/2017/10/27/kib-to-host-first-friday-event/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. engage@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 KIB Hosting 1st Friday Art Gallery to Select 2018 Great Indy Cleanup Focus Neighborhoods Herron School of Art and Design student work was inspired by perceptions of Indianapolis and environmentalism INDIANAPOLIS – (October 27, 2017) Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB) will host a First Friday gallery - [KIB STRENGTHENING INDIANAPOLIS THROUGH ARTS AND CULTURAL INNOVATION](https://www.kibi.org/2018/12/11/kib-strengthening-indianapolis-through-arts-and-cultural-innovation/) - ANNOUNCEMENTContact: Ashley Haynes, Director of MarketingKeep Indianapolis Beautiful317-793-2871engage@kibi.org Keep Indianapolis Beautiful Strengthening Indianapolis Through Arts and Cultural Innovation INDIANAPOLIS (December 10, 2018) - Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB) has received a grant of $674,520 as part of Lilly Endowment Inc.'s Strengthening Indianapolis Through Arts and Cultural Innovation initiative. KIB is one of 18 organizations receiving grants - [KIB PRESENTS "RED, WHITE, & #KIBEES" CHALLENGE](https://www.kibi.org/2018/06/25/kib-presents-red-white-kibees-challenge/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jordan Stewart-CuretKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. engage@kibi.org c: 317-264-7555 x121 Keep Indianapolis Beautiful presents the “Red, White, & #KIBees” Challenge for the 4th of July Contest will take place July 2 - 6 to encourage pollinator counting during the holiday season JUNE 25, 2018 -- Keeping Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB) is calling all citizen - [KIB PARTICIPATES IN CITY NATURE CHALLENGE 2019](https://www.kibi.org/2019/04/18/kib-participates-in-city-nature-challenge-2019/) - MEDIA CONTACTSIndiana Sciences | Rufus CochranIndianaSciences@gmail.com | (317) 721-6604 Keep Indianapolis Beautiful | Ashley Haynesengage@kibi.org Indianapolis competes with cities around the world to collect the most wildlife observations during 2019 city nature challenge 500 citizen scientists aim to make 10,000 observations of wildlife, placing Indianapolis in the top three Midwest cities for most data collected during - [KIB KICKS OFF THIRD ANNUAL POLLINATOR COUNT](https://www.kibi.org/2018/06/18/kib-kicks-off-third-annual-pollinator-count/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. dnl@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 KIB kicks off Indianapolis’ Third Annual Wild Pollinator Count to snapshot city’s pollinator healthActivities June 18 – July 22 to raise awareness of pollinator’s impact on the city INDIANAPOLIS – (June 18, 2018) Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB) is calling anyone in Indianapolis to become - [KIB KICKS OFF FALL CLEANUP SEASON](https://www.kibi.org/2017/10/06/kib-kicks-off-fall-cleanup-season/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. C: 317-793-2871cleanneighborhoods@kibi.org Keep Indianapolis Beautiful kicks off fall effort to clean litter from neighborhood streetsKIB and City provide free cleanup resources to residents for October Great Indy Cleanup INDIANAPOLIS – (October 6, 2017) Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB), in partnership with the City of Indianapolis, will kick off the - [KIB AND ATHENAEUM CELEBRATE NEW DOWNTOWN GREENSPACE](https://www.kibi.org/2018/04/27/kib-and-athenaeum-celebrate-new-downtown-greenspace/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. dnl@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 Keep Indianapolis Beautiful and the Athenaeum host Celebration of new Downtown Community Greenspace on MondayA grand opening is set for Monday, April 30 from 4PM to 7PM at the Mass Ave pocket park INDIANAPOLIS – (April 27, 2018) Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB) and the - [KEEP INDIANAPOLIS BEAUTIFUL RECOGNIZED WITH AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FROM KAB](https://www.kibi.org/2018/01/18/keep-indianapolis-beautiful-recognized-with-award-of-excellence-from-kab/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. communications@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 Keep America Beautiful Recognizes Keep Indianapolis Beautiful with National Award DALLAS, Texas (January 18, 2018) – Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) was honored with the 2017 Affiliate Award of Excellence for distinguishing itself as an exemplary Keep America Beautiful (KAB) affiliate organization. KAB’s National Awards Ceremony, - [KEEP INDIANAPOLIS BEAUTIFUL LEADS HIGHWAY CLEANUP](https://www.kibi.org/2018/07/24/keep-indianapolis-beautiful-leads-highway-cleanup/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. cleanneighborhoods@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 Keep Indianapolis Beautiful Leads Great Indy Cleanup on Closed Section of I-65 during ConstructionKIB, Indiana Department of Transportation, and community volunteers partner to take advantage of closed highway to clean up litter, debris, and encourage public responsibility INDIANAPOLIS – (July 23, 2018) Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, - [KEEP INDIANAPOLIS BEAUTIFUL KICKS OFF THE GREAT INDY CLEANUP WITH 4 WEEKENDS OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT](https://www.kibi.org/2019/04/05/keep-indianapolis-beautiful-kicks-off-the-great-indy-cleanup-with-4-weekends-of-community-involvement/) - MEDIA ALERTContact: Ashley Haynes, Director of MarketingKeep Indianapolis Beautiful317-793-2871cleanneighborhoods@kibi.org Keep Indianapolis Beautiful kicks off the Great Indy Cleanup with 4 weekends of community involvement. KIB and City partner with thousands of Indy residents to pick up litter and beautify communities INDIANAPOLIS – (April 5, 2019) Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB), in partnership with the City of - [KEEP INDIANAPOLIS BEAUTIFUL, ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION TEAM UP WITH FEDEX TO PLANT 31 TREES IN INDIANAPOLIS](https://www.kibi.org/2019/08/13/keep-indianapolis-beautiful-arbor-day-foundation-team-up-with-fedex-to-plant-31-trees-in-indianapolis/) - MEDIA ALERTMedia Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. 317.793.2871volunteer@kibi.org Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Arbor Day Foundation Team Up with FedEx to Plant 31 Trees in Indianapolis WHAT: Nearly 40 FedEx team members will join the Arbor Day Foundation and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) to plant 31 trees at Sanders School in the Mars Hill neighborhood. Volunteers will plant shade - [Jeremy Kranowitz Welcome Blog](https://www.kibi.org/2019/09/17/jeremy-kranowitz-welcome-blog/) - For the past 30 years, I have dedicated my career to making the world of tomorrow a better place than it was today. That’s just one of the many reasons I am thrilled and honored to join the team at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. My sustainability journey began during my undergrad days, when I frequently visited - [JEREMY KRANOWITZ APPOINTED PRESIDENT & CEO OF KEEP INDIANAPOLIS BEAUTIFUL](https://www.kibi.org/2019/08/15/jeremy-kranowitz-appointed-president-ceo-of-keep-indianapolis-beautiful/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ashley Haynes, Director of MarketingKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. communications@kibi.org Jeremy Kranowitz Appointed President & CEO of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful Indianapolis, IN - [IUPUI TO PLANT 50 TREES ON CAMPUS WITH KEEP INDIANAPOLIS BEAUTIFUL](https://www.kibi.org/2019/04/22/iupui-to-plant-50-trees-on-campus-with-keep-indianapolis-beautiful/) - MEDIA ALERTContact: Ashley Haynes, Director of MarketingKeep Indianapolis Beautiful248-760-6995trees@kibi.org IUPUI to plant 50 trees on campus with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful to celebrate the university’s 50th anniversary and Arbor Day.Students and faculty volunteer with IUPUI Sustainability and Campus Facility Services for an on-campus Arbor Day tree planting. INDIANAPOLIS – (April 23, 2019) IUPUI students, staff, and faculty - [Indy Leaders in Sustainability: Why does it matter?](https://www.kibi.org/2021/06/22/indy-leaders-in-sustainability-why-does-it-matter/) - I’m one of those people who turned a hobby into a career. Before I started working at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, I was a volunteer who did the hard work of picking up litter and planting trees because I believed in helping people and nature thrive. When I tell that story, some people are skeptical. But - [INDIANAPOLIS SCHOOLS INVITED TO CREATE LITTER PSA VIDEOS](https://www.kibi.org/2017/10/02/indianapolis-schools-invited-to-create-litter-psa-videos/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. C: 317-793-2871cleanneighborhoods@kibi.org Indianapolis Schools Invited to Create PSA Videos about Littering for a Chance to Win $1,000Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, It’s My City and FOX59 host competition for Marion County students MARION COUNTY (October 2, 2017) — To build awareness of littering, the “It’s My City Litter PSA Contest” was - [INDIANA FEVER JOINS KEEP INDIANAPOLIS BEAUTIFUL](https://www.kibi.org/2019/05/10/indiana-fever-joins-keep-indianapolis-beautiful/) - MEDIA ALERTContact: Ashley Haynes, Director of MarketingKeep Indianapolis Beautiful248-760-6995volunteer@kibi.org Indiana fever joins keep indianapolis beautiful to plant 20 trees In celebration of team’s 20th season The Indiana Fever will team with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB), an environmental and community nonprofit, to plant 20 trees to help beautify Indianapolis and celebrate its contribution to the city through its - [ICE MILLER ATTORNEYS AND STAFF PLANT TREES AND BEAUTIFY WITH KEEP INDIANAPOLIS BEAUTIFUL FOR DAY OF SERVICE](https://www.kibi.org/2018/10/04/ice-miller-attorneys-and-staff-plant-trees-and-beautify-with-keep-indianapolis-beautiful-for-day-of-service/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Ashley Haynes, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. volunteer@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 Amanda Stanley, Ice Miller LLP Amanda.stanley@icemiller.com c: 317-236-2218 Ice Miller Attorneys and Staff Plant Trees and Beautify with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful for Day of Service Tomorrow INDIANAPOLIS – (October 4, 2018) Washington Park will receive new trees and beautification on Friday, October 5, with the help - [FIRST WEED WRANGLE® INDIANA](https://www.kibi.org/2019/05/17/first-weed-wrangle-indiana/) - MEDIA ALERTContact: Ashley Haynes, Director of MarketingKeep Indianapolis Beautiful248-760-6995dnl@kibi.org INDIANAPOLIS – (May 18, 2019) Join the Marion County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) for the first Weed Wrangle® Indiana event in Indianapolis. Participate in habitat restoration efforts along the city’s waterways and learn about several prominent local invasive plants from field experts. The 1st Indy - [FEDEX CARES TEAMS UP WITH KIB](https://www.kibi.org/2018/04/12/fedex-cares-teams-up-with-kib/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. development@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 FedEx Cares and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful Team Up in Community Habitat RestorationFall Creek Trail to be cleared of invasive plants on Monday with the help of FedEx volunteers INDIANAPOLIS – (April 12, 2018) Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB) will lead a volunteer day with FedEx - [FALLing into the 2020 Planting Season](https://www.kibi.org/2020/09/30/falling-into-the-2020-planting-season/) - I have been thinking a lot recently about faith, compassion, and how to support Keep Indianapolis Beautiful’s community through the challenges 2020 has presented us all. For me, last week marked the most important dates in the Jewish calendar—Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). The tradition on Rosh Hashanah - [EFROYMSON FAMILY FUND AWARDS $115,000 GRANT TO KIB FOR COMMUNITY GREENING](https://www.kibi.org/2017/10/12/efroymson-family-fund-awards-115000-grant-to-kib-for-community-greening/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. development@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 Efroymson Family Fund awards $115,000 grant to KIB for community greening INDIANAPOLIS – (October 12, 2017) Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB) announced today that the Efroymson Family Fund has awarded KIB a $115,000 grant for beautification efforts, green initiatives, and programming. The largest grant ever - ["CITY NATURE CHALLENGE" KICKS OFF](https://www.kibi.org/2018/04/25/city-nature-challenge-kicks-off/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Rufus Cochran, Indiana Sciences ScienceMarchIND@gmail.com c: 317-721-6604 Ashley Haynes, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. engage@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 CITIZEN AND COMMUNITY SCIENTIST “CITY NATURE CHALLNEGE” KICKS OFF TOMORROW IN INDIANAPOLIS AND ACROSS THE WORLD Indianapolis to Compete in Third Annual ‘Challenge’ Against Over 65 Participating Cities on Five Continents and nearly 300 Partnering Museums, Science Centers - [600 VOLUNTEERS EXPECTED FOR KIB'S GREAT INDY CLEANUP IN SOUTH INDY](https://www.kibi.org/2018/04/24/600-volunteers-expected-for-kibs-great-indy-cleanup-in-south-indy/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. cleanneighborhoods@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 South Indy Quality of Life Neighborhoods to Receive a Spring Cleaning with the Help of Over 600 Keep Indianapolis Beautiful Volunteers this SaturdayKIB, City of Indianapolis to host annual April Great Indy Cleanup Focus Neighborhood event with community volunteers on Saturday to clean eight of - [2019 IPL PROJECT GREENSPACES SELECTED](https://www.kibi.org/2018/09/25/2019-ipl-project-greenspaces-selected/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. dnl@kibi.org c: 317-793-2871 IPL Project GreenSpace Recipients Selected for Transformation in 2019 by Keep Indianapolis BeautifulNeighborhood diversity, building community, and need underscore upcoming greenspace INDIANAPOLIS — (September 25, 2018) Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB) announces three new community greenspace projects awarded as part of KIB’s IPL Project GreenSpace - [2018 IPL PROJECT GREENSPACE RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED](https://www.kibi.org/2017/09/12/2018-ipl-project-greenspace-recipients-announced/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. C: 317-793-2871dnl@kibi.org IPL Project GreenSpace Recipients Selected for Transformation in 2018 by Keep Indianapolis BeautifulNeighborhood diversity, cohesion and need underscore upcoming greenspace INDIANAPOLIS — (September 12, 2017) Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB) announces five new community greenspace projects awarded as part of KIB’s IPL Project GreenSpace program for 2018. - [2018 IPL PROJECT GREENSPACE RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED - CLONED](https://www.kibi.org/2017/09/12/2018-ipl-project-greenspace-recipients-announced-cloned/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ashley HaynesKeep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. C: 317-793-2871dnl@kibi.org IPL Project GreenSpace Recipients Selected for Transformation in 2018 by Keep Indianapolis BeautifulNeighborhood diversity, cohesion and need underscore upcoming greenspace INDIANAPOLIS — (September 12, 2017) Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB) announces five new community greenspace projects awarded as part of KIB’s IPL Project GreenSpace program for 2018. - [Volunteer Spotlight: Maithilee Das Lappin](https://www.kibi.org/2025/01/21/volunteer-spotlight-maithilee-das-lappin/) - This month, we are thrilled to shine a light on an exceptional volunteer, KIB Board Member, Adopt-A-Block Captain, Tree Tender, and Ambassador, Maithilee Das Lappin. Maithilee has been a driving force in the KIB community since she moved to Indianapolis after graduating from Purdue in 2015. Always eager to make a difference, she quickly became - [KIB Board Welcomes New Members and Honors Legacy](https://www.kibi.org/2024/12/18/kib-board-welcomes-new-members-and-honors-legacy/) - As we enter a new year at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB), we are thrilled to introduce two new board members and highlight updates to our leadership team. These individuals bring a wealth of experience and passion for making Indianapolis a greener, more vibrant place to live, work, and play. At the same time, we want - [Rebuilding Indianapolis’ Tree Canopy: The Good, the Bad, and How to Get Involved](https://www.kibi.org/2024/10/01/rebuilding-indianapolis-tree-canopy-the-good-the-bad-and-how-to-get-involved/) - As the President and CEO of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB), I’m writing to you with a story that has both a challenging side and a hopeful future—especially if we work together. Let’s start with the tough part. A recent study by American Forests found that over the past decade, Indianapolis’ tree canopy has declined—from covering - [Five Powerful Ways High School Students Can Make a Difference](https://www.kibi.org/2024/07/08/five-powerful-ways-high-school-students-can-make-a-difference/) - Volunteering plays a vital role in building a strong, vibrant community. When we give our time and effort to help others, we not only improve the lives of those around us, but also enrich our own lives. At Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB), we believe in the power of community and the difference each person can - [Keep Indianapolis Beautiful named Affiliate of the Month by Keep America Beautiful](https://www.kibi.org/2023/02/06/keep-indianapolis-beautiful-keep-america-beautifuls-affiliate-of-the-month-for-february-2023/) - Keep America Beautiful® is proud to announce our next Affiliate of the Month. In this KAB initiative, we feature the great work being done in our network of 700 certified affiliates. Our Affiliate of the Month for January 2023 is Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. Keep Indianapolis Beautiful is being recognized for the Innovation Awards they received - [KEEP INDIANAPOLIS BEAUTIFUL'S DAVID FORSELL RECOGNIZED WITH J. STERLING MORTON AWARD](https://www.kibi.org/2018/04/19/keep-indianapolis-beautifuls-david-forsell-recognized-with-j-sterling-morton-award/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information:Danny CohnArbor Day Foundation402-473-9563dcohn@arborday.org Keep Indianapolis Beautiful’s David Forsell Recognized with J. Sterling Morton Award International Arbor Day Foundation Award Honors Lifelong Commitment to Tree Planting LINCOLN, Neb. (April 19, 2018) – The Arbor Day Foundation has announced today that David Forsell has been awarded the Foundation’s J. Sterling Morton Award which recognizes - [THOUSANDS OF NEW CITY TREES TO GO WHERE DATA SHOWS THEY’RE NEEDED MOST](https://www.kibi.org/2021/09/30/thousands-of-new-city-trees-to-go-where-data-shows-theyre-needed-most/) - View Full Story Here. - [Affiliate Award of Excellence](https://www.kibi.org/2017/04/02/keep-america-beautiful/) - Keep America Beautiful - [President’s Circle Recognition Award](https://www.kibi.org/2015/05/04/organizational-awards/) - Keep America Beautiful - [Platinum Seal of Transparency](https://www.kibi.org/2020/04/02/guidestar/) - [IUPUI Charles R. Bantz Chancellor’s Community Fellowship Award](https://www.kibi.org/2017/04/02/iupui-charles-r-bantz-chancellors-community-fellowship-award/) - Dr. Gabriel Filippelli, recognized for work related to lead poisoning research, including citizen science involving KIB’s Urban Naturalists - [Award for Excellence in Volunteer Mangement](https://www.kibi.org/2011/08/25/award-for-excellence-in-volunteer-mangement/) - National Arbor Day Foundation - [Platinum Transparency Candid](https://www.kibi.org/2023/05/04/another-award/) - KIB is among the top 0.1% of charities nationally in terms of transparency and