Indiana Gov. Mike Braun today joined the Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers (GSGP), the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and other conservation leaders for a ceremonial tree planting at Summit Lake State Park.
This event is part of the GSGP's regional effort to plant 250 million trees by 2033. So far, 27 million trees have been planted since 2024 across the region.
So far just in 2026, more than 24,400 trees have been planted on DNR lands. The tree planted at the ceremony is a Shumard oak.
"This initiative reflects our shared commitment to protect and enhance our natural resources," said Braun. "By working together with our regional partners, we are investing in healthier communities and a stronger environment for our state and for future generations."
Trees clean the air by storing carbon and removing pollutants, while also improving cardiovascular and mental health. Trees also reduce urban heat effects and absorb stormwater to help improve the health of streams, lakes, and drinking water. Trees also provide habitat for other plants and wildlife, while helping to create recreational landscapes, economic benefits, and jobs.
Summit Lake State Park offers a diverse landscape that shows the importance of conservation and outdoor recreation. It is home to an 800-acre lake that supports idle-speed boating, has Indiana's only interactive two-kayak trail challenge, is an outstanding panfish and bass fishery, and provides excellent bird watching year-round. Throughout its existence, the property has been an important waystation for migratory and unique waterfowl because of the shallow coves and dedicated nature ponds.
"Every tree planted today will provide benefits for many years to come," said GSGP Executive Director David Naftzger. "We thank Gov. Braun and his fellow governors and premiers for their commitment to planting trees that will bring cleaner air and water for the benefit of our entire region."
During the next decade, GSGP will work with the region's states and provinces, federal governments, Indigenous communities, corporations, and other institutions to achieve its goal of planning 250 million trees. The Indiana DNR planted one million trees across state forest, state park, fish & wildlife area, and nature preserve land between 2000-2024, and, with partners, continues to plant trees at DNR properties across Indiana.