ELKHART, Ind. -- The City of Elkhart will kick off its 2026 Trees for the Hart program on Thursday, May 28, at 5:30 p.m. at Roosevelt Park.

With the help of community volunteers, organizers hope to plant at least 100 trees during the event. 

The Trees for the Hart program was created to support tree planting efforts throughout the city after Elkhart was awarded $1 million in funding for urban forestry initiatives. Elkhart was one of several cities selected to receive the grant.

Funding for this program was provided as part of the Inflation Reduction Act’s investment in the Urban and Community Forestry Program. All districts in Elkhart have areas eligible to receive trees through this grant. The city's first tree planting efforts will start in District 4. Subsequent tree planting efforts will roll out to each of the other six districts in the city over the next two years.

Planting trees throughout the city adds value in various ways through the services trees provide, such as flood and erosion control, temperature moderation, and air quality improvement. Street trees are especially useful in reducing stormwater runoff and flooding during large rain events.

“Planting trees throughout the city is another way that we are making Elkhart a more vibrant community for years to come,” said Mayor Rod Roberson. “As a proud arbor city, we understand the lasting value trees bring. They improve air quality, provide shade, support our environment, and make our neighborhoods stronger and more welcoming.”

Volunteers can sign up and find future planting events at cityofelkhartin.gov/trees. For more information or to receive updates about future events, contact the Elkhart Environmental Center at 574-293-5070 or email [email protected].