shares clear and important information with the public. - [Largest painting by numbers mural](https://www.kibi.org/2008/05/04/program-project-awards/) - Lilly Global Day of Service; 14,300 sq. ft. created by 2,409 volunteers - [World’s largest chalk pavement art display](https://www.kibi.org/2017/05/04/guiness-world-records/) - Lilly Global Day of Service; 811 5-foot-by-5-foot squares, or 4,055 feet long - [Planting seeds of unity and growth](https://www.kibi.org/2024/04/03/planting-seeds-of-unity-and-growth/) - 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 - [Empowering Youth, Tree Health, and Buzzworthy Backyards: Reflections from Keep America Beautiful conference](https://www.kibi.org/2024/02/22/empowering-youth-tree-health-and-buzzworthy-backyards-reflections-from-keep-america-beautiful-conference/) - Earlier this month, I had the privilege of speaking on two separate panels at the national Keep America Beautiful conference in San Diego, California, discussing the importance of greenspaces in our cities. One panel focused on the benefits of engaging youth in maintaining greenspaces once established. KIB stands as a national leader, boasting our Youth - [Celebrating a year of impact](https://www.kibi.org/2023/12/27/celebrating-a-year-of-impact/) - We've been making our city cleaner, greener, and friendlier since 1976. With the support of our volunteers, advocates and partners, we continue to accomplish extraordinary things together. This year was no exception! We planted over 3,000 trees throughout Marion County. To date, we've added 50,000+ KIB-planted trees to the urban canopy. These trees are thriving, - [Local Faith Leaders Gather for Tree Planting](https://www.kibi.org/2023/11/28/local-faith-leaders-gather-for-tree-planting/) - For the last decade, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been touted as Giving Tuesday, a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. But for Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, it's Giving Treesday. On Tuesday, November 28, we partnered with the Center for Interfaith Cooperation to host “Giving Treesday” - [Bin Your Butts goes mobile](https://www.kibi.org/2023/10/23/bin-your-butts-goes-mobile/) - Allow me to the set the scene: a friend of mine was standing in her kitchen, carefully removing a staple from her tea bag, so that she could compost it. She considered herself an A+ composter and was happy to be doing her part to live more sustainably. The television was on, and as she - [UPDATED SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR VOLUNTEERING WITH KIB](https://www.kibi.org/2021/02/10/updated-safety-guidelines-for-volunteering-with-kib-2/) - SAFETY GUIDELINES: KIB takes your safety seriously. Masks or facial coverings are required to participate in all KIB volunteer activities at this time. Gloves are strongly recommended and are provided (feel free to bring them from home also). Your group will be no more than 25 volunteers per project leader, with separate meeting sites, tools, water, and hand sanitizer - [UPDATED SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR VOLUNTEERING WITH KIB](https://www.kibi.org/2021/07/14/updated-safety-guidelines-for-volunteering-with-kib/) - SAFETY GUIDELINES: KIB takes your safety seriously. Masks or facial coverings are strongly encouraged during all indoor events for nonvaccinated volunteers and at the project check-in and demonstration for all KIB volunteers at this time. We also ask you to stay home for 14 days or a negative test if you experience any of the symptoms of COVID-19. If all - [Illegal dumping is a problem in Indianapolis. Here's how you can help.](https://www.kibi.org/2023/07/10/scrub-hub-illegal-dumping-is-a-problem-in-indianapolis-heres-how-you-can-help/) - Summer Keown, KIB's director of clean neighborhoods, was recently featured in the IndyStar to discuss Illegal dumping and what you can do about it. From reporting issues to the Mayor's Action Center to organizing a Great Indy Cleanup, we've got you covered. Read the full story here. - [Lilly Endowment, Inc. funds KIB to tackle litter](https://www.kibi.org/2022/07/06/lilly-endowment-inc-funds-kib-to-tackle-litter/) - Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) a $3.78 million grant to mobilize efforts to clean up litter along several busy streets and waterways in Indianapolis, furthering KIB’s mission to create and maintain vibrant public places where people and nature thrive. Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) has been tackling litter in our city with - [Keep Indianapolis Beautiful selects three Indy neighborhoods for investment and revitalization through AES Indiana Project Greenspace](https://www.kibi.org/2022/09/20/keep-indianapolis-beautiful-selects-three-indy-neighborhoods-for-investment-and-revitalization-through-aes-indiana-project-greenspace/) - Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB) announced today three new community greenspace projects for 2023, awarded as part of the organization’s AES Indiana Project GreenSpace program. This competitive process reviews applications from community groups looking to transform vacant lots into thriving neighborhood gathering places. There are nearly 60 of these greenspaces across Indianapolis, connecting people to nature, creating - [Lilly Day of Service brings out hundreds of employees to help clean up, brighten Indianapolis community.](https://www.kibi.org/2022/09/23/lilly-day-of-service-brings-out-hundred-of-employees-to-help-cleanup-brighten-indianapolis-community/) - There will be different sites around Indianapolis where 950 Lilly employees will be doing 19 different projects to help spiff up parts of the town on Thursday as part of the Lilly Global Day of Service. View the video here: https://www.wishtv.com/lifestylelive/lilly-day-of-service-brings-out-hundred-of-employees-to-help-cleanup-brighten-indianapolis-community/ - [Indianapolis Recycling FAQs](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/08/indianapolis-recycling-faqs/) - Does the City drop off locations accept cardboard for recycling? Yes, the City drop off containers accept cardboard, ream wrappers, file folders, poster board, frozen food boxes, cardboard boxes, milk cartons, and cereal box-type paperboard. Please visit Indiana Recycling Coalition's Recycle page to find locations in Marion County, or sign up for curbside recycling with Republic Service. Can I - [Orchids: Not Just a Tropical Treasure](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/30/orchids-not-just-a-tropical-treasure/) - This past weekend, a friend and I spent an afternoon at the Indianapolis Museum of Art to see their current exhibit, Orchids: Cultivating Beauty. The exhibit features hundreds of beautiful orchids from all over the world, each unique in their own way. The orchids are currently on display in the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse, but - [The Danger of CoDom Stems](https://www.kibi.org/2018/12/06/the-danger-of-codom-stems/) - Yep ... you read that correctly. CoDom stems are a danger to tree health. Here is an easy way to protect your tree. The term “co-dominant stem” is used to describe a tree that is composed of two main stems or leaders. Both stems are usually the same in diameter and length. As the tree - [Recycling Plastics? Yes, please!](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/08/recycling-plastics-yes-please/) - Annie Hostetter, Indiana Recycling Coalition's program manager, guest blogs about the fantastic work the IRC is doing--be sure to check in all week for their posts! From water bottles at the gym, to cups from your favorite coffee shop, gallons of milk, kid’s toys, straws, yogurt containers, and to-go containers and more, plastic is everywhere! - [The Three Cut Pruning Method: What is it?](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/02/the-three-cut-pruning-method-what-is-it/) - What is the three cut pruning method? The three cut pruning method is a strategy used to remove larger limbs from a tree. Why is it used? This method is used to reduce the weight of the branch and make a clean proper cut. If a heavy weighted branch is removed improperly, the bark of the tree - [Don't be in the dark! Learn how to ID trees by their bark.](https://www.kibi.org/2018/10/31/dont-be-in-the-dark-learn-how-to-id-trees-by-their-bark/) - After our recent cold snap, you may be itching to get back outside and stretch your legs. As the temperatures rise and the days get a little bit longer, the outdoors become more inviting. A hike in the woods is a great way to stave off the winter blues, and if you’re a tree nerd - [Volunteerism in Indianapolis](https://www.kibi.org/2023/04/04/volunteerism-in-indianapolis/) - At Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, we rely on thousands of Hoosiers every year who help us co-create a city that is cleaner, greener, healthier, and safer. Last year, everyday citizens happily donated 16,660 hours to help us plant trees, create new greenspaces, and remove litter from our streets. When one of us lends a hand, it - [Volunteers step up to clean up waste on Earth Day](https://www.kibi.org/2023/04/25/volunteers-step-up-to-clean-up-waste-on-earth-day/) - Earth Day is a time for people across the globe to come together to show support for protecting our planet and the environment. In Indiana, communities across the state participated in clean-up events as part of Earth Day celebrations. One of those events happened in a local neighborhood on the northwest side of Indianapolis. Keep - [Plant This, Not That](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/01/plant-this-not-that/) - Joey Ponce of City in Green has developed a visual, educational guide to planting pollinator friendly native plants. His City in Green project focuses on the documentation and hopeful proliferation of native plants, organic gardening and environmental curiosities in an urban landscape. City in Green hopes to reconnect the city to its roots by reintroducing the practices - [Giant Trees to Fight Climate Change](https://www.kibi.org/2018/10/31/giant-trees-to-fight-climate-change/) - Most Americans are aware that some of our biggest trees reside in California. They are the Giant Sequoia and Coastal Redwood. Giant Sequoias grow to an average height of 170 feet to 280 feet and are among some of the oldest living things on the earth. One family in Michigan believes that these trees hold - [Working with Urban and Suburban Soils](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/07/working-with-urban-and-suburban-soils/) - Maria Gulley is the horticulturist at Gardens of Growth, a full service landscape design, build and maintenance firm, where she also manages the company blog. She guests blogs about her experience volunteering as a Tree Tender for KIB and her passion for the value of urban trees and greenspaces, and enhancing our communities. When a soil - [Ruckle Street Pocket Park](https://www.kibi.org/2013/01/01/ruckle-street-pocket-park/) - 2927 PARK AVENUE, 46205 This area formerly lacked open greenspace for residents to participate in recreation activities, host neighborhood and family gatherings and ultimately have immediate access for improvements in their everyday quality of life. IMPORTANCE OF THIS PROJECT This project will accomplish: Including community building initiatives Increasing recreational space for its residents Improving the - [Mulch Madness](https://www.kibi.org/2018/12/06/mulch-madness/) - Did you know that KIB used over 2,000 yards of mulch last year with our projects? To be exact it was 2,119 yards which comes out to about 210 trucks full! That may seem like a lot however this is also very important to our work here at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. Mulch has lots of great benefits to - [Forest Bathing in Indy](https://www.kibi.org/2020/08/24/forest-bathing-in-indy/) - One of the great pleasures I have always enjoyed—and one that is still available and fully amazing to do during the coronavirus pandemic—is the act of “forest bathing.” This is the English translation of “shinrin-yoku,” a Japanese phrase that means taking in the forest through all the senses. Forest bathing means uncovering the restorative power - [Ransom Place Pocket Park](https://www.kibi.org/2015/01/01/ransom-place-pocket-park/) - The Ransom Place Neighborhood Association and KIB worked together to turn an underutilized lot, across from the Cultural Trail, into a pocket park and gateway into the neighborhood. The community’s vision was not only to be a gathering space with stage/deck for residents but highlight the historic significance of Ransom Place and serve as an outdoor classroom for - [Purpose Park: Living Up to its Name](https://www.kibi.org/2018/10/26/purpose-park-living-up-to-its-name/) - These days, when Danny Marquez looks out the front window of his Indianapolis home, he sees hope. It wasn’t always that way. “I used to look out the window and think, ‘God, there’s something wrong here. Kids were playing in muck piles. There was drug paraphernalia all over. Illegal dumping.” Danny says he had a - [Ringgold Park](https://www.kibi.org/2016/01/01/ringgold-park/) - 1513 RINGGOLD AVE; 46203 An underutilized neighborhood park given new life by incorporating native plantings and a refreshed plan by partnering with Indy Parks. VISION FOR THE SPACE Bates-Hendricks neighborhood residents are hoping to have a considerable impact on revitalizing their community park. Once a much larger part of the neighborhood, the park has been nearly - [Speedway Trailhead Park](https://www.kibi.org/2016/01/01/speedway-trailhead-park/) - Drawing on the international ties that makes the Town of Speedway a distinctive place within Marion County, the community is highlighting their ties to other racing communities and Sister Cities Motegi, Japan and Varano de’ Melegari, Italy through this Main Street Trailhead located at 4904 W. 16th Street, 46224. VISION FOR THE SPACE The Speedway Trailhead - [Mayor Joe Hogsett plants Indy's 30,000th tree, marking major milestone in city's increasing sustainability and resilience goals](https://www.kibi.org/2023/03/16/mayor-joe-hogsett-plants-indys-30000th-tree-marking-major-milestone-in-citys-increasing-sustainability-and-resilience-goals/) - Mayor Joe Hogsett, the Indianapolis Office of Sustainability and local nonprofit Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) gathered today to plant the 30,000th new tree in Indianapolis, celebrating the completion of a critical goal in Thrive Indianapolis as well as Indy’s 35 th official Tree City USA designation. Photos from the event are included below.The 30,000 trees included in - [IMS and KIB partner to plant trees on Georgetown Road.](https://www.kibi.org/2023/04/12/tree-planting-on-georgetown-road-open-testing-on-ims-road-course-for-indy-nxt-cars/) - Ahead of the 107th running of the Indy 500, KIB worked alongside IMS, Indy Car and racing teams to plant trees along Georgetown Road. See the full story from WISHTV below. - [Litter is getting cleaned up along 20 of Indy's busiest roads](https://www.kibi.org/2023/04/12/litter-is-getting-cleaned-up-along-20-of-indys-busiest-roads/) - Litter is getting cleaned up along some of the busiest roads across Indianapolis by a group known as "The Clean Team." "So we've been deploying people where it's most needed," Jeremy Kranowitz, President & CEO of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful said. Keep Indianapolis Beautiful has identified 20 busy roads that have a lot of litter using - [Keeping Midtown Clean: Lilly Endowment Grant Funds Workforce Development](https://www.kibi.org/2023/04/26/keeping-midtown-clean-lilly-endowment-grant-funds-workforce-development/) - Thanks to a $3.78 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) is working with partners to clean up litter along several busy streets and waterways in Indianapolis through 2025. Local partners include the City, Keys2Work, the White River Alliance, and Friends of the White River. Keys2Work is a nonprofit that works with - [JD Finish Line Foundation partners with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful](https://www.kibi.org/2023/05/17/jd-finish-line-foundation-partners-with-keep-indianapolis-beautiful/) - JD Finish Line Foundation has partnered with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful for the 2023 Employee Campaign where employees donated a portion of their paycheck to serve their corporate community on the Far Eastside of Indianapolis. Employees raised around $44,500 which was matched by the Foundation to support Keep Indianapolis Beautiful's mission for the Far Eastside. On - [Community Love Fest Clean-Up occurs hours after carjacking in same area](https://www.kibi.org/2023/06/12/community-love-fest-clean-up-occurs-hours-after-carjacking-in-same-area/) - Vests were on and buckets were in hand for day one of Community Love Fest. Love Fest is a grassroots effort to drive out hate with love across the city. It kicked off with the “Great Indy Clean-Up” along East 34th St. and Keystone Avenue. See the full story from FOX 59 below. - [Baumann Park](https://www.kibi.org/2013/01/01/baumann-park/) - NORTHWEST CORNER OF BEECHER AND SINGLETON STREETS, APPROX. 