Recent Projects
Chestnut Street Planting: 125 Volunteers Come Together to Plant 100 Native Trees
On November 2, 2024, 125+ volunteers gathered to plant 100 native Indiana hardwood trees in the street rows between 13th and 24th Streets and Chestnut to Liberty Streets. This planting showcased the power of volunteerism to keep Terre Haute green, beautiful, and sustainable.
Volunteers from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Indiana State University, and local businesses donated time and energy to support the initiative. Their work not only reduced the overall costs of planting but also allowed TREES Inc. to stretch donations and grants even further to benefit the community.
The purchase of the trees was made possible through a $75,000 Inflation Reduction Act grant, which TREES Inc. received in early 2024 from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The grant’s primary objective is to help TREES Inc. plant at least 400 trees in 2024 and 2025.
This effort is a response to the hundreds of trees lost in severe storms during 2023 and 2024, as well as an opportunity to address long-standing gaps in urban tree coverage. Many neighborhoods in Terre Haute, especially those with lower socioeconomic status, have been historically under-canopied. By working with the city’s urban forester, TREES Inc. is committed to planting trees in areas where they are most needed—creating shade, reducing urban heat, and improving air quality for the entire community.
New Roots for the Sarah Scott Neighborhood: 100 Trees Planted in Spring 2024
In Spring 2024, the Sarah Scott Middle School neighborhood experienced a welcome transformation as TREES Inc. led a large-scale community effort to plant 100 native Indiana hardwood trees. Stretching along South 9th Street, this initiative brought long-lasting environmental benefits to an area in need of more tree coverage.
The event drew over 150 volunteers, including local residents, students from Indiana State University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and employees from area businesses. This collaborative effort underscored the community’s shared commitment to making Terre Haute greener and more sustainable. Volunteers helped with every step of the process, from digging to planting to clean up.
Funding for this project came from a $75,000 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) grant, awarded to TREES Inc. by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. This funding supports an ambitious goal of planting at least 400 native trees in Terre Haute during 2024 and 2025. Beyond replacing the many trees lost in recent severe storms, the project focuses on improving tree coverage in neighborhoods that have historically lacked adequate green infrastructure.
"This planting wasn’t just about adding trees to the streetscape—it was about creating a healthier, more vibrant environment for everyone in the neighborhood," said Gregg Carrick, a TREES Inc. board member and the planting leader. "It’s exciting to know that these trees will provide shade, beauty, and cleaner air for generations to come."
Tree Plantings Location Map
The 101 Tree of Indiana Walking Trail is part of the Indiana Veterans Memorial Mile, a scenic one-mile walking trail encircling Indiana State University's Memorial Stadium. It is located at 3300 Wabash Avenue on the Historic National Road. The trail's shape is the outline of the State of Indiana. It is a wonderful place to walk or bike as you learn about native Hoosier trees.
In fulfillment of its mission to educate children and other residents about trees, in 2005 TREES Inc. created this trail to feature all of Indiana's native trees. The book 101 Trees of Indiana: A Field Guide by Dr. Marion Jackson, an ecologist and TREES Inc. board member, guided the project. Landscape architect Kevin Runion created the landscape plan and the trail was completed with support from the Terre Haute City Park Department and Indiana State University., Funding for the trees came from a bequest from TREES Inc. member Guido Miescher.
In 2007, Art Spaces commissioned a large public sculpture, Tree, by artist, Mark Wallis, to draw attention to and honor the indigenous trees and shrubs planted by TREES Inc.
The native trees are identified with signage. Most are now almost two decades old and several are recognized as Indiana State Champion Big Trees.
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101 Trees
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Walking Trail
Big Tree Registry
The Big Tree Committee of TREES Inc. proudly maintains a registry of the largest native Indiana trees in Vigo County. This resource supports the preservation of these trees and highlights the impressive diversity of our local tree canopy. Our efforts raise awareness of their ecological significance and foster a deeper appreciation for our community's natural heritage.
If you have a big tree that might be a champ, we’d love to hear from you! If it is a contender, our Big Tree Committee will measure and compare it with our county database as well as the State of Indiana's Big Tree Registry.
While we love all kinds of trees, we especially love when the right type tree is planted in the right place to thrive and grow. We want to help you successfully plant trees in your yard.
TREES Inc. supports The Arbor Day Foundation's Right Tree Right Place initiative which emphasizes that a healthy community forest starts with a few easy steps.
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Do some research and a create simple layout to ensure trees cool your home in summer and protect from winter cold.
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Select trees suited to your soil and moisture conditions to ensure they thrive.
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Look around and think about how big the tree will grow to avoid conflicts with power lines or buildings.
For tools to help you plan, click the button below.