INDIANAPOLIS - Approximately 5,000 native trees will be planted in Indiana state forests, thanks to a $25,000 “Powerful Communities” grant presented by the Duke Energy Foundation to the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation (INRF) and its Indiana Tree Project initiative.

The Indiana Tree Project is a joint effort between the INRF and the DNR Division of Forestry, as well as citizens and businesses throughout the state, to plant new trees and promote healthy forests. A tree planting day will be scheduled in the spring. Volunteers from Duke Energy and DNR will participate in the planting.

The Duke Energy Foundation has awarded 19 “Powerful Communities” program grants in Indiana totaling more than $235,000 for important environmental programs to support water quality, conservation, and habitat and forest restoration.

For more information on how you can become a corporate sponsor, please contact Kress at jkress@dnr.IN.gov or 317-234-5447.