1829-1899 SINGLETON ST. IMPORTANCE OF THIS PROJECT This project will accomplish: A pocket park to transform four vacant lots into a programmed greenspace with added shade and understory trees, low maintenance landscape beds and a designated open space for the neighborhood. A shelter or patio for the - [Devington Bus Shelter and Greenspace](https://www.kibi.org/2013/01/01/devington-bus-shelter-and-greenspace/) - ARLINGTON AVENUE AND STAUGHTON DRIVE IMPORTANCE OF THIS PROJECT This project will accomplish: A new beautiful bus stop that is inviting to all and incorporates the greenspace around it. Strong connections to the senior housing development being constructed on Staughton Drive just west of the bus stop. Playing off of the mid-century motifs, this space - [Englewood Pocket Park](https://www.kibi.org/2013/01/01/englewood-pocket-park/) - 14 N. OXFORD STREET (BEHIND 23 N. RURAL ST, THE COMMONWEALTH There is a well-established community garden behind the newly restored Former IPS School 3 Building, now called The Commonwealth. This building will house 32 mixed-income apartments. Both the garden and the apartments were developed by Englewood Christian Church. This pocket park project is the - [Fletcher Park](https://www.kibi.org/2013/01/01/fletcher-park/) - BROOKSIDE AVE, E. 12TH ST AND ARSENAL AVE. KIB is working with the Windsor Park Neighborhood Association (WPNA) to restore this pocket park to the former beauty and amenities that the park once had 100 years ago after George Kessler designed the space as part of the Brookside Parkway. The triangle park will add to - [Irvington Plaza Greenspace](https://www.kibi.org/2013/01/01/irvington-plaza-greenspace/) - 6200 E. WASHINGTON ST. In 2012, the Irvington Terrace neighborhood was awarded an IPL Project GreenSpace grant from KIB for their vision of a community gathering space along the Pennsy Trail. This space is intended to raise awareness of the underused Pennsy Trail and to provide the community with a gathering space for neighborhood events. KIB worked with - [Paramount School for Excellence Pocket Park](https://www.kibi.org/2013/01/01/paramount-school-for-excellence-pocket-park/) - BROOKSIDE PARKWAY SOUTH AND PARKER ST. The Paramount Peace Park is a tree-canopy-art-park located at the corner of Brookside Parkway South Drive, and Nowland Avenue. Each year, new art pieces created by local artists will be woven into the canopy, allowing park-goers to become aware of our human connection to nature as their eyes are drawn - [McCord Park](https://www.kibi.org/2014/01/01/mccord-park/) - 36TH & WATSON RD This project revitalized a neglected pocket park in the heart of a neighborhood undergoing renovation. New, young, energetic residents teamed with long-term, mostly elderly residents to make this park a focal point for neighborhood activities. IMPORTANCE OF THIS PROJECT This project will accomplish: Creating a new beautiful pocket park out of - [Benedict Inn Peace & Nature Center](https://www.kibi.org/2014/01/01/benedict-inn-peace-nature-center/) - 1402 SOUTHERN AVENUE A native plant oasis and community meditation space will be constructed on the grounds of Benedict Inn. This space will serve as a welcoming gateway to the Beech Grove neighborhood, with long term plans to serve as a potential native outdoor laboratory. VISION FOR THE SPACEKIB and the Sisters of Benedict Inn - [Fletcher Place Gateway](https://www.kibi.org/2014/01/01/fletcher-place-gateway/) - KIB will work alongside Fletcher Place Neighborhood Association to create a vibrant gateway to the community utilizing native plants and public art. Additionally, this project will assist the community in development of a defined neighborhood identity and build upon the community engagement initiatives currently taking place in this neighborhood. VISION FOR THE SPACEKIB and the - [Historic Meridian Park Pocket Park](https://www.kibi.org/2014/01/01/historic-meridian-park-pocket-park/) - 33RD STREET, BETWEEN DELAWARE STREET & WASHINGTON BLVD. With a goal to develop a safe and beautiful space that residents of diverse backgrounds can connect, and improve their quality of life; KIB will work closely with the Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association (HMPNA) to put the park in Historic Meridian Park. The park will become - [Westminster Pocket Park](https://www.kibi.org/2014/01/01/westminster-pocket-park/) - 2305 E. NEW YORK ST. In 2014, KIB will work with Westminster Neighborhood Ministries to transform four lots on the southeast corner of New York St. & Beville Ave. into a pocket park for the local community, to complement Westminster’s new adult services community center. The space will serve as a defined gathering space for - [Merrill Street Townhomes Pocket Park](https://www.kibi.org/2014/01/01/merrill-street-townhomes-pocket-park/) - SOUTHWEST CORNER OF VIRGINIA AVE AND MERRILL ST IMPORTANCE OF THIS PROJECT This project will help accomplish: Provide a green backdrop for the Cultural Trail with trees for shade, sound insulation and seasonal interest. Enhancing the Virginia streetscape for visitors, merchants and residents. The Platform will serve as a viewing space for the park, as - [Indian Creek Reading Park](https://www.kibi.org/2014/01/01/indian-creek-reading-park/) - 10833 EAST 56TH STREET, LAWRENCE This very active environmentally oriented school has a huge natural play area and plantings behind the school. They have done amazing things with this area in the past 10 years. They also want to add a fruit orchard and community garden area. But this project is for a quiet reading - [The Oaks Academy](https://www.kibi.org/2014/01/01/the-oaks-academy/) - 2301 NORTH PARK AVENUE The Oaks Academy was established without much of a playground or any outdoor amenities. They approached KIB to build a pocket park / arboretum / outdoor classroom on the vacant lots across the alley from the school building. The City of Indianapolis is selling the land behind the school for them - [Webster Park](https://www.kibi.org/2014/01/01/webster-park/) - 48 SOUTH WEBSTER IMPORTANCE OF THIS PROEJCT This project will accomplish: Providing a park in an area with no public park nearby Providing a toddler playground, vegetable garden, picnic tables and grills Beautifying the area with flowers Incorporating an entrance arbor designed to evoke the gable of nearby houses. WORK STATUS This work is complete. Stop - [The Connect10n Gateway](https://www.kibi.org/2014/01/01/the-connect10n-gateway/) - E. 10TH ST., BETWEEN MASSACHUSETTS AVE. AND THE MONON TRAIL Keep Indianapolis Beautiful worked with the East 10th Street Civic Association to transform the area at the intersection of East 10th Street and the Monon Trail. THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS PROJECT This project will accomplish: Beautifying the median with trees and grass Transforming bridges and - [Highland Vicinity Park](https://www.kibi.org/2014/01/01/highland-vicinity-park/) - 2902 AND 2905 N. CAPITOL AVE. Keep Indianapolis Beautiful partnered with Boise Aspen Recycled Paper’s Project Up Campaign, the Alliance for Community Trees, People for Urban Progress, Synthesis Incorporated and Near North CDC to transform a long neglected, former brownfield site at 29th and Capital Avenue into a community asset. We contracted with Smock Fansler - [Millersville at Fall Creek Valley](https://www.kibi.org/2014/01/01/millersville-at-fall-creek-valley/) - WINDRIDGE/EMERSON WAY AND 56TH STREET KIB worked with the Millersville/Fall Creek Valley Neighborhood Association to beautify the commercial areas of Windridge / Emerson Way and 56th Street. THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS PROJECT This project will accomplish: Beautifying commercial areas to enhance the environment Helping to create and build pride in the community Sustainability by using - [IndyTilth](https://www.kibi.org/2014/01/16/indytilth/) - FAIRFIELD AND 34TH ST NEAR THE DOUBLE 8 FOOD STORE KIB collaborated with a local non-profit, IndyTilth to install native trees, shrubs and perennials and a large rain garden at the Double 8 Food Store near Fairfield and 34th Street in the Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood. THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS PROJECT This project will accomplish: Reducing - [Living Well Pocket Park and Community Garden](https://www.kibi.org/2014/01/16/living-well-pocket-park-and-community-garden/) - 2411 NORTH RURAL STREET Living Well Urban Farm hosted the community garden to provide garden plots, workshops and produce to neighbors in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood. Their mission is to educate and motivate, through demonstration, urban farming techniques. This work will exemplify that mission and create a large space for neighbors to gather and for the - [Paige Booker Park](https://www.kibi.org/2014/01/16/paige-booker-park/) - 858 NORTH PARKER The near east side is an area of high crime, low income, low home ownership, abandoned houses, decaying sidewalks, litter, and high weeds. In 2006, a mass murder of a family of seven occurred. Despite this, homeowners are working to turn the area around. The City created a TIF District, with funds - [Millersville at Fall Creek Preserve](https://www.kibi.org/2015/01/01/millersville-at-fall-creek-preserve/) - 56TH ST. & FALL CREEK PARKWAY NORTH DR. (NEAR 56TH & EMERSON AVE.) A partnership between Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, the Millersville at Fall Creek Valley Neighborhood Association, Indy Greenways and the City of Indianapolis Office of Sustainability dramatically enhanced a section of the Fall Creek Trail which the neighborhood adopted and improved over the last several years. Millersville residents created a community space - [Willard Park Green Corridor](https://www.kibi.org/2015/01/01/willard-park-green-corridor/) - 257 N. RANDOLPH ST & 252 N. PARKVIEW AVE Willard Park of Holy Cross-Westminster Civic Alliance, Riley Area Development Corporation and KIB are working together to create an eclectic pocket park between 257 N. Randolph St and 252 N. Parkview Ave. In the neighborhood where the Tribal Trellis Sings (graffiti garden) was born, this eccentric - [Cole Noble Gateway Greenspace](https://www.kibi.org/2016/01/01/cole-noble-gateway-greenspace/) - VISION FOR THE SPACE Wheeler Mission Ministries is partnered with Artistry, Flanner Buchannon Funeral Centers and Sun King within the Cole Noble District to enhance the gateway into the neighborhood at East St. and Market St, and replant the Market St. corridor. This neighborhood wide approach has several different elements. Along East St., concrete on - [Unity Park](https://www.kibi.org/2016/01/01/unity-park/) - 1907 CAROLINE AVE; 46218 A community teaching garden where native plants and community garden beds combine to serve as a gathering space for education and celebration in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood. VISION FOR THE SPACE Long time project partner, Felege Hiywot Center, wanted to take an underutilized lot adjacent to a city park and create a - [Springdale Greenspace at the Nowland Oak](https://www.kibi.org/2016/01/01/springdale-greenspace-at-the-nowland-oak/) - VISION FOR THE SPACE The Springdale Neighborhood, home of two of the City’s oldest and grandest chinquapin oak trees, is working to preserve and protect the space around the tree located off of Nowland Avenue through KIB’s IPL Project GreenSpace program. The neighborhood envisions a place for reflection to view the tree and learn about - [Mass Ave Pocket Park At Athenaeum](https://www.kibi.org/2017/01/01/mass-ave-pocket-park-at-athenaeum/) - 401 E. MICHIGAN; 46204 The Athenaeum Foundation hopes to enliven a small portion of greenspace in the Mile Square that is currently just turf grass. With support and input of the downtown community we hope to create an interactive space for nature, art, and gathering in the sea of concrete and asphalt. Though small in - [Pocket Park at Community Caring & Sharing](https://www.kibi.org/2017/01/01/pocket-park-at-community-caring-sharing/) - 2830 S. HOLT ROAD; 46241 The Mars Hill based food pantry on the west side, Community Caring and Sharing, hopes to remove a substantial amount of impervious pavement and concrete to create a pocket park and community garden in a neighborhood that has little access to greenspace. Palmer Trucks currently owns the lot but looks - [Pocket Park at Progress House](https://www.kibi.org/2017/01/01/pocket-park-at-progress-house/) - 201 S. SHELBY; 46202 Irish Hill based Progress House looks to add beauty in a currently underutilized lot just south of their location. The vision of this site will be to turn this lot into a tranquil gathering place for reflection and counsel for Progress House residents and others throughout the community. KIB looks forward - [Seven Secrets to Keep Indianapolis Beautiful’s Success](https://www.kibi.org/2018/09/20/seven-secrets-to-keep-indianapolis-beautifuls-success/) - I’m on a Southwest Flight to Washington D.C. today. Ever notice their logo? A heart is at the center. As I prepared to speak at a conference of 1,000 millennials about social entrepreneurship and the urban environment, I built a list of ten or twelve top-of-mind reasons that have been “secrets” to KIB’s growth and - [KIB Community Journal Coming Soon!](https://www.kibi.org/2018/09/24/kib-community-journal-coming-soon/) - Welcome to Keep Indianapolis Beautiful's new Community Journal! Ever wondered what types of perennials you should plant every spring and fall? Curious about the people behind our projects? You'll find all that and more, right here. We're working on getting all that content added to the journal ... please pardon our sawdust! - [David and Lori: KIB’s “Starr” Volunteers](https://www.kibi.org/2018/10/26/david-and-lori-kibs-starr-volunteers/) - Ah, the odd places that volunteers receive their positive feedback. For David Starr, it was in the dentist’s chair. “What have you been up to lately?” the dentist asked politely. David described a recent KIB volunteer project at Ellenberger Park, clearing invasive plants from the banks of Pleasant Run Creek. “That was you?!” he exclaimed. - [The Best Time To Plant a Tree: Twenty Years Ago](https://www.kibi.org/2018/10/26/the-best-time-to-plant-a-tree-twenty-years-ago/) - The Second Best Time: With Help from KIB and Your Neighbors Sometimes, all it takes is one neighbor with a good idea. Of course, it helps if he (or she) has a bunch of friends. And beer. Two years ago, one outdoorsy doctor had an idea: his street could use some more trees. Now, a - [Peace and Nature Garden](https://www.kibi.org/2018/10/26/peace-and-nature-garden/) - Sister Angela Jarboe tiptoes into a garden bed, making sure not to step on the emerging crown of Black Eyed Susan. About eight feet in from the winding path of the Peace and Nature Garden, she spots what she’s looking for: a stick containing the husky egg sac of a praying mantis, right where she - [Building Flower Beds … and Community](https://www.kibi.org/2018/10/26/building-flower-beds-and-community/) - When the students at IPS’ Eleanor Skillen School #34 look out the window, they see more than just traffic whizzing by. They see apple trees.And raised vegetable beds.And coming this fall, sunflowers. It’s quite an improvement from the day when first grader Ariana Rebeles looked out her classroom window, and saw litter. She recruited a - [Ruth Shaw: Leading by Example](https://www.kibi.org/2018/10/26/ruth-shaw-leading-by-example/) - Here’s one thing you need to know about Ruth Shaw:Don’t ever tell her you “don’t have time” to help out. Ask anyone in her St. Clair neighborhood: for the 40 years she’s lived there, Ruth has made the time. Ruth and Darrell Shaw bought their house in the St. Clair Place neighborhood on the Indianapolis Near Eastside - [Combat Holiday Blues with Time in Nature](https://www.kibi.org/2018/10/31/combat-holiday-blues-with-time-in-nature/) - We are now in the thick of the holiday season. For many, this time of the year is filled with joy, laughter, and delicious foods enjoyed with family and friends surrounded by warmth and love. For others, it can be a little bit harder to fully embrace the holiday spirit. Entertaining long-lost Aunts and Uncles, - [Create an Outdoor Classroom at Your School Through KIB’s GreenKids Program](https://www.kibi.org/2018/10/31/create-an-outdoor-classroom-at-your-school-through-kibs-greenkids-program/) - Did you know the average American child spends 7.5 hours per day in front of a screen? That’s over 2,737 hours (yikes!) a year that kids spend indoors with their eyes are glued to televisions, computers, tablets and smart phones. Keep Indianapolis Beautiful hopes to counter this growing epidemic through our GreenKids Program—a multi-year partnership - [Use Common Names with Caution](https://www.kibi.org/2018/10/31/use-common-names-with-caution/) - To achieve full plant nerd status one must try to use the scientific name (sometimes called the Latin name) when speaking about plants. Every plant has one scientific name that consists of the genus name, species name and when necessary, the cultivar name. Scientific names are important because the common names are very often are - [Trees, Green, and Deep Breathing](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/01/trees-green-and-deep-breathing/) - On October 20, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful will host the 2016 RUN(317) season finale. Like KIB, the RUN(317) series highlights everything we love everything about the (317). Three cheers for all of this year's participants! I am a runner. I have run races and trained in different cities around the world. I experienced all kinds of - [The Future of Plant Maintenance?](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/02/the-future-of-plant-maintenance/) - Curious about how much sunlight and water your front garden bed is getting? There’s an app for that. As a grower of all things green, this seems like the lazy man’s way to growing things. However, this could very well be the future of plant maintenance. For $50, the wireless Flower Power Plant monitor can - [Loosen Up (Your Soil)](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/01/loosen-up-your-soil/) - Help Those Plants Thrive And Loosen Up (Your Soil)! In order to grow and thrive, tree roots need water and oxygen. In soil that has been highly compacted, very little water and oxygen can penetrate down into the ground. As a result, root growth is hampered and tree health suffers. At certain planting sites with - [Let's See How Dirty You Can Get, Indy!](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/01/lets-see-how-dirty-you-can-get-indy/) - As we celebrate 40 years of keeping Indy beautiful, we know you have been by our sides the entire time—we couldn't do it without you! We also know you love a free t-shirt (who wouldn't) and we know we've handed out thousands of them; some super colorful and some sparkling white. The time has come - [Invasive Species? There's an App for That](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/01/invasive-species-theres-an-app-for-that/) - Did you know there's a social network for detecting and reporting invasive species? I had the good fortune to attend the Midwest Great Lakes Society for Ecological Restoration (MGLSER, catchy…no?) conference in Bloomington last month with a few of my colleagues. We were able to hear fascinating presentations from land managers, conservation groups and researchers from - [Driving with a Trailer: Learning to Roll with it](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/01/driving-with-a-trailer-learning-to-roll-with-it/) - Amy Shackelford is one of the 2016 KIB Youth Tree Team leaders. TheYouth Tree Team (YTT) works to preserve and maintain the trees KIB plants through our Community Forestry program. YTT seeks to promote professionalism, respect, personal and environmental responsibility, and teamwork in today’s high school students. I consider myself a smart and safe driver. - [A Topped Tree Is the Devil’s Playground](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/01/a-topped-tree-is-the-devils-playground/) - Maria Gulley is the horticulturist at Gardens of Growth, a full service landscape design, build and maintenance firm, where she also manages the company blog. She guests blogs about her experience volunteering as a Tree Tender for KIB and her passion for the value of urban trees and greenspaces, and enhancing our communities. I know it’s - [The Litter of Highland Park](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/02/the-litter-of-highland-park/) - Dan Remington, is a KIB Adopt-A-Block Captain and the brains behind the @LitterOfHighlandPark Instagram feed. He shares his insights into why he chose to adopt his block and why you should too—not to mention he's got this great Instgram account... Last year I joined the Adopt-A-Block program with KIB and became the Block Captain for - [Adventure and Advocate for Trees](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/02/adventure-and-advocate-for-trees/) - I have been blessed to have been born into a family of adventurers. One of our winter adventures since the young age of four was to ski with my family every weekend in northern Michigan and annually in Colorado. I just recently returned from my ski trip to Montana, keeping up the annual tradition over - [Confessions of a First-Time Adopt-A-Blocker: Part 1](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/02/confessions-of-a-first-time-adopt-a-blocker-part-1/) - The snow has melted, spring is here, and the one thing I want is to be outside. But recently, a stroll in the neighborhood became not so pleasant when I saw the pop bottles, candy wrappers, and grocery bags littering my street. Not content to look after only my own yard anymore, I knew what - [FAQ: What does KIB staff do during the winter?](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/02/faq-what-does-kib-staff-do-during-the-winter/) - ANSWER: Put on a coat! Safety of our volunteers and staff is one of KIB’s highest priorities. We regularly brush up on our safety skills with CPR, First Aid, Vehicle Safety and Tool Safety training days. We got lots of practice safely operating chainsaws while simultaneously clearing trees that had fallen across the nature trail - [Trees: Your Friends with Benefits](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/02/trees-your-friends-with-benefits/) - Holy cats, trees do so much! Not only to they make our city more beautiful and an all around better place to live, work and play; but they clean our air, water. We've complied our top 10 list of benefits our leafy companions provide—so prepared to be truly impressed. With out further ado, trees provide benefits - [Trees do tons of amazing work](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/02/trees-do-tons-of-amazing-work/) - ...and we want people to know it! This summer we have placed Value Tags on trees around the American Legion Mall and in a couple neighborhood parks to show people just how hard trees are working. For instance, check out this Shingle oak (Quercus imbricaria). It will give back more than $1,560 