You have questions, we have answers.
Answers to Common Questions.
Clean
Neighborhoods
Trees & Native
Habitats
Engaged
Community
Clean Neighborhoods FAQ.
I hear you have a graffiti program that helps individuals remove graffiti. How can I participate?
KIB has a partnership with the City of Indianapolis to stop graffiti in our neighborhoods. As part of that partnership, we can provide you with white or blue paint to cover the graffiti. For more information, please contact Carly Weidman, VP of Stakeholder Engagement, at engage@kibi.org or 317-264-7555 x515.
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 Ryann Davis at cleanneighborhoods@kibi.org.
Hold a Great Indy Cleanup! You can coordinate a community cleanup through our Great Indy Cleanup program. Free supplies like trash bags, gloves, and dumpsters are available for you and your group to use. For more information, visit kibi.org/GIC or contact Ryann Davis at cleanneighborhoods@kibi.org or 317.264.7555 x512.
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.
Trees & Native Habitats FAQ.
What kind of trees does KIB plant?
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 air quality, resist pests and diseases, and offer natural beauty and year-round interest to our city’s landscape.
We also prefer to plant large shade trees over small ornamental trees whenever possible. Large shade trees offer the most significant environmental and health benefits to our community, like capturing rain before it hits the sewer system, providing cool shade, and creating oxygen.
As part of our Adopt-A-Block program, we give all block captains one native tree per year. Take a Look!
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 greater chance of surviving. Plus, larger trees make an immediate visual impact on the community.
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 large tree in front of their home. We’ll work within those parameters to choose a tree that will do well at the planting location. This might coincide with a resident’s desire for a particular species, but we will not guarantee a specific tree species to residents.
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 purchase your own tree and plant it. We would love for you to register your tree with our Community Forestry program. It would count toward Indy’s tree canopy total! We have informational resources available on how to plant, care for, and maintain your tree on our Community Forestry page.
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 us at trees@kibi.org.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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 the grass underneath. This process will take about two months, and then you can plant directly through the mulch and biodegraded paper. The best time to start is in early March when the grass begins to green up from winter. Then you will still have time to plant your new garden in May!
Engaged Citizens 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 cleanups, and tree plantings are all effective tools to involve new people in your neighborhood.
To begin a discussion on how to build community and engage your neighbors, please contact Carly Weidman, VP of Stakeholder Engagement, at engage@kibi.org.
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.
Volunteer 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.
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
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.
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 16 must be accompanied by an adult. If you have a group larger than 15 participants, please consider a Custom Day of Service or a Great Indy Cleanup.
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.
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 or Tree Tender, please fill out an Ambassador Interest Form or Tree Tender Interest Form We’ll be in touch soon after with upcoming training opportunities. For more information on the Ambassador/Tree Tender programs please visit our website.
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 read more about these incentives here.
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.
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.
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.
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 local community calendars to raise awareness about their cleanups. These calendars may reach a wider audience outside of the KIB volunteer base and allow organizers to be more hands-on in the promotion/sign up process.
If you represent an organization and are interested in additional volunteer recruitment sites, there are other Volunteer recruitment tools that may be a good fit for you. We use sites such as Volunteer Match, AARP Create the Good, and Points of Light to reach broader audiences.
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 through the internal link provided.
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.
General 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 Department does run a tool loan program, where they provide tools (brooms, rakes, shovels, etc.) to volunteers for neighborhood cleanup projects. For more information, visit their website here.
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.
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 until it can be planted.
Your donation is very generous, and we encourage you to visit our Donate Page to learn other ways you can help us keep Indy beautiful.