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Free tree programs, planting events, and stewardship opportunities verified by our team.
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.
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