worth over its lifetime. That includes - [Community of Caring and Sharing](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/02/community-of-caring-and-sharing/) - The newly-planted trees and trellis that are part of the KIB-supported GreenSpace on South Holt Road have a long and colorful back-story that begins in the coalmines of rural Tennessee, with detours and delays, on their way to the Indianapolis southside neighborhood of Mars Hill. Just ask Maggie Wilson Phipps about the tons of concrete - ["Youth Tree Team was one of the best decisions I have ever made."](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/02/youth-tree-team-was-one-of-the-best-decisions-i-have-ever-made/) - My interview with Any'e Carson. This past weekend I was lucky enough to sit down and talk with a past Youth Tree Team member. Any’e is a junior at the University of Indianapolis, majoring in community health education. She graduated from Tech High School in 2012. Any’e is truly one of the many successful young - [NOPAL Cultural - ""Inspired by the love of Latino arts and culture.""](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/02/nopal-cultural-inspired-by-the-love-of-latino-arts-and-culture/) - Eduardo Luna is one of the founders of NOPAL Cultural, one of the organizations behind the Purpose Park in the Hawthorne Neighborhood. His passion for community and the Latino-American heritage is inspiring. Eduardo was kind enough to answer some questions about NOPAL Cultural, with hopes to spread the word about this awesome community organization, and hopefully - [Top 10 Benefits of Urban Trees](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/02/top-10-benefits-of-urban-trees/) - Maria Gulley is the horticulturist at Gardens of Growth, a full service landscape design, build and maintenance firm, where she also manages the company blog. She guests blogs about her experience volunteering as a Tree Tender for KIB and her passion for the value of urban trees and greenspaces, and enhancing our communities. We love - [Don't Get Stranded on ""Heat Island""](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/02/dont-get-stranded-on-heat-island/) - Q: If you were stranded on "heat island" what is one thing you would bring with you? A: A tree! Yay! It’s almost summertime in the city! It’s hard not to enjoy Indy’s summer weather, especially when we have to deal with cold yucky weather all winter long. Along with the hot weather, Indian’s games, and the - [Biking to Work](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/30/biking-to-work/) - Part of my hazing as a new employee of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful was being tasked with the thoroughly delightful job of riding a bicycle. Last week was National Bike to Work Week, and I embraced it fully. Though I had more things on my checklist before work, my mornings felt longer, and I felt more - [Tree Cheers for OAKtober!](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/30/tree-cheers-for-oaktober/) - Oaks know no borders. For that reason we celebrated OAKtober with our Illinois friends this weekend. Illinois has designated October as Oak Awareness Month and for good reason. They provide many benefits including reducing air pollutants, collecting storm water which cleans our rivers, cools our cities, and of course, provide beauty. Another extremely important benefit - [Little Fletcher Place Addition is a BIG Improvement](https://www.kibi.org/2018/12/06/little-fletcher-place-addition-is-a-big-improvement/) - Glenn Blackwood is an Adopt-A-Block Captain for the Fletcher Place neighborhood. He is a true community advocate as he is the President for the neighborhood association, and has been greatly involved with the development of the Fletcher Place Gateway GreenSpace at the intersection of Pine and Fletcher at the I-65/70 off-ramp. The city benefits greatly - [Keeping an eye on the rain & how you can help!](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/07/keeping-an-eye-on-the-rain-how-you-can-help/) - Spring is coming! Spring is coming! Along with warmer temperatures and sunshine, this also means rain… but you won’t hear me complaining. In fact, I love when it rains because it means our trees are getting a nice healthy drink. Each week from leaf out (typically April) to leaf drop (typically October) we need to water - [Planting Trees and Harvesting Data](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/07/planting-trees-and-harvesting-data/) - You may not know it, but the Community Forestry department at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) has been collecting data on our newly planted trees for almost 10 years. Specifically, we collect the GPS coordinates of each tree on the day of planting, and then we link those GPS points to other tree data, such as - [We All Have a Part in Keeping Indy Beautiful](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/07/we-all-have-a-part-in-keeping-indy-beautiful/) - With bitter temperatures setting in and trees losing their leaves, many folks start to notice the litter collecting along Indy streets and alleyways; and every year we tend to get the same question: What are YOU going to do about all this trash?! In fact, litter is everyone’s concern in the city. We all want - [Community Tree Watering is More Effective Done Together](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/07/community-tree-watering-is-more-effective-done-together/) - If you have ever been responsible for watering a plant you know that it is easy to forget. When they are in need of water they don’t whine or bark, they just begin to quietly wilt. Based on research conducted by Sarah Mincey and Jessica Vogt at Indiana University’s Bloomington Urban Forestry Research Group (BUFRG) - [People start pollution. People can stop.](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/07/people-start-pollution-people-can-stop/) - Did you know that Keep Indianapolis Beautiful operates as an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful (KAB)? There are many organizations like us across the country, working to build and sustain vibrant communities, and together our history is rich. Take, for example, this campaign in the ‘70s by KAB focusing on one simple idea. Keep America Beautiful - [Trees and Sidewalks: An Alternative Perspective](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/07/trees-and-sidewalks-an-alternative-perspective/) - Ever since humans began farming and building cities 12,000 years ago, there has been an epic struggle between nature and infrastructure. This conflict continues today as we mow our lawn, rake leaves and pull or spray weeds. We love nature in our city, but only when it behaves as we intended. This brings me to - [Go Local—Plant Natives!](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/07/go-local-plant-natives/) - Deb Bonte of INPAWS, the Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society blogs about INPAWS upcoming native plant sale and the need to plant a native landscape. Why plant native flowers, shrubs and trees in your yard? It makes sense that native plants are already well adapted to Indiana soils and climate, requiring less maintenance and especially less - [Basic Tree Care & Maintenance](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/07/basic-tree-care-maintenance/) - Starting your tree out right- Mulching: Mulch is an organic product that is spread around the base of the tree, over the area above its root zone. Mulch helps keep roots cool in summer and warm in winter. It keeps weeds down and helps hold moisture. A “moat” of mulch, about 2-3” deep, also helps protect against - [To Stake or Not to Stake](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/08/to-stake-or-not-to-stake/) - It’s still cold outside, but the recent rains and short bout of warm weather were enough to thaw the ground and give us a chance to get some work done. A few of the trees we planted along the medians on Arlington Avenue last fall started to lean. Some were even getting close to the - [Recent Community Forestry Research](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/08/recent-community-forestry-research/) - Knowing the science behind the impacts of community tree plantings has shaped the way KIB approaches our work. With neighborhood tree planting requests coming from the grass root level it is validating to see our efforts have a direct impact on helping people and nature thrive. Below are two initiatives that have helped shape our - [The Who, What, Where, When and Why of Recycling](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/08/the-who-what-where-when-and-why-of-recycling/) - Annie Hostetter, Indiana Recycling Coalition program manager, guest blogs about the fantastic work the IRC is doing--be sure to check in all week for her posts! The top five questions that the staff members of the Indiana Recycling Coalition are asked revolve around what can be recycled and where. People want to know where the best place is - [Why Trees: The Benefits of Green](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/08/why-trees-the-benefits-of-green/) - Indianapolis faces significant challenges to its environment and its residents’ quality of life. Environmental stressors are many. Recent reports in the Indianapolis Star have highlighted significant challenges to air quality, including the 9th worst US urban area for airborne particulate matter. Recent IUPUI research puts Center Township’s tree canopy at 15%; American Forests, a national - [How to have a “green” Thanksgiving](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/08/how-to-have-a-green-thanksgiving/) - It’s that time of the year again! Thanksgiving is fast approaching and it’s time to put aside our busy schedules to visit with friends and family, bundle up by the fire, and feed our faces with copious amounts of food. From juicy turkey, to mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and that mouthwatering homemade pumpkin pie - [Got Leaves? You Rake It. The City Will Take It](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/08/got-leaves-you-rake-it-the-city-will-take-it/) - Thanks to our friends at the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) for their awesome guest post--be sure to check out them out on Twitter via @IndyPIO/Indy DPW Services for update-to-date info (love those tweets from Lesley Gordon!) To ensure a successful collection effort, Indianapolis residents are asked to follow these simple guidelines: Place leaves in plastic bags. Place - [Structural Pruning of Young Trees](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/09/structural-pruning-of-young-trees/) - Our Crew Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) employees a crew of high school students and adult leaders who work to structurally prune trees planted by KIB three years ago (in 2012). This crew prunes young trees, in accordance with arboricultural best practices, to improve the physical structure of each tree. Our Goal Our goal in structural pruning is to - [Kennedy King Great Indy Cleanup](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/30/kennedy-king-great-indy-cleanup/) - Clarissa Hendershot-Thomas is Chair of the Neighborhood Cleanup committee for the Kennedy King Neighborhood Association Board of Directors. She is excited for neighbors, volunteers, and KIB to make Kennedy King the focus neighborhood of the the 2017 Great Indy Cleanup. In years past, the clean-up efforts for the Kennedy King Neighborhood have relied on a - [2017 October Great Indy Cleanup Focus Neighborhood: Kennedy King](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/30/2017-october-great-indy-cleanup-focus-neighborhood-kennedy-king/) - Clarissa Hendershot-Thomas is Chair of the Neighborhood Cleanup committee for the Kennedy King Neighborhood Association Board of Directors. She is excited for neighbors, volunteers, and KIB to focus on the Kennedy King neighborhood during the fall 2017 Great Indy Cleanup. Kennedy King is a well-loved community that has stood the test of time and continues - [School’s Out for Summer!](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/30/schools-out-for-summer/) - Being hired in April as the new Keep Indianapolis Beautiful KIB Clubs Coordinator, I was eager to start working with our five partner schools before the students left for summer vacation. After some standard onboarding (administrative forms, a welcome lunch, facility tours, etc) and some not-so-standard procedures (fleet training aka driving a F-350 dump truck!!), - [Chinquapin Oak Park](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/30/chinquapin-oak-park/) - In 2012, 296 years after it was planted, Chris Hartley noticed a tree. Hartley, then president of the Springdale Neighborhood Association, discovered that this neighborhood giant was on a lot slated for demolition. Working with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc., Hartley was able to protect the Chinquapin Oak as the city moved forward with clearing the - [Great Indy Cleanup 2017: BRAG Neighborhood](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/30/great-indy-cleanup-2017-brag-neighborhood/) - by BRAG resident Chris Dossman about how BRAG was selected to be the focus neighborhood for Great Indy Cleanup 2017 I love my city and I especially love my neighborhood. It saddens me to see all of the trash piling up along our streets, sidewalks and greenspace. Cleaning it up has become my passion (Just - [Wheelbarrows: The Unsung Heroes of KIB](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/30/wheelbarrows-the-unsung-heroes-of-kib/) - As I've sorted through hundreds of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful pictures from over the years, I've noticed a common thread: Wheelbarrows. These one wheeled, two legged beauties are everywhere in project photos, carrying shovels, flowers, and dirt. Here's a look back at some of the wheelbarrows of KIB. Here's a KIB Wheelbarrow assisting with a flower - [Rouge Tree: Drones in Urban Forestry](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/30/rouge-tree-drones-in-urban-forestry/) - I attended a very cool seminar at the 2016 Partners in Community Forestry Conference about the recent use of drone technology in the field of urban forestry. The seminar was presented by Dan Staley, of Analemma Resources LLC. Staley covered a variety of topics regarding drone use in urban forestry, including the current legal situation, the current capabilities of - [The Kids of Fletcher Place](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/30/the-kids-of-fletcher-place/) - Talk about the next generation of environmental stewards! The kids of Fletcher Place Neighborhood have formed their own association and are already knocking projects out of the park. My fellow Keep Indianapolis Beautiful colleague Ned and I were honored to be invited to their most recent monthly meeting. We asked them why they formed this - [Rethinking Our Streets](https://www.kibi.org/2018/12/05/rethinking-our-streets/) - by Lorraine Phillips Vavul Lorraine Phillips Vavul is a resident of Historic Meridian Park and works at Phillips Strategic Marketing and Planning and mentors students at Butler University’s Lacy School of Business on Career Development as an Executive Career Mentor. She volunteered and continues to volunteer to lead planning and implementation on Rethinking Our Streets. In - [Tree Dedication](https://www.kibi.org/2018/12/05/tree-dedication/) - What are you willing to do for your trees? My neighbor recently listed her house for what I believed to be a fairly low sum. She indicated one of the reasons it was lower than I might expect is because her house is on a septic system, not connected to the city sewer system. Unlike - [Field of Flags, Tree Flags That Is](https://www.kibi.org/2018/12/05/field-of-flags-tree-flags-that-is/) - If you drive past the Shadeland and English interchange, you will notice hundreds of tiny white flags flapping in the breeze. If you look closer, you will see each one is labeled with the name of a tree species. It is a sign of the immense impact volunteers will have on Thursday, September 29 for - [The Black Market of Nectar Robbing](https://www.kibi.org/2018/12/05/the-black-market-of-nectar-robbing/) - Nectar robbing is the practice of an organism piercing or biting though the corolla (petal) of a flower and directly gathering nectar rather than entering the flower through the natural opening. This result is a quicker drink of nectar and also typically bypasses the pollination process as nectar robbing causes the animal to avoid the - [Need a friend? You bet your Aster](https://www.kibi.org/2018/12/05/need-a-friend-you-bet-your-aster/) - I have heard several friends, colleague and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful project partners talking recently about their asters falling over. Why the heck do they do that? Well, like most of us, they need a friend to lean on. New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is typically the finale of most gardener’s landscape—putting on a fantastic show - [Back-to-School: Learning + Greening + KIBing + Internship-ing](https://www.kibi.org/2018/12/05/back-to-school-learning-greening-kibing-internship-ing/) - Students of all ages are making their way back to school, which means one thing at KIB: The fall planting season is nearly here! But seriously, summer is really great. We get to do plenty of wonderful things like count the pollinators all over our favorite native blooms, paint structures in community greenspaces straight out - [Community and Corner Stores in Indianapolis’ Near-Westside](https://www.kibi.org/2018/12/05/community-and-corner-stores-in-indianapolis-near-westside/) - Paul Mullins is an anthropology professor at IUPUI. His research has focused on urban displacement in Indianapolis, examining how a century-old, predominately African-American community was displaced and is now reconstructing its history. Mullins' current project, Invisible Indianapolis, explores place in the city that that initially may seem counter-intuitive to our ideas about what constitutes “historical” sites. - [Take a Break: Pausing for Pollinators](https://www.kibi.org/2018/12/06/take-a-break-pausing-for-pollinators/) - Maria Stahl works for The Nature Conservancy. The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. Many thanks to Maria and her co-works for adding to our pollinator count. Friday morning I took a break from my normal routine and counted bees - [Sunflower Substitutes with Staying Power](https://www.kibi.org/2018/12/06/sunflower-substitutes-with-staying-power/) - Pollinator Count Week has been a blast! But the work of building pollinator greenspaces can continue throughout the year. Here are a few perennial alternatives that will create happy homes for pollinators every year. Looking for a great towering sunflower that comes back every year? Tons of folks love the look of a cheerful sunflowers - [From Pests to Pollinators](https://www.kibi.org/2018/12/06/from-pests-to-pollinators/) - Alex Hodge is a member of the 2016 Urban Naturalist Program. She is a senior studying Environmental Management at Indiana University. As a part of the Urban Naturalist team, Alex has the opportunity to work on a variety of green-job inspired projects while tending to Indy’s native landscape. From watermelon seed spitting contests, to picking - [Native Plants: Sustaining the Circle of Life](https://www.kibi.org/2018/12/06/native-plants-sustaining-the-circle-of-life/) - Katie Owens is a member of the 2016 Urban Naturalist Program. She is studying Environmental Science and Journalism at Indiana University. As a part of the Urban Naturalist team, Katie has the opportunity to work on a variety of green-job inspired projects while tending to Indy’s native landscape. They say man has been altering the - [Lessons Learned. Lessons Shared.](https://www.kibi.org/2019/01/02/lessons-learned-lessons-shared/) - Chris Staab is an optimist. When other people in his Rivoli Park neighborhood saw an uptick in vandalism, and when a vacant lot slowly turned into a weed-filled swamp, he saw an opportunity for building community. When he learned