The Hendricks County Bicentennial Steering Committee made it their mission in 2024 to leave their generation's mark as they celebrated the county's 200-year anniversary.
To make it a year-long celebration, they encouraged local businesses, civic groups, event planners and locals in the Indianapolis suburb to plan and submit events and projects celebrating the county's history.
But the 12-member committee also wanted to come up with a project that would withstand the test of time and leave a legacy for future generations, and they need the community's help to complete it.
Hendricks County Bicentennial Tree Trail
The steering committee partnered with the Hendricks County Parks Department and The Parks Foundation of Hendricks County to find a home for the Bicentennial Tree Trail at W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) indicated a need for a park showcasing trees native to Indiana.
It will be one of only two such trails in Indiana featuring virtually every tree native to Indiana in one place with signage identifying every tree.
Tree Trail Amenities
The Tree Trail will encompass 7 acres of land in the park. Park officials will do most of the work, which began with tree plantings earlier this month. A 200-shaped crushed gravel path will meander through the trees. They will install benches and create and install all the signage identifying the trees.
They plan to plant three of more than 70 species native to our state. Construction of the trail should be completed by this fall. In addition to the obvious outdoor recreation benefits, Central Indiana elementary school students will have one location to complete their leaf projects.
Tree Trail Gateway
Visit Hendricks County, one of the founding members of the Bicentennial Steering Committee, plans to invest in a gateway for the trail with design and construction still to be determined.
They feel the project benefits quality of place as a built asset that will enhance the unique experiences of Hendricks County as well as enhancing quality of life for all residents.
How You Can Help
The Hendricks County Community Foundation, also a founding member of the steering committee and sponsor for the trail and four additional sponsors: Hendricks Power Cooperative, IU Health, North Salem State Bank and Tim and Bonnita Whicker have already committed to buying benches along the trail to help pay for the project.
More $10,000 sponsorships and $250 tree donations are critically needed to finish the project. The sponsorships include having a business or family name etched on one of the benches within the Tree Trail, among other perks. Tree donations give people or organizations who can't afford the larger sponsorships an opportunity to also support the project.
