Can we use your logo? How do I apply for that? Where can I recycle? What is the name of that tree? Don't worry. We have you covered with answers to (almost) everything under the Indiana sun. If you cannot find what you're looking for, drop us a line or give us a call (317-264-7555), and a real person will get back with you!
These tips and files will help you promote KIB and your work in the community!
Media & Marketing Inquiries
For media inquiries, please contact Blake Johnson at blake@bluetiestrategies.com.
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, and .eps files of our logo are available for download.
General Media Guidelines
Creating a flyer for your cleanup? Including KIB in a press release? Download our media resource guide for how-tos!
If you are leading a neighborhood cleanup, partnering with us on a greenspace, creating an outdoor classroom, adopting your block, or working with us on anything else, we want to make sure your work is as successful as possible! We put together some handy guides for successful volunteer projects and promotion of your event.
GreenSpace Media Resource Sheet
Great Indy Cleanup Media Resource Sheet
Great Indy Cleanup Editable Flyer
Great Indy Cleanup Editable Flyer (Spanish)
We work on projects all over Indianapolis, but how do we find the places that need extra love? Our mapping, data, and on-staff experts guide some of those decisions, but we mainly rely on applications from community members like you! Check out our available applications and bring KIB to your neighborhood.
Community Forestry Tree Application for 2022
AES Indiana Project GreenSpace Application for 2023
Great Indy Cleanup Focus Neighborhood Application for 2022
Ongoing Community Great Indy Cleanup Application (April - October 2022)
Recursos en Español
Aplicación de siembra de árboles & entrenamiento virtual
Entrevista de Telemundo con Mari
Folleto de información general de KIB
Folleto para Participación Comunitaria
At KIB, we do a lot of stuff. . . but we can’t tackle all of Indy's clean, green, and beautiful needs alone. This is why we created a list of partner organizations and resources that you can use if one of our programs doesn't meet your needs.
Flora Permit
RECYCLING
Circular Indiana
A complete listing of area recycling drop-off points in Indianapolis is available through Circular Indiana. They have a great mapping tool to find a recycling facility near you.
For more information, visit https://www.circularindiana.org or call 317-632-5915.
Earth911
Didn't find what you were looking for? Earth911.com has a searchable online database to help you locate recycling facilities.
MAYOR'S NEIGHBORHOOD ADVOCATE
Your Mayor's Neighborhood Advocate is your direct link to Mayor Hogsett's office, as well as any city department and service. Neighborhood Advocates serve as a bridge between citizens and city government, representing neighborhood needs and providing a communication link between neighborhoods and the City.
Find out how to contact your Neighborhood Advocate at www.indy.gov.
MAYOR'S ACTION CENTER
The Mayor's Action Center (MAC) provides residents of Marion County with one central organization to contact to request services, obtain information, or register complaints.
You can call the MAC at 317-327-4MAC (4622) or submit your request online at www.indy.gov/RequestIndy.
TOXDROP AND E-CYCLE PROGRAMS
City of Indianapolis ToxDrop
The City of Indianapolis offers four locations in Marion County where residents can drop off household hazardous waste and electronics for recycling at no charge. Call 317-327-4869 or visit www.indy.gov to learn more.
RecycleForce
Need to recycle anything with a cord? RecycleForce will take it. Visit their drop-off at 1255 Roosevelt Avenue or their website at www.recycleforce.com.
Best Buy Recycling Program
Best Buy accepts computers, TVs, and many other electronics at their stores. Visit www.bestbuy.com to learn more.
If you need somewhere to take trash or yard waste after your event, check out these ways to appropriately dispose of waste beyond our Event Greening program.
dumpster rental in marion county
Dumpsters are free and accessible through the Great Indy Cleanup program, which focuses on cleaning streets, alleyways, and other public spaces. But dumpsters can be harder to obtain for other projects. Here are a few links to companies in our area that offer dumpsters for rent.
yard waste drop-off
GreenCycle accepts clean yard waste and wood debris. For more information or to find a location near you, visit their website.
Trash disposal/Pickup
Citizens Transfer Station
Open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Marion County Citizens Transfer Station (2324 S. Belmont Ave) lets you bring any household trash (except appliances containing Freon, household hazardous waste, large amounts of brush, and construction debris) and dump it for $2 per carload and $5 per truck load.
Southside Landfill
Southside Landfill accepts truckloads of household waste for a fee.
