14 City Trees
Carmel's White River parallels the entire eastern boundary of the city. Along the way,
you can enjoy wooded areas, newer subdivisions, and scenic views. Many Carmel parks
offers nature trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, and opportunities to fish and boat on the
water. Photo by City of Carmel, Nancy Heck
ash trees have been removed. Species
diversity going forward is foremost; our
recommended tree list can be found at
www.carmelurbanforestry.com.
How do you complete your landscap-
ing work?
DM: Carmel is a small city with only two
dedicated forestry staff. I contract out
most of the work including tree planting,
tree removal, and nursery purchases. This
enables me to accomplish a large project
at one time without feeling like I do not
have enough staff or time left in the sea-
son. Generally, our ash tree removal and
seasonal tree planting projects require a
lot of workers at one time and not neces-
sarily throughout the year.
How does the community get
involved?
DM: We have a seven-member, may-
or-appointed urban forestry committee
via Tree City USA certification that hands
out tree seedlings at the farmers market
and assists with neighborhood tree plant-
ing and pruning projects involving home-
owners in the fall. Also, Arbor Day cele-
brations have been an ongoing mission
to invite the community to get involved in
tree planting.
One of our award-winning projects was
Tree Stars Day. The Tree Stars Project
helped the children of Little Star Center
learn life skills and give back to the
local ecosystem. The Little Star Center
provides therapeutic intervention and
programs for children with autism. Trees
Indiana provided curriculum for the chil-
dren that included such concepts as
the benefits of trees, a tree's life cycle,
and tree biology. Planting trees at the
Little Star Center allowed the children to
provide continued care for the trees and
to observe their cycle of life. "Research
Carmel, Indiana Quick Facts
Human Population: 85,927
Street Tree Population: 24,000
Total Forestry Expenditure: $400,000
Number of Forestry Staff: 2
Settled in 2000, the 686-acre (278 ha) Village of Westclay is a planned unit develop-
ment located on the west side of Carmel. It is known for its English style and boasts many
parks, ponds, and a small neighborhood atmosphere. Photo by Lesle Lane
