Splash parks are closed. Running around the backyard is old hat. And you’re looking for how to get the kids outside this fall.
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful has three easy and (BONUS!) educational ways to engage the whole family outside to burn off excess energy and teach everyone a new skill … or TREE! With over 30 volunteer opportunities and 2,200 trees to plant in October, November and December there are opportunities for the whole family at www.kibi.org/projects.
1. Community Tree Plantings
WHEN: 9am – 12pm every Saturday through December 2
WHERE: neighborhoods around Marion County
AGES: all ages welcome!; Digging is hard work and best suited to children over 13, however there is a way for kids of all ages to help out.
Note: We anticipate 1 volunteer per tree when we plan our planting projects. Please be prepared to spend the entire 3 hours planting.
What will large-growing, 1″ caliper shade trees do for a neighborhood? How exactly does a tree dance work? Come see for yourself as KIB and community members transform the tree lawns around the city! From shoveling dirt to mulching tree rings, we need hands of all sizes to plant 2,200 trees this fall. DYK? Trees can provide many benefits, like reduced residential heating and cooling costs and increased community gathering space.
Sign up at www.kibi.org/projects.
2. Monarch Sanctuary Planting & Día de los Muertos Celebration
WHEN: 9am – 12pm on Saturday, November 4, 2017
WHERE: Indiana Urban Wilderness Trail in White River State Park
AGES: all ages welcome!
On the heels of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, join fellow Indy residents of all ages in adding 2,600 native plants and shrubs to the White River State Park along the Indianapolis Urban Wilderness Trail. These plants – with particular attention toward those that support the endangered monarch butterfly — will create a beautiful new wildlife sanctuary.
In Latino culture Día de los Muertos is a time to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed away. The monarch butterfly’s migratory return to Mexico symbolizes the spiritual journey of those ancestors and the cyclical nature of life.
This project will bring together several area partners focused on local waterways, wildlife, education, art, the environment, sustainability, and community improvement, such as: Reconnecting to Our Waterways, Indiana Wildlife Federation, The DaVinci Pursuit, White River State Park, Urban Wilderness Trail, and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful.
3. Adopt-A-Block
WHEN: available anytime
WHERE: your neighborhood block
AGES: all ages welcome!
It’s true … the love of using a litter grabber know no age limit. And with the average Indianapolis household generates 38 pounds of trash a week – some of which ends up on our streets, sidewalks, and in parks – we need all the help we can get! The Adopt-A-Block program empowers neighbors to keep their block clean of litter on an on-going basis. KIB provides the tools, trees, and flowers, and neighbors beautify our city together, block by block.
Sign up at www.kibi.org/adopt-a-block.
Want to get more involved?
KIB GreenKids Outdoor Classrooms
2018 Project applications available for all Marion County schools
KIB’s GreenKids program gives students the opportunity to create and maintain outdoor classrooms complete with trees, wildlife habitats, and much more. Schools commit to a multi-year partnership with KIB to ensure project success and sustainability. Learn more about our GreenKids and how you can help your child’s school apply.
Adopt-A-Block Schools
Citizenship starts with Indianapolis’ youngest residents. Schools, staff, and students can lead the charge of caring for the area around their building. Visit the Adopt-A-Block Schools page to learn how your child can help keep their school clean and beautiful!
Share your impact on social media. Show us your dirt! Whether you’re working hard to keep our streets clean or putting new trees in the ground, we want to know. Share photos with @kibiorg through social media posts with the hashtag #KeepIndianapolisBeautiful.
Check out other opportunities for kids and families to volunteer in the Indianapolis area.
Ashley Haynes is the Director of Marketing at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. She works closely with the programs staff and awesome supporters to share KIB’s story all over Indianapolis—after all, the best way to engage people in the work of KIB is to make sure the community knows about it!