1-800-GOT-JUNK
1-800-Got-Junk offers pickup services for a wide range of common household materials for a fee.
A Crime Watch Block Club is a self-help cooperative effort to reduce crime and fear of crime. This is achieved by citizens, law enforcement, and local government working together. Members of a Block Club are not asked to be vigilantes or to assume the role of the police. However, they assist law enforcement by observing and reporting.
Downtown District
Officer Kimberly Evans | 317-327-6515
59 W. Jackson Place, Suite 500
Indianapolis, IN 46225
North District
Gerardo E. Becerra, Crime Watch Specialist | 317-327-3781
605 E Westfield Boulevard, Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46220
East District
Steve Talley, Crime Watch Specialist | 317-327-6265
201 N. Shadeland Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46219
Southeast District
Ann Westropp, Crime Watch Specialist | 317-327-6365
1150 Shelby St.
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Southwest District
Paula Barnes | 317-327-6465
551 N. King Avenue
Indianpolis, IN 46222
Northwest District
Diane Moorman, Crime Watch Specialist | 317-327-6572
3821 N. Industrial Blvd.
Indianpolis, IN 46254
General Information: 317-221-2000
Formal Complaint Line: 317-221-2141
Department of vector borne disease prevention
Mosquito-Borne Disease : Reduce the potential of mosquito-borne disease through control measures directed toward eliminitating both larvae and adult mosquitoes. Special investigations and control measures are conducted for problem bees, hornets, bats and or birds.
Contact: Chuck Dulla, 317-221-7440
4001 East 21st Street
Indianapolis, IN 46218
Tool loan program
Provides tools (brooms, rakes, shovels, etc.) to volunteers for neighborhood cleanup projects for 1 to 2 days.
Contact: Daron Thompson, 317-221-7588
RODENT CONTROL
Provides tools (brooms, rakes, shovels, etc.) to volunteers for neighborhood cleanup projects for 1 to 2 days.
Contact: Daron Thompson, 317-221-7588
Neighborhood Organization Assistance Programs
Provides the tools and skills necessary to neighborhood organizations so they can set their own priorities and effectively address the issues that affect their neighborhoods' quality of life. Services can include information and/or training on how to get a neighborhood association started, run an effective meeting, write a grant, write a newsletter, get involved with the zoning process, resolve conflicts, or develop a strategic plan.
1802 North Illinois Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
317-920-0330
The court can provide up to 15 community service workers to perform community service projects.
Contact:
Staci Wilson | Community Service Work Coordinator
Marion Superior Court Probation Department
2525 N. Shadeland Ave. Bldg. 30 | Indianapolis, Indiana 46219
317.327.8258 office phone| 317-327-8169 office fax
https://www.indy.gov/activity/community-service-work-program
We need native plants (and lots of kinds of them) to sustain life in our ecosystem. Biodiversity has been nature's way of ensuring the survival of species. We need to bring back the variety of native plants that has sustained life for millions of years!
INPAWS has a lot of resources about native plant types, planting tips, how you can help, and more.
Are you hoping to start a community garden but not ready for KIB's GreenSpace or GreenKids program? The Purdue Extension of Marion County offers many programs and resources for community and urban gardening.
Urban Agriculture Certificate: A year-long training for urban agriculture project leaders; begins in November.
Purdue Urban Farm Incubator Network: A network of beginning urban farmers and gardeners that focuses on building social capital and access to resources; begins in January each year (requires application).
Master Gardener: A multi-week class that covers many gardening and lawn topics and requires participants to then teach others in the community about gardening; offered each fall.
City Gardener: A basic set of workshops introducing the beginning gardeners to various topics; will be offered this spring.
Spring Garden Clinic: A one-day event with many different sessions about gardening; offered at the end of February, beginning of March on a Saturday.
Kind of like the junk drawer everybody has in their house, that drawer or compartment that is a catch-all for all the things and information that doesn't fit anywhere else. . . or that you need to find at a moment's notice. This is our digital version of all that with all the random bits and pieces you might be wondering about.
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 TREES 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!
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 cweidman@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 rdavis@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 rdavis@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.
WHERE CAN I TAKE PAPER TO BE SHREDDED AND RECYCLED?
There are various businesses in Indy that provide these services. For more information, visit ProShred (317-578-3650) or Shred Monkey (317-916-1800).
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 cweidman@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.
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 kcook@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.
