Release Date: Dec. 29, 2026
CHARLESTOWN, Ind. – New trees are coming to Charlestown. A recipient of the 2025 Small Town Big Trees Grant through the Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources, the City of Charlestown will add to its tree canopy while diversifying the species with Indiana natives.
The $5,000 matching grant is for communities with populations of 10,000 or less seeking to expand community and urban tree canopy cover.
Seeking to diversify the species of trees within the City of Charlestown, the grant will plant 28 trees of 11 different species including PawPaw, Eastern Redbud, Yellowwood, Persimmon, Kentucky Coffeetree, Sweetgum, Tulip, Black Gum, Virginia Pine, Bur Oak, and Shumard Oak.
Providing shade, shelter and food for wildlife, adding beauty, regulating water, reducing carbon emissions are some of the benefits of planting trees.
Planting locations will be at the Family Activities Park, Knoebel Park, Charlestown Little League Park, Greenway Park, and the City Square.
“What we learned through the 2023 tree study is that there is a lack of trees at some of our city properties,” said Brian Smith, Director of Communications. “For example, the Family Activities Park, prior to adding trees during The Depot expansion, was void of trees. This grant will add trees to the parking area and within the park to provide shade for visitors and help with managing water runoff. We’re thankful for this grant as we continue to create a more diverse and growing tree canopy within our overall parks system.”
In 2023, the University of Louisville completed a research project in Charlestown, creating a tree inventory on city properties, along with Greater Clark County School properties. A follow-up project in 2024 by the university included a pathway to obtaining Tree City USA status. Since then, the Common Council has passed a tree ordinance.
“Trees are an essential part of what makes our town special as they provide shade and beauty, improve air and water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, and create inviting spaces for residents and visitors alike,” said Lucas Green, a Charlestown resident in his support letter for the grant.
The match from the city will include additional trees planted in the future Charlestown Commons redevelopment project along with volunteer hours when planting in the spring.
In 2025, the city planted 10 potted trees on Earth Day, along with distributing 100 black cherry seedlings to residents to plant on private properties.
“This grant offers us a chance to enhance work we started in the past two years to improve our tree canopy in the city,” said Mayor Treva Hodges. “I’m grateful to the Department of Natural Resources for their support.”
The Indiana DNR, Division of Forestry Community & Urban Forestry Program, and the United States Forest Service sponsors the annual grant program.