some valuable lessons about which paving stones worked in the new pocket park—and which didn’t—he didn’t - [Operation My Indy: Fletcher Place](https://www.kibi.org/2019/09/15/operation-my-indy-fletcher-place/) - I am delighted to serve as the new president of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, an organization we both love. Since I am new to Indy, part of my journey to explore the city involves staying at Airbnbs in different neighborhoods. As I share my thoughts and experiences, I hope that you will provide your own suggestions! - [Rhonda Bayless](https://www.kibi.org/2019/09/20/rhonda-bayless/) - Rhonda Bayless wears a lot of hats. She works in Flanner House, the multi-service center that is in the heart of the King Corridor, one of Indy’s designated Great Places. The area celebrates both the richness of Indy’s African American community, and its commitment to its current families’ well-being, and the future of the neighborhood. - [Chris Staab](https://www.kibi.org/2019/09/20/chris-staab/) - Chris Staab has lived on the Near East Side for more than 30 years. He’s been an Adopt-a-Block Captain since November 10, 2006! He says he puts in about 20 hours a week, picking up litter and helping neighbors take care of their property. He keeps an eye on a local pocket park that he helped - [Operation My Indy: Westwood](https://www.kibi.org/2019/09/23/operation-my-indy-westwood/) - I am delighted to serve as the new president of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, an organization we both love. Since I am new to Indy, part of my journey to explore the city involves staying at Airbnbs in different neighborhoods. As I share my thoughts and experiences, I hope that you will provide your own suggestions! - [Demetrius Green](https://www.kibi.org/2019/09/23/demetrius-green/) - Demetrius Green is 25 years old, born and raised in Indianapolis.He is a full-time artist, mostly self-taught, working mostly in surrealistic forms and oil paint. A recent internship at the Harrison Center paired him with sculptor Quincy Owens, and taught him a bit about working in metal. Demetrius was introduced to KIB through a photographer - [Operation My Indy: Haughville](https://www.kibi.org/2019/09/30/operation-my-indy-haughville/) - I am delighted to serve as the new president of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, an organization we both love. Since I am new to Indy, part of my journey to explore the city involves staying at Airbnbs in different neighborhoods. As I share my thoughts and experiences, I hope that you will provide your own suggestions! - [Operation My Indy: Near East Side](https://www.kibi.org/2019/10/07/operation-my-indy-near-east-side/) - I am delighted to serve as the new president of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, an organization we both love. Since I am new to Indy, part of my journey to explore the city involves staying at Airbnbs in different neighborhoods. As I share my thoughts and experiences, I hope that you will provide your own suggestions! - [Operation My Indy: Greenbriar](https://www.kibi.org/2019/10/14/operation-my-indy-greenbriar/) - I am delighted to serve as the new president of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, an organization we both love. Since I am new to Indy, part of my journey to explore the city involves staying at Airbnbs in different neighborhoods. As I share my thoughts and experiences, I hope that you will provide your own suggestions! - [Operation My Indy: Martindale-Brightwood](https://www.kibi.org/2019/10/21/operation-my-indy-martindale-brightwood/) - I am delighted to serve as the new president of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, an organization we both love. Since I am new to Indy, part of my journey to explore the city involves staying at Airbnbs in different neighborhoods. As I share my thoughts and experiences, I hope that you will provide your own suggestions! - [Operation My Indy: Broad Ripple](https://www.kibi.org/2019/10/28/operation-my-indy-broad-ripple/) - I am delighted to serve as the new president of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, an organization we both love. Since I am new to Indy, part of my journey to explore the city involves staying at Airbnbs in different neighborhoods. As I share my thoughts and experiences, I hope that you will provide your own suggestions! - [Operation My Indy: Eagle Creek](https://www.kibi.org/2019/11/25/operation-my-indy-eagle-creek/) - I am delighted to serve as the new president of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, an organization we both love. Since I am new to Indy, part of my journey to explore the city involves staying at Airbnbs in different neighborhoods. As I share my thoughts and experiences, I hope that you will provide your own suggestions! - [Operation My Indy: Crown Hill](https://www.kibi.org/2019/12/23/operation-my-indy-crown-hill/) - I am delighted to serve as the new president of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, an organization we both love. Since I am new to Indy, part of my journey to explore the city involves staying at Airbnbs in different neighborhoods. As I share my thoughts and experiences, I hope that you will provide your own suggestions! - [Operation My Indy: Irvington](https://www.kibi.org/2019/11/04/operation-my-indy-irvington/) - I am delighted to serve as the new president of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, an organization we both love. Since I am new to Indy, part of my journey to explore the city involves staying at Airbnbs in different neighborhoods. As I share my thoughts and experiences, I hope that you will provide your own suggestions! - [Operation My Indy: Concord on the Near Southside](https://www.kibi.org/2019/11/11/operation-my-indy-concord-on-the-near-southside/) - I am delighted to serve as the new president of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, an organization we both love. Since I am new to Indy, part of my journey to explore the city involves staying at Airbnbs in different neighborhoods. As I share my thoughts and experiences, I hope that you will provide your own suggestions! - [Operation My Indy: Pike and International Marketplace](https://www.kibi.org/2019/11/18/operation-my-indy-pike-and-international-marketplace/) - I am delighted to serve as the new president of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, an organization we both love. Since I am new to Indy, part of my journey to explore the city involves staying at Airbnbs in different neighborhoods. As I share my thoughts and experiences, I hope that you will provide your own suggestions! - [Operation My Indy: Geist](https://www.kibi.org/2019/12/02/operation-my-indy-geist/) - I am delighted to serve as the new president of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, an organization we both love. Since I am new to Indy, part of my journey to explore the city involves staying at Airbnbs in different neighborhoods. As I share my thoughts and experiences, I hope that you will provide your own suggestions! - [Operation My Indy: Southport and Herron-Morton](https://www.kibi.org/2019/12/16/operation-my-indy-southport-and-herron-morton/) - I am delighted to serve as the new president of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, an organization we both love. Since I am new to Indy, part of my journey to explore the city involves staying at Airbnbs in different neighborhoods. As I share my thoughts and experiences, I hope that you will provide your own suggestions! - [Operation My Indy: Beech Grove](https://www.kibi.org/2019/12/09/operation-my-indy-beech-grove/) - I am delighted to serve as the new president of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, an organization we both love. Since I am new to Indy, part of my journey to explore the city involves staying at Airbnbs in different neighborhoods. As I share my thoughts and experiences, I hope that you will provide your own suggestions! - [Gethsemane Commons](https://www.kibi.org/2020/01/15/gethsemane-commons/) - In 2017, the pews at Gethsemane Lutheran Church were more empty than full: a few dozen were attending Sunday services. “We were not at the point of not surviving,” recalls congregation member Dennis Frick. “But we were not in a good trend.” Frick, an Irvington resident and attorney with the Senior Law Project at Indiana - [News from Memphis: It's Now or Never](https://www.kibi.org/2020/02/17/news-from-memphis-its-now-or-never/) - This week, I had the opportunity to travel to Memphis, Tennessee to join over 600 colleagues from Keep America Beautiful Affiliates across the country. Highlights included the amazing food, including crawfish, and a visit to Graceland to commune with Elvis. More importantly, I participated in a variety of sessions, including strategy planning for the entire - [Gratitude in Chaos](https://www.kibi.org/2020/03/30/gratitude-in-chaos/) - A NOTE FROM KIB'S PRESIDENT: These are strange times, and while I, like all of us, have been consuming way too much frightening news about the coronavirus, I also find myself contemplating things for which I am grateful. An important, and truly life-altering book I read last year was “Thanks A Thousand: A Gratitude Journey,” - [COVID Coping](https://www.kibi.org/2020/05/14/covid-coping/) - When you’re an organization like Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, ‘working from home’ is pretty much a non sequitur. After all, the organization’s entire reason for being is to beautify the places that are not in our own backyard. And a lot of that beautification is done by KIB’s 15,000+ volunteers, working shoulder-to-shoulder, picking up litter, planting trees, - [Overstory](https://www.kibi.org/2020/09/28/overstory/) - My wife and I have been house hunting in Indianapolis. While we certainly are looking for a home with a modern kitchen and nice center island, just as important is whether the street has a nice tree canopy, and a tree or two in the yard. You never see a house listed as a 3-bed, - [A KIB Friendly Lawn](https://www.kibi.org/2020/05/26/a-kib-friendly-lawn/) - A friend of KIB recently asked me to weigh in on “natural” lawn services and offer an opinion on whether this was a preferable option to traditional lawn care companies. While I had my own thoughts, I also checked in with the very knowledgeable Native Landscapes team, who spend their days creating vibrant green spaces - [Trees for the Next 200 Years](https://www.kibi.org/2020/10/26/trees-for-the-next-200-years/) - “THE BEST TIME TO PLANT A TREE WAS 20 YEARS AGO, THE NEXT BEST TIME IS TODAY.” I was reminded of that saying this weekend for a couple of reasons. First, my daughter Eden turned 20 years old this weekend. It seems like just yesterday when she was a tiny sapling I could cradle on - [March Madness](https://www.kibi.org/2021/03/22/march-madness/) - Necessity is the mother of invention. I have been thinking about this phrase often over the past year in response to the various challenges we have faced as a global community, as residents of Indianapolis, and as individuals supportive of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. I’m proud of what necessity has helped us create this year: one - [Volunteers keep Indianapolis beautiful](https://www.kibi.org/2021/04/22/volunteers-keep-indianapolis-beautiful/) - Volunteers and neighbors are the 💚 of our work at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. To celebrate the hours, dirty hands, and sweat our volunteers give every week, we're highlighting some of our newest Tree Tenders … The Dream Team! ⬇️ A instant match made in tree canopy"KIB has been a great community partner in Indianapolis. The - [Spring Cleaning for the Future of Indianapolis](https://www.kibi.org/2021/04/23/spring-cleaning-for-the-future-of-indianapolis/) - I have been thinking a lot recently about the future world I want for my family, for the City, and the world beyond. I see a future where the air and water are clean, where both people and nature are thriving. That’s what motivates me – and all of our amazing staff and volunteers – - [Earth Day is for Every Day with Motor](https://www.kibi.org/2021/04/26/earth-day-is-for-every-day-with-motor/) - All I can say is WOW. April was the Super Bowl x NCAA Basketball tournament x Indy 500 at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. Why? Spring. Earth Month. Earth Day. Arbor Day. All of the environmental holidays got together and decided to cram themselves into one month. The result? KIB’s busiest time of year for litter cleanups, tree - [Meet the Members of ILS: Meghan DeMars Kiger](https://www.kibi.org/2021/08/16/meet-the-members-of-ils-meghan-demars-kiger/) - One of the great things about Keep Indianapolis Beautiful is that there’s a little something for everyone. If you’re passionate about the city you can come out to plant trees in the parks with us on a Saturday morning. If you want to build a stronger community, you can adopt your block and organize a litter cleanup with your - [As climate change makes Indianapolis hotter, some communities will suffer more than others](https://www.kibi.org/2021/08/31/as-climate-change-makes-indianapolis-hotter-some-communities-will-suffer-more-than-others/) - The record-breaking heat this summer has produced higher air conditioning bills, greater energy usage, increased air pollution and more greenhouse gas emissions here in Indiana and across the country. The rising heat, brought on by climate change, is also putting Hoosiers at greater risk of heat-related health complications. But not everyone has the same risk. Not surprisingly, the - [Tree Work at KIB HQ](https://www.kibi.org/2022/01/07/tree-work-at-kib-hq/) - If you are passing by our headquarters near Fountain Square this week, you may notice some of our KIB staff removing some trees on our property. As much as we love trees, we also firmly believe in “right tree, right place” and these trees we are removing are Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumilla) and they are - [Happy New Year](https://www.kibi.org/2022/01/07/happy-new-year/) - Happy New Year! My family likes to end each year by discussing what we are grateful for and by making resolutions for the year ahead. My mother likes to save these resolutions and read them back to us so we can hear how well we did (or didn’t do). As a child, my resolution usually - [Tree Work at KIB](https://www.kibi.org/2022/02/17/tree-work-at-kib/) - [INDIANA PACERS CELEBRATE "SUSTAINABILITY WEEK"](https://www.kibi.org/2018/03/15/indiana-pacers-celebrate-sustainability-week/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 15, 2018 INDIANA PACERS CELEBRATE “SUSTAINABILITY WEEK” WITH REPUBLIC SERVICES & KEEP INDIANAPOLIS BEAUTIFUL INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Pacers, Republic Services and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB) have teamed up for Sustainability Week! To encourage all to be more environmentally conscious, the Pacers and Republic Services want to set an example as - [VICTOR OLADIPO TEAMS UP WITH MAYOR JOE HOGSETT IN LITTER PSA](https://www.kibi.org/2018/03/28/victor-oladipo-teams-up-with-mayor-joe-hogsett-in-litter-psa/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Victor Oladipo teams up with Mayor Joe Hogsett to engage Indianapolis residents New 'It’s My City' public service announcement encourages residents to get involvedfor the betterment of Indianapolis INDIANAPOLIS – In a new, It’s My City public service announcement released today, Mayor Joe Hogsett and Victor Oladipo – the other Mayor of Indianapolis – have - [INDIANAPOLIS ARBORIST NAMED "TRUE PROFESSIONAL OF ARBORICULTURE"](https://www.kibi.org/2018/08/06/indianapolis-arborist-named-true-professional-of-arboriculture/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Indianapolis arborist named “True Professional of Arboriculture™” Nate Faris instrumental in the planting of thousands of trees in Indianapolis CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (August 6, 2018) – Nate Faris of Indianapolis, Indiana, has been named a “True Professional of Arboriculture™” by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). This award honors arborists and tree care professionals for their positive - [AETNA FOUNDATION AIMS TO CULTIVATE HEALTHY COMMUNITIES](https://www.kibi.org/2018/10/03/aetna-foundation-aims-to-cultivate-healthy-communities/) - The Aetna Foundation Awards More Than $2.4 Million in Grants to Help Improve Health in Communities Nationwide Privacy error (aetna.com) - [KEEP INDIANAPOLIS BEAUTIFUL PRESIDENT STEPS DOWN](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/16/keep-indianapolis-beautiful-president-steps-down/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:Tim George, Chair KIB Board of Directors 317-694-3447 Keep Indianapolis Beautiful president steps down Will remain in advisory capacity through year-end INDIANAPOLIS – (November 16, 2018) David Forsell, long-time president of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB), has announced his upcoming resignation from his position. The board of directors will name an interim president in - [KEEP INDIANAPOLIS BEAUTIFUL ANNOUNCES INTERIM PRESIDENT](https://www.kibi.org/2018/11/20/keep-indianapolis-beautiful-announces-interim-president/) - ANNOUNCEMENT Contact:Tim George, Chair KIB Board of Directors 317-694-3447 Keep Indianapolis Beautiful Announces Interim President Former board and staff member, Chris Duncan, to serve as organization's leader during national search INDIANAPOLIS (November 20, 2019) - Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB) is pleased to name Christine Duncan as interim president. Duncan will serve as the organization's leader effective - [THE IMPORTANCE OF URBAN TREES](https://www.kibi.org/2019/08/19/the-importance-of-urban-trees/) - Keep Indianapolis Beautiful's Director of Eduction, Heather Maurer, discusses the importance of urban forestry with other experts on WFYI's show All In. WFYI's Show Synopsis: August 15 – Communities across Indiana are thinking more about growing urban forests. These wooded areas help cities filter air, reduce heating and provide recreation. Today on All IN, host Jill Sheridan talks - [KIB ANNOUNCES 2020 IPL PROJECT GREENSPACES](https://www.kibi.org/2019/09/24/kib-announces-2020-ipl-project-greenspaces/) - INDIANAPOLIS — (September 24, 2019) Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB) announces four new community greenspace projects awarded as part of KIB’s IPL Project GreenSpace program for 2020. KIB reviewed applications from active community groups looking to transform vacant or underused areas into useful places for their neighborhoods and our city. In partnership with Indianapolis Power - [KIB AND INDY RENEW PARTNERSHIP](https://www.kibi.org/2019/12/27/kib-and-indy-renew-partnership/) - KIB AND INDY RENEW PARTNERSHIP By Jill Sheridan, WFYI Indianapolis renews its partnership with non-profit Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, or KIB. The organization has worked closely with the city on beautification and sustainability efforts for more than 40 years. The new three-year, 4.7 million dollar contract starts January 1 and is funded through the Department of - [OP-ED: IMPROVING WHITE RIVER'S WATER QUALITY REQUIRES EVERYONE'S EFFORTS](https://www.kibi.org/2019/12/29/op-ed-improving-white-rivers-water-quality-requires-everyones-efforts/) - OP-ED: IMPROVING WHITE RIVER'S WATER QUALITY REQUIRES EVERYONE'S EFFORTS CLEAN WATER IS CRITICAL FOR EVERYTHING WE GROW, EAT, COOK, WASH AND MANUFACTURE—IT REALLY IS OUR MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE. Twenty years ago, a chemical discharge in Anderson contaminated the White River and killed millions of fish—an unforgettable site of environmental devastation that impacted miles of river - [CLIMATE CHANGE A TOP CONCERN IN 2020 FOR INDIANAPOLIS CITY-COUNTY COUNCILORS](https://www.kibi.org/2020/01/08/climate-change-a-top-concern-in-2020-for-indianapolis-city-county-councilors/) - CLIMATE CHANGE A TOP CONCERN IN 2020 FOR INDIANAPOLIS CITY-COUNTY COUNCILORS By Matt McKinney, RTV 6 INDIANAPOLIS — To combat the effects of climate change, an