Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation offers Invasive for Native Tree Swap program

Now through April 29, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) invites the community to participate in its annual Invasive for Native Tree Swap. This program is an opportunity to remove invasive plants and replace them with native trees that support local ecosystems and biodiversity.

Participants who remove one or more invasive plants from their property can receive a free three-gallon native tree sapling. Available native species include river birch, redbud, and vernal witch-hazel.

Getting started is simple: take a photo of the invasive plants you’ve removed and email it to naturalresources@carmelclayparks.com with the subject line, “Invasive Species Swap 2026.” Once your submission is reviewed, CCPR will follow up to schedule a time for you to pick up your sapling. Limit of one sapling per household, available while supplies last. Both Carmel residents and non-residents are welcome to participate.

“We are excited to offer this incentive that gives back to our community and provides self-guided, hands-on education in support of healthy plants and pollinators,” CCPR Parks and Natural Resources Director Michael Allen said.

Invasive species are not native to Indiana and can cause long-term environmental harm. These plants spread quickly, outcompeting native species for resources like water and sunlight. By replacing them with native trees, participants help support wildlife, improve water quality and protect natural spaces.

To explore common invasive species in Indiana, visit the Indiana Invasive Species Council website. Learn more about planting native species at CarmelClayParks.com.