Trees & Native Habitats
Tree Tenders
Program Overview
KIB Tree Tenders are advocates for our urban forests and provide knowledgeable, committed volunteer support for the KIB Community Forestry team at planting projects, workshops, pruning days, and more!
Tree Tenders are committed to helping KIB in the planting and caring for trees in our community. They help the KIB Community Forestry team with projects across the city whose main goal is to repair and replenish the tree canopy in Indianapolis. They are an extension of the KIB family, and their support is vital to the success of our plantings and our mission.
Program Details
Tree Tender Duties
- Arrive 30 mins early to projects.
- Help the Community forestry team prepare the tools needed for tree plantings.
- Prepare root-balls for planting, pruning, quality control, and answering volunteer questions.
- Help map newly planted trees.
- Assist with project clean-up.
- Help the Community Forestry team load the planting tools into the trailer.
Why should you join?
Tree Tenders learn about arboriculture (growing, caring for, and studying trees) and gain experience from our certified arborists while helping us plant 3,000 trees across Indianapolis every year. Tree Tenders also get to meet other impassioned specialized volunteers who want to give back to their community and environment!
Other Benefits!
The more trees tended, the more fun (and useful) perks we have for our Tree Tender team:
- A copy of 101 Trees of Indiana by Marion T. Jackson
- KIB branded apparel
- Deluxe soil knife
- Hand pruners
- Badge with your official “KIB Tree Tender” title displayed
- Invitations to seasonal social gatherings including pitch-ins, nature hikes, advanced training workshops, happy hours, and award celebrations
- Plus, a surprise or two throughout the yea
There is no set number of projects or hours you must complete to keep your Tree Tender status, however, the more projects you attend, the more items you receive from the list above.
Upcoming Tree Tender training events are being scheduled now!
Tree Tender training is comprised of both “classroom” sessions and “in the field” sessions twice a year. Want to know when the next training is happening? Apply here.
Have Additional Questions?
Please email the Manager of the Volunteer Department.