Curb CanopyGet Rooted
Free tree programs, planting events, and stewardship opportunities verified by our team.
The Nature Conservancy Lakeshore Urban Tree Planting
TNC's lakeshore restoration team conducts active tree planting in Gary's parks, particularly Marquette and Brunswick Parks, in coordination with city parks staff and volunteer groups. In fall 2025, TNC planted 82 native trees in Marquette Park with the Student Conservation Association. TNC also completed a citywide urban forestry plan and park tree inventory in 2021 (funded through IDNR Lake Michigan Coastal Program). Community members can volunteer for planting days; contact TNC's Indiana office for upcoming Gary-area events. This is not a resident tree giveaway program but a direct-planting partnership with the city.
CommuniTree Community Tree Grant Program
NIRPC provides free trees to public entities in northwest Indiana's Lake Michigan Watershed through this USDA Forest Service-backed grant program. Eligible applicants include municipalities, schools, churches, and conservation or community organizations. Trees must generally be planted in public spaces such as parks, schoolyards, church grounds, and public roadway easements. Private property planting is possible in limited circumstances with prior coordination. Applicants must provide a 20% non-federal local match (in-kind volunteer time and labor often qualifies) and commit to a 3-year maintenance plan. Applications go directly to Jen Birchfield at jbirchfield@nirpc.org. Gary has received trees through this program and is a primary target community.
NIRPC Invasive Species Replacement Tree Giveaway
Free native trees for residents who remove an invasive tree from their property. Bring proof of removal (photo is sufficient) and pick up one free native tree per address. The program targets the Little Calumet-Galien watershed, which covers much of Gary. Approved invasive species for trade-in include Callery (Bradford) pear, tree of heaven, common and glossy buckthorn, Norway maple, Asian bush honeysuckle, multiflora rose, and autumn olive. The 2025 event was held April 16 at NIRPC's Portage office. Annual events are expected; 2026 dates had not been announced as of February 2026.
Indiana Community and Urban Forestry Grants
Annual competitive grants from $1,000 to $30,000 for Indiana communities and nonprofits working on urban forestry. Eligible projects include tree inventories, urban forest management plans, canopy assessments, storm damage recovery, community tree planting, and public education. A 1:1 (dollar-for-dollar) match is required. Contact Jacob Roos (JRoos@dnr.in.gov, 317-234-4386) to discuss project eligibility before applying. These grants are how many smaller Indiana cities build their first urban forestry plans.
Indiana DNR Tree Seedling Nurseries Program
Indiana's two state nurseries (Vallonia in southern Indiana, Jasper-Pulaski in northern Indiana) sell native tree and shrub seedlings at near-cost pricing for conservation plantings. Orders open October 1 each year and some species sell out quickly. Hardwood seedlings run about $35 per bundle of 100 (roughly $0.35 each); shrubs are about $33 per 100. Species available include native oaks, walnut, redbud, river birch, and many wildlife shrubs. Important: these are bare-root seedlings for conservation purposes (windbreaks, wildlife habitat, watershed protection), not landscaping trees. Jasper-Pulaski Nursery, which serves northern Indiana, can be reached at 219-843-4827 or JasperNursery@dnr.IN.gov.
Indiana Tree Steward Program
A free 2-day workshop teaching residents the basics of urban tree care, tree biology, and community forestry advocacy. After attending, participants commit to 15 hours of volunteer service in their local community. This is a good fit for residents who want to help with tree care after community plantings or support park maintenance. Workshops are held periodically around the state; contact the program to find the next event near you. Racheal Stenger coordinates the program at 317-234-6741 or rstenger@dnr.IN.gov.