About Trees Indiana

Mission Statement

Trees Indiana’s mission is to inspire and educate Indiana’s youth to become stewards of their local environment by planting, protecting, and maintaining trees. We seek to reconnect young people with nature and instill a lifelong commitment to environmental sustainability through practical learning experiences.

Trees Indiana is committed to nurturing the Hoosier tree canopy by inspiring and educating Indiana’s youth about the importance of maintaining healthy urban forests.

Since our founding in 2006, we have provided hands-on environmental education programs that empower young people to understand, plant, protect, and maintain trees in their communities.

Program Goals:

Educate Indiana’s youth about the benefits of healthy communities and the vital role trees play through ongoing environmental education.
Increase the Hoosier tree canopy by engaging young people in tree planting and maintenance efforts.

Board & Staff

Board of Directors

Mark Coleman – President
CynergisTek, Inc.

Carol Frane – Treasurer
Retired, Central Soya

Lindsey Dutrieux
City of Fort Wayne

Sarah Gordon
Manchester University Pharmacy Program

Steve McDaniel
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation

Marwa Noureldin
Pharmacy Consultant

Derek Veit
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation

Jesse Lafromboise
AEP

Tara Ledet
L3Harris Technologies

Advisory Board

Jeff Baxter
Allen County Parks

Nancy Bradtmiller
Oak Farm Montessori

Mary Ibe
Science Educator

Staff

Carol Cavell, Executive Director

Carol Cavell is the Executive Director and co-founder of Trees Indiana. Carol grew up in Fort Wayne and attended Elmhurst High School and Indiana University. She believes her childhood experiences of playing outdoors without the option of staying inside laid the foundation for her environmental spirit. Carol sees her role as Executive Director as the most rewarding job she has ever had, especially in terms of connecting today’s youth with nature. Before founding Trees Indiana, she was a business owner for 17 years and a community volunteer for 25 years. She is very proud of the organization’s growth and the impact it continues to have, believing that, like roots multiplying from a single seed, the organization is expanding and thriving.

Why Urban Forestry Matters

Urban and community forestry plays a crucial role in enhancing our cities and towns. With over 80% of Hoosiers living in urban areas, it is vital to understand and manage these green spaces for the benefit of our communities.

Economic Benefits

Urban forests contribute significantly to Indiana’s economy. In 2004, the management of urban forests and related industries added nearly $2.05 billion to the state’s economy (Center for Urban Policy and the Environment).

Environmental Benefits

Trees are essential for a healthy environment. They clean the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, reduce urban heat, and provide critical habitat for wildlife. Urban forests are one of the most valuable natural resources in Indiana’s communities.

Psychological Benefits

Urban forests contribute to mental well-being by reducing stress, fostering a sense of community, and encouraging social connections. Studies have shown that access to green spaces can lower stress levels, decrease violence, and enhance quality of life.

Get Involved

Whether you’re a family, educator, or community member, we invite you to join us in cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards and creating a healthier, greener future for Indiana.

Explore our programs, volunteer opportunities, or ways to give to support our mission today!