Indianapolis City-County Councilor has introduced a proposal that would study and create recommendations for the future of the city. Councilor John Barth, D-District 7, introduced Proposal 1 at Monday’s City-County Council - [KEEP INDIANAPOLIS BEAUTIFUL CEO LEARNS ABOUT COMMUNITIES BY LIVING IN DIFFERENT NEIGHBORHOODS EACH WEEK](https://www.kibi.org/2020/01/13/keep-indianapolis-beautiful-ceo-learns-about-communities-by-living-in-different-neighborhoods-each-week/) - https://cdn2.trb.tv/iframe.html?ec=pjbzYxajE68XTV-iHuprKXsxnawJkvUP&pbid=eb6ba12b8e8a4e72b590a076c86d82fe&pcode=A5YjUyOju0deP9y9BK28b-61JYT5 FOX59 News interviews KIB's new President and CEO, Jeremy Kranowitz, about Operation My Indy, Kranowitz's strategy to learn about all parts of Indianapolis. Krantowitz came to Keep Indianapolis Beautiful from Connecticut. Rather than immediately find a home in the city, he stayed in a different neighborhood for 15 weeks to better know his new home.Read - [KEEP INDIANAPOLIS BEAUTIFUL UPDATE REGARDING COVID-19](https://www.kibi.org/2020/03/06/keep-indianapolis-beautiful-update-regarding-covid-19/) - In an effort to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our volunteers, we remain in ongoing communication with the Marion County Public Health Department regarding the spread of the flu, common cold, COVID-19, and other epidemics. To date, the Marion County Public Health Department has not recommended canceling any KIB events. To help protect volunteers from - [KIB PRESIDENT & CEO ON "INDY'S TRUSTED SERVANT"](https://www.kibi.org/2020/07/22/kib-president-ceo-on-indys-trusted-servant/) - Read More: https://openinindiana.com/indystrustedservant/wednesday-july-22-2020/%0d - [KIB HOSTS A VIRTUAL SPANISH LANGUAGE TREE APPLICATION WORKSHOP](https://www.kibi.org/2020/07/22/kib-hosts-a-virtual-spanish-language-tree-application-workshop/) - Read More: - [SEMANA LATINA DE CONSERVACIÓN](https://www.kibi.org/2020/07/27/semana-latina-de-conservacion/) - [KIB CAMPAIGN INSTALLS MORE THAN 100 ART INSTALLATIONS IN AREAS DEVOID OF ART](https://www.kibi.org/2020/09/08/kib-campaign-installs-more-than-100-art-installations-in-areas-devoid-of-art/) - Read Full Article - [CIVIC LEADERS AND BOARD MEMBERS SPRUCE-UP DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS](https://www.kibi.org/2020/09/11/civic-leaders-and-board-members-spruce-up-downtown-indianapolis/) - Indianapolis leaders were hard at work Friday for a downtown revitalization project. Participants included board members from groups like Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Indy Chamber and Visit Indy as well as companies like Cummins and Salesforce. They worked on cleaning, weeding, painting and landscaping projects. - [THIS SCAVENGER HUNT WILL LEAD YOU TO STORIES YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT INDIANAPOLIS](https://www.kibi.org/2020/09/17/this-scavenger-hunt-will-lead-you-to-stories-you-might-not-know-about-indianapolis/) - READ FULL ARTICLE - [VOLUNTEERS SEEK TO CLEAR WHITE RIVER BANKS IN HAMILTON COUNTY OF INVASIVE PLANTS](https://www.kibi.org/2020/11/09/volunteers-seek-to-clear-white-river-banks-in-hamilton-county-of-invasive-plants/) - READ FULL ARTICLE - [TACKLING INDIANAPOLIS' WASTEFULNESS](https://www.kibi.org/2020/11/11/tackling-indianapolis-wastefulness/) - Indianapolis has been labeled as the most wasteful city in the United States, according to an article from RTV6. City environmental organizations, such as the Indiana Recycling Coalition and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, have established initiatives to offer ways for people to keep clean and live more sustainably. - [MARCH MADNESS WILL BE CARBON NEUTRAL EVENT](https://www.kibi.org/2021/03/16/march-madness-will-be-carbon-neutral-event/) - The NCAA and Indiana Sports Corp, in partnership with AES Indiana, Heritage Interactive Services, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful and IUPUI’s Office of Sustainability, have announced that venue operations of all practices and games during the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship will be carbon neutral. Heritage Interactive Services, a division of Heritage Environmental Services, is partnering - [ENTIRE NCAA TOURNAMENT TO RUN ON RENEWABLE ENERGY](https://www.kibi.org/2021/03/18/entire-ncaa-tournament-to-run-on-renewable-energy/) - View full story here - [STATEMENT ON ANTI-RACISM REGARDING THE ATLANTA SHOOTING](https://www.kibi.org/2021/03/06/statement-on-anti-racism-regarding-the-atlanta-shooting/) - Keep Indianapolis Beautiful joins in the call around our nation for an end to the violence and racism directed at the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. These senseless acts of hate that plague our country must stop. We stand in solidarity with our friends and neighbors in the AAPI community and everyone who has been affected by racial - [SCRUB HUB: WHAT ARE MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES TO A LAWN OF GRASS?](https://www.kibi.org/2021/04/06/scrub-hub-what-are-more-environmentally-friendly-alternatives-to-a-lawn-of-grass/) - Read the full article here. - [INDIANAPOLIS CITY-COUNTY SPECIAL RESOLUTION NO. 143, 2021](https://www.kibi.org/2021/04/14/indianapolis-city-county-special-resolution-no-143-2021/) - CITY COUNTY COUNCIL PROPOSAL NO. 143, 2021 CITY OF INDIANAPOLIS-MARION COUNTY, INDIANA INTRODUCED: 4/12/2021 REFERRED TO: Committee of the Whole SPONSOR: Councillors J. Evans, Osili and Jones DIGEST: honors all those who contributed to the City of Indianapolis hosting a safe, successful NCAA men's basketball tournament SOURCE:Initiated by: Councillors J. Evans and Osili Drafted by: - [SHELTON HEIGHTS NEIGHBORS TURN A SPACE ONCE OCCUPIED BY MOBILE HOME PARK INTO A COMMUNITY PARK](https://www.kibi.org/2021/09/28/shelton-heights-neighbors-turn-a-space-once-occupied-by-mobile-home-park-into-a-community-park/) - Read full article here. - [KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL: VISION FOR AMERICA 2021](https://www.kibi.org/2021/12/10/keep-america-beautiful-vision-for-america-2021/) - Since 1986, the Keep America Beautiful® Vision for America awards have recognized companies and individuals who lead and drive actionable change toward renewable transformation. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Community” and launches our visionary 5-year plan to host the largest community celebration in America. We want you to get to know about Keep America Beautiful ## Pages - [Home](https://www.kibi.org/) - Community environmental nonprofit. Volunteer opportunities in Indianapolis to plant trees and native landscapes, build greenspaces, pick up litter and more. - [Help grow the next generation of good neighbors.](https://www.kibi.org/donate-2026/) - Your gift today helps create the next chapter of meaningful opportunities for young people, caring for our urban forest and building greener, stronger neighborhoods. This year, as Keep Indianapolis Beautiful celebrates 50 years of bringing neighbors together to care for Indianapolis, the Youth Tree Team is celebrating 20 years of giving young people the opportunity - [Financials](https://www.kibi.org/about/financials/) - Thank you for supporting Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. Your contributions - time, resources, partnerships, and enthusiasm - demonstrate your commitment to environmental stewardship and community connection. With your support, we are helping people and nature thrive in Indianapolis. We strive to be accountable and transparent to our donors, volunteers, community partners, and the neighbors we work - [Trees](https://www.kibi.org/request/trees/) - [Help these trees thrive!](https://www.kibi.org/givetrees/) - You’ve given your time. Now ensure the trees you planted thrive and make Indy greener. Your gift helps us water, mulch, and care for these trees. Want to mail a check? You can send it to Keep Indianapolis Beautiful: 1029 Fletcher Avenue, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46203. Need our Tax ID Number? EIN: 31-1005792 There - [Help these trees thrive!](https://www.kibi.org/give-trees/) - You’ve given your time. Now ensure the trees you planted thrive and make Indy greener. Your gift helps us water, mulch, and care for these trees. Want to mail a check? You can send it to Keep Indianapolis Beautiful: 1029 Fletcher Avenue, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46203. Need our Tax ID Number? EIN: 31-1005792 There - [Win Tickets to See Jack Johnson at Ruoff](https://www.kibi.org/jj-26/) - As part of KIB’s All At Once partnership, we’re giving away a pair of Jack Johnson tickets for his July 4th concert at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. Make a donation of any amount* to be entered to win. Every dollar supports our work and helps build a more sustainable community. BONUS: The Johnson Ohana foundation will - [Restore Today. Sustain Tomorrow.](https://www.kibi.org/give-habitats/) - Your work today helped restore native habitats. Keep the impact going with a special gift! Want to mail a check? You can send it to Keep Indianapolis Beautiful: 1029 Fletcher Avenue, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46203. Need our Tax ID Number? EIN: 31-1005792 There are many ways you can support Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. Learn more - [Clear Today. Clean Tomorrow!](https://www.kibi.org/give-cleanups/) - Your work today helped create a cleaner Indy. Keep the impact going with a special gift! Want to mail a check? You can send it to Keep Indianapolis Beautiful: 1029 Fletcher Avenue, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46203. Need our Tax ID Number? EIN: 31-1005792 There are many ways you can support Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. Learn - [Help keep this Greenspace beautiful!](https://www.kibi.org/give-greenspaces/) - You’ve given your time. Now ensure this Greenspace thrives. Your gift helps us weed, mulch, and maintain spaces like this across Indy. Want to mail a check? You can send it to Keep Indianapolis Beautiful: 1029 Fletcher Avenue, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46203. Need our Tax ID Number? EIN: 31-1005792 There are many ways you - [Corporate Day of Service](https://www.kibi.org/support/day-of-service/) - What can your company do with the opportunity to invest and volunteer? Plant trees, transform vacant lots, pick up litter, preserve waterways. . . Partner with us! Team building? Check. Meaningful impact on our community? Check. Leadership development? Check. Customized to your needs and interests? Check. Fun + engaging? Double check! KIB coordinates corporate days of service for your team - [Projects Calendar](https://www.kibi.org/volunteer/projects/) - Looking for volunteer opportunities in Indianapolis? Our projects include building greenspaces, cleaning up litter, planting trees and much more. - [Little BIG Grant](https://www.kibi.org/little-big-grant/) - This $500-1,000 Little BIG (Block Improvement Grant) program is a way for you and your fellow captains to get together and make your neighborhood better! The Little BIG award empowers Adopt-A-Block Captains to organize, invest within their community, and implement neighborhood-led initiatives. A Little Block Improvement Grant may fund a project that you and at least - [Sustaining Donations](https://www.kibi.org/support/give-monthly/) - YOUR MONTHLY GIFT KEEPS INDIANAPOLIS BEAUTIFUL The work that we do isn’t a one-and-done affair. We can always make our city an even better place to live—one pound of trash, one tree, and one GreenSpace at a time. By giving monthly, you’re making a vital and strategic impact year-round. We’re all striving together toward one - [Your Gift Grows a Greener Indy](https://www.kibi.org/countdown2025/) - As we count down the final days of the year, we’re reminded that real transformation happens when we unite as a community. Will you help us reach our fundraising goal for the year? Right now, your impact will go twice as far. Thanks to a generous challenge grant from the Efroymson Family Fund, all gifts - [Give from your Donor Advised Fund](https://www.kibi.org/support/give-from-your-donor-advised-fund/) - Donor-Advised Funds A grant from your donor-advised fund (DAF) to Keep Indianapolis Beautiful can support everything from native habitat restoration to litter abatement to youth workforce development. DAFs offer a strategic and efficient way to support our mission to create vibrant public places, helping people and nature thrive. How to give through a donor-advised fund - [Terms of Service](https://www.kibi.org/terms-of-service/) - Website Terms of Use AgreementEffective Date: September 2, 2025Welcome to the Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. website (the “Site”). This Site is operated by Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc, an Indiana nonprofit corporation ("we," "us," or "our"). By accessing, browsing, or using this Site, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be legally bound by - [Our Values](https://www.kibi.org/about/our-values/) - We believe a beautiful city is one where everyone feels welcome, heard, and empowered. At Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, our work is rooted in respect: for people, for nature, and for the neighborhoods that make up Indianapolis. We’re committed to creating a city where all communities can thrive. We understand that environmental challenges, social injustice, and - [Our Research & Data](https://www.kibi.org/learn/our-research-data/) - [Angel's Envy "Toast the Trees" campaign](https://www.kibi.org/toast-the-trees-2025/) - Toast the Trees serves as Angel’s Envy Bourbon’s commitment to planting trees and reforesting the oak population, which is a crucial component to their whiskey production process. This year TTT has partnered with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful to utilize 100% of the funds collected towards planting trees right here in our backyard! This program allows consumers - [Legacy Trees](https://www.kibi.org/support/legacy-trees/) - Give the gift of a tree planted in Indianapolis! When you make a contribution of $200 or more to KIB, we will plant a tree and mail a personalized letter to your recipients, letting them know that you’ve supported the planting of a tree in their honor or in memory of a loved one. You - [Volunteer FAQs](https://www.kibi.org/volunteer/volunteer-faqs/) - What are your volunteer options?/Do you have any volunteer opportunities coming up?/How do I register for a volunteer event? You can find opportunities to volunteer helping people and nature thrive in Indianapolis by browsing our Volunteer Project Calendar. KIB offers litter clean-up, tree planting, habitat restoration, greenspace creation and other fun projects to volunteers to - [Strategic Plan](https://www.kibi.org/about/strategic-plan/) - OUR MISSION Our mission is to help people and nature thriveTM in Indianapolis by engaging diverse communities, enhancing environmental equity, and building vibrant, inclusive public places. OUR VISION We envision a beautiful Indianapolis that is loved, cared for, and ecologically rich. A city defined by strong neighborhoods, inspiring places, and a clean, flourishing environment. STRATEGIC - [Donate Stock](https://www.kibi.org/support/donate-stock/) - Gifts of Stock Electronic transfer of appreciated stock shares is a secure and expedient method to contribute to a nonprofit organization. Transferring the stock shares without selling them first can provide some tax advantages. Please consult your financial advisor to fully understand the benefits available to you. KIB has a custody account with KeyBank. Shares - [Donate](https://www.kibi.org/donate/) - [FAQ](https://www.kibi.org/request/faq/) - [Volunteer Waiver](https://www.kibi.org/volunteer/waiver/) - [Jobs](https://www.kibi.org/about/jobs/) - [Make an impact this Earth Month](https://www.kibi.org/earthmonth2025/) - This Earth Month, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful is proud to host its largest waterway cleanup Indianapolis has ever seen—and it wouldn't be possible without generous donors like you! Your gift will provide the tools and resources we need to transform littered areas across Indianapolis into clean, welcoming spaces we can all be proud of. Together, we - [Notices](https://www.kibi.org/about/notices/) - Nondiscrimination Notice Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB) complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws, not excluding or treating differently based on race, color, national origin, age, religion, gender, citizenship, or disability. Upon request, KIB will provide free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us, such as: Written information in other formats - [Privacy Policy](https://www.kibi.org/privacy-policy/) - Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) is committed to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity and security of personal information entrusted to us by current donors, potential donors and by staff of not-for-profit agencies who approach us for funding, and the people that they serve. Collection and Use of your Personal Information Like all organizations with a web presence, - [TREES MAKE INDY HEALTHIER, CLEANER & GREENER.](https://www.kibi.org/residentialpostcard/) - Keep Indianapolis Beautiful is coming to your block! Our team is working with your neighborhood and the City of Indianapolis to plant healthy, free trees in your community. You may have seen our signs or mailings. Here are some of the many reasons that your neighbors are welcoming these trees. Trees increase property values. Trees - [Request](https://www.kibi.org/request/) - [Trash Boxes & Recycling Bins](https://www.kibi.org/request/trash-boxes-recycling-bins/) - KIB has trash boxes and recycling bins for your next event, from concerts to street fairs to backyard picnics! Our Event Greening program offers reusable trash boxes and portable recycling bins to help keep Indianapolis clean. Prices and ordering information can be found below. Click "Order Now" and you'll be connected to someone who will help - [Planned Giving](https://www.kibi.org/support/planned-giving/) - By designating a planned gift from your estate to Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, you can leave a lasting legacy that supports our mission of enhancing the beauty and sustainability of our community for future generations. Your planned gift will play a significant role in supporting the vital community impact investments made by Keep Indianapolis Beautiful and - [Employer Matching Donations](https://www.kibi.org/support/employer-matching/) - Did you know that many companies encourage charitable giving by offering to match their employees’ donations? Some companies will even match the gifts of spouses and retirees, or will match the monetary value of your volunteer hours. You might be able to double (or even triple) your gift to Keep Indianapolis Beautiful by checking to - [Learn](https://www.kibi.org/learn/) - [News](https://www.kibi.org/news/) - [Volunteer](https://www.kibi.org/volunteer/) - Looking for volunteer opportunities in Indianapolis? We plant trees, create greenspaces, engage students in nature, restore urban habitats, and pick up litter. - [About](https://www.kibi.org/about/) - [Programs](https://www.kibi.org/programs/) - [Media Inquiries](https://www.kibi.org/news/media-inquiries/) - These tips and files will help you promote KIB and your work in the community! Media & Marketing Inquiries For media inquiries, please contact KIB at communications@kibi.org KIB Style Guide Wondering how to match the colors in our logo? Or what fonts we like to use? Download our Style Guide. KIB Logos Color, black and white, .jpg, - [Contact](https://www.kibi.org/contact/) - Want to get involved or learn more? Let's talk about how we can keep Indianapolis beautiful. Hours & Contact Info Our office hours are Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.*We're located in the Fountain Square community of Indianapolis, just 1 mile southeast of Monument Circle. Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc.1029 Fletcher Ave., Suite 100Indianapolis, IN 46203317-264-7555 - [Nature Activities](https://www.kibi.org/learn/nature-activities/) - [Awards & Recognition](https://www.kibi.org/about/awards-recognition/) - Clean streets, happy trees, buzzing pollinators, and smiling volunteers are all the recognition we need. But we're pretty proud of the local, state, national and international awards our programs, staff, community partners, and city have received over the years. Here's a sample of the kudos KIB has received from around the world. - [Volunteer Safety Guide](https://www.kibi.org/volunteer/volunteer-safety-guide/) - At KIB, we get our hands dirty, but we always want to make volunteer safety and comfort a top priority. Below is a comprehensive safety guide meant to help inform and guide expectations at KIB-led projects. While KIB provides measures designed to keep you safe, you as a volunteer can help ensure your own comfort - [Shop](https://www.kibi.org/support/shop/) - Thanks for supporting KIB through our online store! Though all items are available for office pickup at KIB, please remember that some items are ONLY available for pickup at KIB's offices. You will receive an email when we have your order prepared with our standard availability. If you'd like to schedule a different time to pickup your - [Community Partnerships](https://www.kibi.org/about/community-partnerships/) - Keep Indianapolis Beautiful partners with a variety of organizations from all corners of the community. From water quality experts to college students, from businesses to neighborhood groups, our partners help us understand complex problems and work toward lasting change. Our work is better when we work together. - [Headquarters](https://www.kibi.org/about/headquarters/) - OUR ROOTS In 1976, Mayor Bill Hudnut created the Indianapolis Clean City Committee to reduce litter and clean city streets. That little government office became an independent nonprofit in 1981 and changed its name to Keep Indianapolis Beautiful in 1997 to better reflect its efforts in the community. KIB is woven into the fabric of - [Bin Your Butts](https://www.kibi.org/butts/) - The Cigarette Litter Prevention Program, now in its 21st year, is the nation’s largest program aimed at reducing cigarette litter. DID YOU KNOW? In the 2020 Keep America Beautiful National Litter Study, 9 out of 10 littered items counted were 4″ and less, with cigarette butts being the number one littered item in this category, accounting for - [Thank You Signup](https://www.kibi.org/thank-you-signup/) - KIB relies on volunteers like you to support grassroots community and environmental efforts. No volunteers = no projects. We appreciate your support through the duration of the scheduled project (unless everything gets completed ahead of schedule, of course). If you have any questions, need to cancel your registration, or have changes regarding your volunteer group size, simply - [Support](https://www.kibi.org/support/) - [Staff](https://www.kibi.org/about/staff/) - [A Cleanup](https://www.kibi.org/request/a-cleanup/) - [A Greenspace](https://www.kibi.org/request/a-greenspace/) - [Love Stops Litter](https://www.kibi.org/learn/love-stops-litter/) - Litter prevention is one of the easiest things we can do to keep Indianapolis clean. But it takes all of us doing our part. Here are little things we can all do to keep Indianapolis beautiful! DID YOU KNOW? A recent Keep America Beautiful litter study estimates that there are nearly 50 billion pieces of litter along - [AAB Application Closed](https://www.kibi.org/aab-application-closed/) - Adopt-a-Block Membership Renewal is currently in progress, therefore the Adopt-a-Block application is CLOSED. The AAB application will re-open for NEW applicants and members changing their blocks on Tuesday, March 22nd! If you have any questions about this process, please reach out to us at contact@kibi.org! - [#KIBEES Pollinator Count](https://www.kibi.org/learn/kibees-pollinator-count/) - It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's an eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly on dense blazing star! The #KIBees Pollinator Count is a way to engage community scientists (that's you!) in the important work of counting pollinators, like birds, bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, and educating Hoosiers on the need to plant native to help - [Mapping Our Work](https://www.kibi.org/learn/mapping-our-work/) - Wondering if there's a Keep Indianapolis Beautiful project or activity near you? We've got a map for that! The work we do and the people we work with are place- and neighborhood-based. Trees are planted in front of your house. Great Indy Cleanups happen in your neighborhood. You volunteer to adopt your block and keep - [Annual Appreciation Dinner](https://www.kibi.org/news/annual-appreciation-dinner/) - CELEBRATING THE SUPPORT OF OUR 2018 VOLUNTEERS & DONORS MARCH 6, 2019 DOORS OPEN AT 5PM; DINNER AT 6PM BILTWELL EVENT CENTER in, day out. Through rain, snow, and heat, our volunteers and donors show up to support our mission and their neighbors to create a cleaner, greener, more beautiful community. Every year we spend a night - [Application Hub](https://www.kibi.org/request/application-hub/) - [Adopt-A-Block Business Renewal](https://www.kibi.org/adopt-a-block-business-renewal/) - A THRIVING CITY Your support through Adopt-a-block Business means more residents out developing pocket parks, planting community trees, and creating vibrant GreenSpaces throughout the city. WHY SHOULD I RENEW When you renew your commitment, you are helping to improve equitable access to environmental benefits so our neighbors and nature can thrives. The prosperity of our - [Board of Directors](https://www.kibi.org/about/board-of-directors/) ## Programs - [Community Forestry](https://www.kibi.org/program/community-forestry/) - [Busy Roads](https://www.kibi.org/program/busy-roads/) - [Adopt-A-Block](https://www.kibi.org/program/adopt-a-block/) - [Youth Tree Team](https://www.kibi.org/program/youth-tree-team/) - [Urban Naturalists](https://www.kibi.org/program/urban-naturalists/) - [Project Greenspace](https://www.kibi.org/program/project-greenspace/) - [KIB Ambassadors](https://www.kibi.org/program/kib-ambassadors/) - [Plogging](https://www.kibi.org/program/plogging/) - [Great Indy Cleanup](https://www.kibi.org/program/great-indy-cleanup/) - [Clean Waterways](https://www.kibi.org/program/clean-waterways/) - [Tree Tenders](https://www.kibi.org/program/tree-tenders/) - [Habitat Restoration](https://www.kibi.org/program/habitat-restoration/) ## Sub Programs - [Adopt-A-Block for Business & Schools](https://www.kibi.org/sub-program/adopt-a-block-for-business/) - [Adopt Your Residential Block](https://www.kibi.org/sub-program/adopt-your-residential-block/) ## 3 Col Blocks - [Clean Waterways](https://www.kibi.org/3-col-block/clean-waterways/) ## Reports - [2023 Perennial Report](https://www.kibi.org/resource/2023-perennial-report/) - [2021 Perennial Report](https://www.kibi.org/resource/2020-perennial-report/) - [2022 Form 990](https://www.kibi.org/resource/another-resource/) - [2022 Perennial Report](https://www.kibi.org/resource/2021-equity-report/) ## Partners - [Arbor Day Foundation](https://www.kibi.org/partner/arbor-day-foundation/) - [USDA Forest Service](https://www.kibi.org/partner/usda-forest-service/) - [Marion County Soil & Water Conservation District](https://www.kibi.org/partner/marion-county-soil-water-conservation-district/) - [University of Michigan](https://www.kibi.org/partner/university-of-michigan/) - [Lilly](https://www.kibi.org/partner/lilly/) - [10 Thousand Trees](https://www.kibi.org/partner/10-thousand-trees/) - [City of Indianapolis](https://www.kibi.org/partner/city-of-indianapolis/) - [AES Indiana](https://www.kibi.org/partner/aes-indiana/) - [Keys 2 Work](https://www.kibi.org/partner/keys-2-work/) - [Indianapolis Indians](https://www.kibi.org/partner/indianapolis-indians/) - [Visit Indy](https://www.kibi.org/partner/visit-indy/) - [Chase](https://www.kibi.org/partner/chase/) - [Pacers](https://www.kibi.org/partner/pacers/) - [IBJ](https://www.kibi.org/partner/ibj/) - [Cummins](https://www.kibi.org/partner/cummins/) - [Salesforce](https://www.kibi.org/partner/salesforce/) ## Staff Profiles - [Nicky Hornyak](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/nicky-hornyak/) - [Evan Neace](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/manager-of-adopt-a-block/) - [Manager of Assets and Logistics](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/manager-of-assets-and-logistics/) - [Kara Sterry](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/kara-sterry/) - [Mary Clodfelter](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/mary-clodfelter/) - [Katie Waters](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/katie-waters/) - [Michael Sharp](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/michael-sharp/) - [Karina Caballero](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/karina-caballero/) - [Madeline Demos](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/madeline-demos/) - [Katarina Sacksteder](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/katarina-sacksteder/) - [Owen Beute](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/owen-beute/) - [Alexis Mulder](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/alexis-mulder/) - [LaTonya Plummer](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/latonya-plummer/) - [Jasmyn Long](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/jasmyn-long/) - [Bex Hoffer](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/bex-hoffer/) - [Danielle Ridgway](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/danielle-ridgway/) - [Kyle Martin](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/kyle-martin/) - [Larry Lomax](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/larry-lomax/) - [Keisha Bennett](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/keisha-bennett/) - [Jacob Eckels](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/jacob-eckels/) - [Audrey Brinkers](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/audrey-brinkers/) - [Birdie Ratliff](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/birdie-ratliff/) - [Karenna Tankersley](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/karenna-tankersley/) - [Abbie Downes](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/abbie-downes/) - [Kelly Cook](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/kelly-cook/) - [Emily Hunnicutt](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/emily-hunnicutt/) - [Mal Chamberlin](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/mal-chamberlin/) - [Stone Zadrozny](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/stone-zadrozny/) - [Paula Guynn](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/paula-guynn/) - [Adam Schmutte](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/adam-schmutte/) - [Kelly Owens](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/kelly-owens/) - [Carly Weidman](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/carly-weidman/) - [Mark Adler](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/mark-adler/) - [Jeremy Kranowitz](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/jeremy-kranowitz/) - [Kristina Uland](https://www.kibi.org/staff-profile/kristina-uland/) ## Board Profiles - [Cody Morris](https://www.kibi.org/board-profile/cody-morris/) - [Morgan Bronson](https://www.kibi.org/board-profile/morgan-bronson/) - [David Starr](https://www.kibi.org/board-profile/david-starr/) - [Sabine Augustin](https://www.kibi.org/board-profile/sabine-augustin/) - [Glenda Hernandez](https://www.kibi.org/board-profile/glenda-hernandez/) - [Will Gardner](https://www.kibi.org/board-profile/will-gardner/) - [Wes Runion](https://www.kibi.org/board-profile/wes-runion/) - [Katie Vrabel](https://www.kibi.org/board-profile/katie-vrabel/) - [Nora Hiatt](https://www.kibi.org/board-profile/nora-hiatt/) - [Maithilee Das Lappin](https://www.kibi.org/board-profile/maithilee-das-lappin/) - [Chris Tucker](https://www.kibi.org/board-profile/chris-tucker/) - [Justin Sufan](https://www.kibi.org/board-profile/justin-sufan/) - [Claire Rice](https://www.kibi.org/board-profile/claire-rice/) - [Morgan Galbreth](https://www.kibi.org/board-profile/lindsey-purcell/) - [Jennifer Franer](https://www.kibi.org/board-profile/jennifer-franer/) - [L’America Brown](https://www.kibi.org/board-profile/lamerica-brown/) - [Aaron Reddington](https://www.kibi.org/board-profile/aaron-reddington/) - [Becky Quintana](https://www.kibi.org/board-profile/becky-quintana/) - [Jess Reiss](https://www.kibi.org/board-profile/jess-reiss/) - [Kal Mehta](https://www.kibi.org/board-profile/kal-mehta/) ## Job Openings - [Manager of Volunteer Programs](https://www.kibi.org/job-opening/manager-of-volunteer-programs/) - Are you a nonprofit professional seeking a position working directly with volunteers throughout Indianapolis? KIB is seeking someone to join our team who truly enjoys connecting people with opportunities to make our city cleaner, greener, and more beautiful. This is a fast-paced job with room to be creative while building relationships and making an impact ## Maps - [Busy Roads](https://www.kibi.org/map/busy-roads/) - [Adopt-A-Block Map](https://www.kibi.org/map/adopt-a-block-captains/) - Has your block been adopted? Sign up today to adopt your block, business, or school! - [Tree Canopy Planner and Hot Spot Tool](https://www.kibi.org/map/tree-canopy-planner-and-hot-spot-tool/) - Our urban trees and forests provide a wide range of social, economic, and environmental benefits to the Indianapolis community. In 2015, KIB completed an assessment showing that Marion County has 33% tree cover. To track tree canopy growth in the future, we developed an online map to view, plan, and grow the urban forest in - [AES Indiana Project Greenspace Map](https://www.kibi.org/map/aes-indiana-project-greenspace-map/) - Committed to creating vibrant places and communities, AES Indiana Project GreenSpace is a grassroots effort that transforms vacant lots and underused spaces into natural, beautiful, and functional pocket parks and greenspaces. Use our map to find one in your neighborhood and head out to spend some time in nature! Can’t find a greenspace near you? ## Forms - [Create Volunteer Profile](https://www.kibi.org/form/create-volunteer-profile/) - [Litter Log for Businesses & Schools](https://www.kibi.org/form/litter-log-for-businesses-schools/) - [Litter Log for Residents](https://www.kibi.org/form/litter-log/) - [Adopt-A-Block for Businesses & Schools](https://www.kibi.org/form/adopt-your-business-or-school-block/) - [Ambassador Interest Form](https://www.kibi.org/form/ambassador-application/) - [Tree Tender Interest Form](https://www.kibi.org/form/tree-tender-application/) - [Returning Volunteers](https://www.kibi.org/form/returning-volunteers/) - [AAB Little Big Grant](https://www.kibi.org/form/aab-little-big-grant/) - [Greenspace Application](https://www.kibi.org/form/greenspace-application/) - [Register a Tree](https://www.kibi.org/form/register-a-tree/) - [Contact](https://www.kibi.org/form/contact/) - [Cancel Volunteer Registration](https://www.kibi.org/form/cancel-volunteer-registration/) - [Great Indy Cleanup Application](https://www.kibi.org/form/great-indy-cleanup-application/) - [Tree Planting Application](https://www.kibi.org/form/tree-planting-application/) - [Renew Your Block](https://www.kibi.org/form/renew-your-block/) - [Donate](https://www.kibi.org/form/donate/) - [Focus Neighborhood Application](https://www.kibi.org/form/focus-neighborhood-application/) - [Adopt Your Residential Block](https://www.kibi.org/form/adopt-your-block/) ## Ways to Give - [Become a Corporate Partner](https://www.kibi.org/ways-to-give/become-a-corporate-partner/) - [Company Volunteer Fairs](https://www.kibi.org/ways-to-give/company-volunteer-fairs/) - We would love to share opportunities to get involved with KIB with your employees! If your company is planning a volunteer fair, contact us at volunteers@kibi.org to invite us over. - [Donate Stock](https://www.kibi.org/ways-to-give/donate-stock/) - [Give from your Donor Advised Fund](https://www.kibi.org/ways-to-give/give-from-your-donor-advised-fund/) - [In-Kind Donations](https://www.kibi.org/ways-to-give/in-kind-donations/) - Does your company provide materials that could be useful to KIB programs? In-kind donations such as mulch, native plants, tools, construction or design work, or even advertising are resources that help KIB achieve its mission. To discuss your possible in-kind donation, please contact Michael Sharp at development@kibi.org or 317-264-7555 x516. - [Host a Fundraising Event at your home, work, school, or neighborhood park](https://www.kibi.org/ways-to-give/host-a-fundraising-event-at-your-home-work-school-or-neighborhood-park/) - The sky’s the limit for fundraising ideas, so let your creativity run wild. Our donors have hosted pollinator counts, cocktail parties, picnics, kickball tournaments, bike-to-work days, giveaways, game nights, and more. To begin planning your event and sign up to receive your KIB fundraising kit, contact Michael Sharp at development@kibi.org or 317-264-7555 x516. - [Planned Giving](https://www.kibi.org/ways-to-give/planned-giving/) - [Sustaining Donations](https://www.kibi.org/ways-to-give/sustaining-donations/) - When you set up a recurring monthly donation and become a KIB Sustainer, you’re becoming part of a team. - [Legacy Trees](https://www.kibi.org/ways-to-give/legacy-trees/) - [Employer Matching](https://www.kibi.org/ways-to-give/employer-matching/) - [Facebook Fundraiser](https://www.kibi.org/ways-to-give/facebook-fundraiser/) - Facebook fundraisers are simple, and you can invite your friends to join! Here's how to get started: Click Fundraisers in the left menu of your News Feed. Click Raise Money. Select Nonprofit/Charity. Select Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, choose a cover photo, and fill in the fundraiser details. Click Create. - [Kroger’s Community Rewards](https://www.kibi.org/ways-to-give/krogers-community-rewards/) - Support while you shop! Enroll in Kroger’s Community Rewards program and select KIB as the organization you want to support. You’ll earn rewards for us every time you shop and use your Plus Card. - [Give back by riding with Lime](https://www.kibi.org/ways-to-give/give-back-by-riding-with-lime/) - Round up on your next scoot! Did you know that KIB is Lime Scooter's round up partner? When you choose to round up the cost of your ride, you support KIB. Now that makes a lot of cents! Become a Lime Hero - [Mulch for Good](https://www.kibi.org/ways-to-give/mulch-for-good/) - When you purchase your nontoxic, bagless, delivered-straight-to-your-yard mulch from Haulstr, they'll donate $5 per yard of every order back to KIB. Order your mulch. ## FAQs - [What can be done about heavy illegal dumping I see in my community?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/what-can-be-done-about-heavy-illegal-dumping-i-see-in-my-community/) - Illegal dumping can be reported to The Mayor’s Action Center (MAC). Requests can be made to the MAC online at request.indy.gov or by calling 317.327.4622. - [Where can I dispose of yard waste?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/where-can-i-dispose-of-yard-waste/) - GreenCycle accepts clean yard waste and wood debris. For information or to find a location near you, visit their website. - [Where can I recycle tires, cardboard, or styrofoam?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/where-can-i-recycle-tires-cardboard-or-styrofoam/) - A complete listing of area recycling drop-off points in Indianapolis is available through Circular Indiana. They have a great tool to find a recycling or disposal facility near you. For more information, visit www.circularindiana.org or call 317-632-5915. - [What can be done about all the litter I see in my community?