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Natural Resources

Our natural resources are one of Our City's greatest assets. Aside from the understood value of clean air and water, natural spaces offer the following benefits: help lower energy use; reduce urban heat island; minimize impacts of flooding; promote safe neighborhoods; and support mental and physical health. By ensuring our air and water are clean and that natural spaces are a walk away, we help all our neighbors get that much closer to a more resilient future.

Urban Tree Canopy

Urban Heat Island

With less green space and fewer trees, our urban core can experience higher temperatures than some of the more rural parts of Our County on the same day. This is known as the urban heat island effect. By driving implementation of the actions associated with Natural Resources Objective 1: Green spaces and trees are sustained and equitably expanded, Indianapolis will be well positioned to address the increases in heat and precipitation associated with climate change.

Urban Tree Canopy

Benefits of Urban Forests

Our City's urban forests provide stormwater control, carbon sequestration, energy reduction and air pollution filtration resulting in a $10 million annual benefit.

Urban Tree Canopy

Tree Cover and Social Vulnerability

Equity is a core value of our Climate Action Plan and all actions in the plan were analyzed with this in mind. Natural Resources Action NR:1D calls for the planting of 30,000 native trees by 2025, particularly in those neighborhoods in most need. This map shows the distribution of tree cover across Our County along with the location of some of our most vulnerable populations. Those areas in the map below that are outlined in bright pink with a light green background are where we will want to focus our efforts to enhance our tree canopy.

Contrast this map with one in the Built Environment section that highlights impervious surfaces. Those areas most in need of trees also have the most impervious surfaces, contributing to urban heat and storm water runoff. Both of which more trees will help to reduce.

Urban Tree Canopy

Land Cover in Our City

Our City has a rich diversity of land types within its boundary. Forests, wetlands, and meadows are accompanied by developed areas, buildings, and roads. 

Maintaining high quality natural areas is a strength of our city, and it ensures that there are restorative places that residents, as well as the plants and animals we share this space with, can enjoy.

Parks & Recreation

Our City's Parks and Trails

Despite having a very limited budget, Our City has managed to operate and maintain over 200 parks and 135 miles of trails across Our County.

211 Parks

Over 135 Miles of Trails

125 Playgrounds

Parks & Recreation

Staying Cool When the Temps Rise

As we work to reduce climate change, we can't ignore the fact that our climate has begun to warm already. For days when it gets excessively hot and you need some relief, you can use a map like the one below to find cooling centers, pools, splash pads, and more to help beat the heat.

Natural Resources

Be a Part of the Solution

Trade your shower heads and faucets for low-flow, water-efficient options.
Purchase an Environmental License Plate, your money will go towards the protection of Indiana's land, waters and wildlife.
Learn how to take action on air quality.