Last Updated on August 29, 2024 by Jenna Martin
Shelbyville, IN — The City of Shelbyville is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to support a comprehensive tree inventory and community engagement initiative focused on urban forestry and tree planting. This grant will enable the city to enhance its urban canopy, promote environmental sustainability, and foster community involvement.
The awarded grant will fund the City of Shelbyville’s Tree Inventory and Community Engagement & Tree Planting project, which aims to restore and diversify the urban tree canopy throughout the city. The project will begin with a detailed tree inventory, providing essential data on the health, diversity, and distribution of the city’s existing trees. This inventory will help identify areas most in need of new tree plantings and pinpoint locations where invasive species should be removed. The project also includes multiple community planting events to engage residents, educate the public on the benefits of urban forestry, and enhance the overall quality of life in Shelbyville.
“Our goal is to create a more sustainable and resilient urban environment by strategically enhancing our tree canopy,” said Adam Rude, Planning Director of Shelbyville. “This grant from the DNR is a significant step towards achieving that goal and aligns perfectly with our community’s vision of connecting more closely with our natural environment.”
Project Highlights:
- Tree Inventory: Conducting a comprehensive survey of all trees within the city limits, which will provide crucial information for future tree planting efforts and urban forest management. This data-driven approach will help identify priority areas for tree planting, focusing on disadvantaged census tracts, parks, and streets.
- Community Engagement & Planting Days: Organizing several community planting events throughout 2025 and 2026 to engage residents and local organizations in tree planting activities. These events will serve as opportunities for community members to learn about the importance of urban forestry and actively participate in enhancing their local environment.
- Environmental and Social Benefits: The project aims to improve air quality, reduce erosion and stormwater runoff, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and provide equitable access to green spaces. The initiative also supports local industries by promoting the Indiana nursery industry and supporting arboriculture and landscape services.
- Partnerships and Collaboration: The City of Shelbyville has established partnerships with several local organizations, including Mathias Landscaping, BRANCH, the Blue River Community Foundation, and Knauf Insulation. These collaborations will be instrumental in the successful implementation of the project and ongoing maintenance of the urban forest.
“The involvement of our community is crucial to the success of this project,” said Maria Henriquez, Deputy Planning Director of Shelbyville. “By working together with local residents and organizations, we can create a healthier and more sustainable environment for everyone.”
The project will kick off in early 2025 with the commencement of the tree inventory, followed by a series of community planting days scheduled for the fall of 2025 and the spring and fall of 2026. The City is committed to ensuring the long-term success of the project by developing a formal urban forestry management plan and exploring the potential for a new tree ordinance to protect and conserve trees in Shelbyville.
For more information about the City of Shelbyville’s Urban Forestry Grant project and how to get involved in the community planting events, please contact the City of Shelbyville Planning Department at (317) 392-5102.
About the City of Shelbyville:
The City of Shelbyville is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community. Through initiatives like the Urban Forestry Grant project, the City aims to enhance the quality of life for all residents and promote environmental stewardship.