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/what-can-be-done-about-all-the-litter-i-see-in-my-community/) - Become a block captain! Our Adopt-A-Block program is intended to empower neighbors to be leaders in the community, to ensure streets are free of litter, to abate graffiti, and to reduce high weeds and grass. Adopting your block encourages individuals, businesses, and schools to work together and get others involved. For more information, contact Nicky - [Do I have to sign a waiver to volunteer with KIB?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/do-i-have-to-sign-a-waiver-to-volunteer-with-kib/) - Yes. We require all volunteers to agree to the following waiver link when signing up for a project. - [Can you post our project to KIB social media or the project calendar? Where can I post my personal volunteer project to the KIB website?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/question-can-you-post-our-project-to-kib-social-media-or-the-project-calendar-where-can-i-post-my-personal-volunteer-project-to-the-kib-website/) - We are unable to promote non-KIB affiliated cleanups and events to our social media or Volunteer Project Calendar. There are several Indianapolis Calendars where you can post your Volunteer Event for free: Downtown Indy Around Indy IndyHub Events Indy Hub Volunteer Page Eventbrite Facebook Events Serve Indiana We ask that outside organizers make use of - [What if a project is full and I cannot register?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/what-if-a-project-is-full-and-i-cannot-register/) - If a project is full, make sure to double check the project posting throughout the week! We often receive last-minute volunteer cancellations, so a spot may open for you. Please check the project posting to ensure this is not a KIB affiliated event. KIB affiliated events will be displayed as full, but you can register - [Do I need to bring anything to the project?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/do-i-need-to-bring-anything-to-the-project/) - KIB provides all tools and materials needed to complete a project including shovels, pickaxes, wheelbarrows, gloves, and more. We recommend volunteers bring their own water, but we do provide a water cooler, snacks, and first aid for your comfort and safety. Look at the description of the project you’ve registered for more information. - [What should I wear for my volunteer shift?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/what-should-i-wear-for-my-volunteer-shift/) - Clothing needed for projects is dependent on the project type, project location, and weather forecast. The volunteer department is currently working on an Intensity Rating scale which will be used to help volunteers come to projects prepared. Most projects will request long pants and close-toed shoes. - [Can I do my required community service with KIB? Or, can I track volunteer hours for school or work?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/can-i-do-my-required-community-service-with-kib-or-can-i-track-volunteer-hours-for-school-or-work/) - Yes. Simply sign up to volunteer with us on our online Volunteer Project Calendar. Your KIB Project Manager will sign your paperwork at the end of the project to confirm your participation, or you can email the organizer listed in the project details. - [How much time do I need to volunteer to be an Ambassador or Tree Tender?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/how-much-time-do-i-need-to-volunteer-to-be-an-ambassador-or-tree-tender/) - We appreciate the time given to our organization from dedicated community members, and we also understand that volunteers may not have the most time to give! We hope that specialized volunteers can support a few projects throughout the year, but we do offer incentives and benefits for those who come to more projects. You can - [How do I become an Ambassador or Tree tender?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/how-do-i-become-an-ambassador-or-tree-tender/) - To become a KIB Ambassador or Tree Tender, you must attend a training session at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful headquarters. Trainings are held each spring and fall to ensure. Ambassadors are expected to attend one classroom training each year. Tree Tenders are expected to attend one classroom training and one in-field training each year. If you’re interested in becoming an Ambassador - [How can I register my corporation or business for a Custom Day of Service?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/how-can-i-register-my-corporation-or-business-for-a-custom-day-of-service/) - KIB partners companies of all sizes to create days of service that are meaningful and fun for your team. Contact Michael Sharp, Director of Development, for project availability and pricing. - [Can I bring a group to a project?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/can-i-bring-a-group-to-a-project/) - KIB loves it when family members, friends, and co-workers come together to help their local community. We allow groups of 3-15 to register for a project by checking the Volunteer Projects Calendar, all volunteers in your group must register individually. Any public project on the calendar that needs volunteers is open for registration. All minors under the age of - [When should I expect to see projects posted on the calendar?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/when-should-i-expect-to-see-projects-posted-on-the-calendar/) - Projects are posted 4-6-weeks out from the project date. Since our project season starts in early spring, expect the first projects of the new year to be posted in late February. - [What is the monthly timeline for different project types? Looking to volunteer at a particular time of year? Here is a seasonal project timeline, etc.](https://www.kibi.org/faq/what-is-the-monthly-timeline-for-different-project-types-looking-to-volunteer-at-a-particular-time-of-year-here-is-a-seasonal-project-timeline-etc/) - Our projects work best in specific seasons. Please look at the list below to determine what projects we are currently running. Spring: Litter Clean-Up, Clean Neighborhood Initiative, Project GreenSpace, Community Forestry Summer: Litter Clean-Up, Clean Neighborhood Initiative Project GreenSpace, Habitat Restoration Fall: Litter Clean-Up, Clean Neighborhood Initiative, Project GreenSpace, Community Forestry, Habitat Restoration - [What are your volunteer options? / Do you have any volunteer opportunities coming up? / How do I register for a volunteer event?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/what-are-your-volunteer-options-do-you-have-any-volunteer-opportunities-coming-up-how-do-i-register-for-a-volunteer-event/) - You can find opportunities to volunteer helping people and nature thrive in Indianapolis by browsing our Volunteer Project Calendar. KIB offers litter clean-up, tree planting, habitat restoration, greenspace creation and other fun projects to volunteers to get their hands dirty. - [We need help getting people involved in our neighborhood. Can KIB help us?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/we-need-help-getting-people-involved-in-our-neighborhood-can-kib-help-us/) - Yes. Yes. And yes. We are invested in developing a strong coalition of neighbors who can continue to engage others in their neighborhood goals. Our Community Engagement Department is set up to educate individuals, neighborhoods, and community groups about what KIB can do to assist you in starting the process of engagement. Block adoption, neighborhood - [Does KIB loan out tools?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/does-kib-loan-out-tools/) - If you are a past project partner on one of our greenspaces or outdoor classrooms, you can participate in a special KIB tool loan program by joining our GreenKeepers stewardship group. Please contact Kelly Cook, GreenSpace Manager, at engage@kibi.org or 317-264-7555 x120. Otherwise, we do not loan out our tools. However, the Marion County Public Health - [I would like to donate trees, bulbs, or perennials from my property to KIB. Do you take plant material?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/i-would-like-to-donate-trees-bulbs-or-perennials-from-my-property-to-kib-do-you-take-plant-material/) - Typically, we do not accept plant material from people's yards. Why? Our projects usually have a landscape design developed with specific native plants identified. Often, what people want to give is not what is in our design plans. We also have limited space and cannot store plant material or guarantee it will be properly watered - [Can KIB provide free mulch for my project?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/can-kib-provide-free-mulch-for-my-project/) - No, we cannot. But mulch can be purchased in bulk (with delivery options available) from Indiana Mulch and Stone, Tiffany Lawn and Garden, or Indy GreenCycle. - [Can I do my required community service with KIB?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/can-i-do-my-required-community-service-with-kib/) - Yes. Simply sign up to volunteer with us on our online Volunteer Project Calendar. Your KIB Project Manager will sign your paperwork at the end of the project to confirm your participation. - [How do I kill off the grass to create a new planting bed without using chemicals?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/how-do-i-kill-off-the-grass-to-create-a-new-planting-bed-without-using-chemicals/) - Easy, use your laser vision superpower! Or you can lay down newspaper at least 5 pages thick on the ground and add a heavy layer of hardwood mulch right on top of it. The newspaper will create an impenetrable barrier that grass cannot grow through, and the mulch will help hold it down and suffocate - [Where can I buy native plants?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/where-can-i-buy-native-plants/) - Native plants are available from most nurseries around Indianapolis, check out places like Sullivans Hardware to find them! Some common native perennials include: Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) Lanceleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis) Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa) New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) Wild Columbine (Aquilegia Canadensis) Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifoliam). - [Do you provide free mulch to previous project partners?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/do-you-provide-free-mulch-to-previous-project-partners/) - No, we don't. But mulch can be purchased in bulk (with delivery options available) from Indiana Mulch and Stone, Tiffany Lawn and Garden, or Indy GreenCycle. - [How do I go about hiring an arborist?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/how-do-i-go-about-hiring-an-arborist/) - Trees can be like an extension of your family. Just like when you are choosing a doctor for a family member, you want to make sure you get the best care for your tree. Find information on certified arborists by visiting the Find a Tree Service page on the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) website. - [Does KIB remove dead or diseased mature trees?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/does-kib-remove-dead-or-diseased-mature-trees/) - KIB does not provide a tree removal service. We recommend locating a certified arborist to assess the health of your tree. You may find a certified arborist by visiting the Find a Tree Service page on the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) website. If the tree is located in the public right-of-way in Marion County, contact Paul Pinco. - [I think something is wrong with a tree in my yard. Can someone come look at it?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/i-think-something-is-wrong-with-a-tree-in-my-yard-can-someone-come-look-at-it/) - KIB does not provide tree care services. We recommend locating a certified arborist to assess the health of your tree. You may find a certified arborist by visiting the Find a Tree Service page on the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) website. If your tree was planted through a KIB tree planting, however, we can help! Contact - [Can I get a tree for just my house instead of organizing a neighborhood-wide planting?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/can-i-get-a-tree-for-just-my-house-instead-of-organizing-a-neighborhood-wide-planting/) - Yes! By joining our Adopt-A-Block program, you will be eligible to receive one free tree (per year) to plant on your property or to share with a neighbor. In return, you agree to clean your block on an ongoing basis. Other Adopt-A-Block perks include free tools and flowers. Learn more about Adopt-A-Block to get involved. You can also - [Can my neighbors and I pick the tree species we want for our neighborhood tree planting?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/can-my-neighbors-and-i-pick-the-tree-species-we-want-for-our-neighborhood-tree-planting/) - We work closely with our neighborhood partners and nurseries to choose the "right tree for the right place." Species selection varies depending on what's available at the nurseries and what will do well in the area that the neighbors select for planting. Our arborists will allow neighbors to specify whether they want a small, medium, or - [How big are the tree that KIB plants?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/how-big-are-the-tree-that-kib-plants/) - Most of the trees we plant are at least 1" in diameter and 6 - 12 feet in height. There are always exceptions, of course! Our arborists assess each plantable spot to make sure the correct size of tree is planted. Why 1" caliper trees? We often plant in challenging urban conditions. Trees of 1" or more have a - [What kind of trees does KIB plant?](https://www.kibi.org/faq/2655/) - KIB plants over 75 species of trees, the vast majority of which are native to Indiana. Because biodiversity is extremely important to our urban environment, we strive to plant a rich variety of trees at each tree planting instead of just one or two popular species. Our arborists choose species that tolerate urban soil and ## Nature Activities - [Reduce and Reuse Activity](https://www.kibi.org/nature-activity/reduce-and-reuse-activity/) - [Be a Plant Scientist!](https://www.kibi.org/nature-activity/be-a-plant-scientist/) - [Water Health Activity](https://www.kibi.org/nature-activity/water-health-activity/) - [Nature Bingo](https://www.kibi.org/nature-activity/nature-bingo/) - [Specimen Bracelet](https://www.kibi.org/nature-activity/specimen-bracelet/) - [Native Plant Memory Game](https://www.kibi.org/nature-activity/native-plant-memory-game/) - [Nature Detectives](https://www.kibi.org/nature-activity/nature-detectives/) - [Poetree!](https://www.kibi.org/nature-activity/poetree/) ## Litter Tips - [Carry it With You](https://www.kibi.org/tip/carry-it-with-you/) - Have trash but don't see a trash can nearby? Carry it with you until you're able to find one for proper disposal. This little act can go a long way in keeping food wrappers, empty bottles, cigarette butts and other litter off our streets. - [Keep a Litter Bag in Your Car](https://www.kibi.org/tip/keep-a-litter-bag-in-your-car/) - Prevent trash from falling out of your car or blowing out of your truck by keeping a small trash bag in your car to collect wrappers, cups, and other materials that can add up quickly when on-the-go. - [Re-Use Whenever Possible](https://www.kibi.org/tip/re-use-whenever-possible/) - Hazardous chemicals from batteries, household products and electronics can get into our soil and waterways if they're put in the trash. The City of Indianapolis has for ToxDrop locations where you can drop off hazardous waste AND electronics for recycling at no charge! A full list of hazardous materials for disposal and locations can be found - [Use Toxdrop Locations](https://www.kibi.org/tip/use-toxdrop-locations/) - Hazardous chemicals from batteries, household products and electronics can get into our soil and waterways if they're put in the trash. The City of Indianapolis has for ToxDrop locations where you can drop off hazardous waste AND electronics for recycling at no charge! A full list of hazardous materials for disposal and locations can be found - [Properly Dispose of Cigarette Butts](https://www.kibi.org/tip/properly-dispose-of-cigarette-butts/) - Did you know that 90% of cigarette butts become litter? They may be little, but they are toxic to plants and wildlife. The plastics in the filter can take up to 10 years to decompose. So keep your butts off the ground and use appropriate ash trays! - [Use Heavy Trash Pick-Up Days](https://www.kibi.org/tip/use-heavy-trash-pick-up-days/) - Did you know the City of Indianapolis provides heavy trash disposal services at no additional cost? Heavy trash, like furniture, appliances, yard refuse, and more can be picked up by the city on heavy trash days each month. Find your heavy trash day! - [Pick Up One Piece of Trash](https://www.kibi.org/tip/pick-up-one-piece-of-trash/) - On your next walk (or every walk!), pick up one piece of litter and dispose of it properly. If everyone did, litter would literally be gone. KIB can even provide supplies if you want more official clean up tools! Want to get your whole neighborhood involved? KIB can help you organize a neighborhood cleanup day. - [Bag Loose Trash](https://www.kibi.org/tip/bag-loose-trash/) - Bag all loose trash before putting it into your trash can for pickup. Avoid overstuffing your trash can so the lid can close tight. Wind will blow loose trash out of cans, causing litter to pile up in our neighborhoods. ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://www.kibi.org/category/uncategorized/) - [Volunteers](https://www.kibi.org/category/volunteers/) - [News & Features](https://www.kibi.org/category/news-features/) - [Education](https://www.kibi.org/category/education/) - [Habitat Restoration](https://www.kibi.org/category/trees-and-native-habitats/habitat-restoration/) - [AES Indiana Project Greenspace](https://www.kibi.org/category/trees-and-native-habitats/greenspace/) - [Kids & Nature](https://www.kibi.org/category/education/kids-nature/) - [Adopt-A-Block](https://www.kibi.org/category/clean-neighborhoods/adopt-a-block/) - [Clean Neighborhoods](https://www.kibi.org/category/clean-neighborhoods/) - [Community Forestry](https://www.kibi.org/category/trees-and-native-habitats/community-forestry/) - [Great Indy Cleanup](https://www.kibi.org/category/clean-neighborhoods/great-indy-cleanup/) - [Trees and Native Habitats](https://www.kibi.org/category/trees-and-native-habitats/) - [Plogging](https://www.kibi.org/category/clean-neighborhoods/plogging/) - [Busy Roads and Waterways](https://www.kibi.org/category/clean-neighborhoods/busy-roads-and-waterways/) - [Engaged Citizens](https://www.kibi.org/category/engaged-citizens/) - [KIB in the News](https://www.kibi.org/category/in-the-news/) - [Urban Naturalists](https://www.kibi.org/category/engaged-citizens/urban-naturalists/) - [Tree Tenders](https://www.kibi.org/category/engaged-citizens/tree-tenders/) - [Youth Tree Team](https://www.kibi.org/category/engaged-citizens/youth-tree-team/) - [KIB Ambassadors](https://www.kibi.org/category/engaged-citizens/ambassadors/) - [Custom Day of Service](https://www.kibi.org/category/custom-day-of-service/) - [Partners](https://www.kibi.org/category/partners/) - [Awards & Recognition](https://www.kibi.org/category/awards-recognition/) - [Research & Data](https://www.kibi.org/category/research-and-data/) - [Air quality & health](https://www.kibi.org/category/research-and-data/air-quality-health/) - [Public safety](https://www.kibi.org/category/research-and-data/public-safety/) - [Climate](https://www.kibi.org/category/research-and-data/climate/) - [Green infrastructure](https://www.kibi.org/category/research-and-data/green-infrastructure/) - [Children](https://www.kibi.org/category/research-and-data/children/) - [Community health](https://www.kibi.org/category/research-and-data/community-health/) - [Neighborhood & economy](https://www.kibi.org/category/research-and-data/neighborhood-economy/) ## Tags - [Volunteer](https://www.kibi.org/tag/volunteer/) - [High School](https://www.kibi.org/tag/high-school/) - [Community Service](https://www.kibi.org/tag/community-service/) - [Central Indiana](https://www.kibi.org/tag/central-indiana/)