IU Indianapolis Urban Garden Seeks Summer Volunteers

Getting your hands dirty this summer just became more meaningful in Indianapolis.

IU Indianapolis' Office of Sustainability is recruiting volunteers to help maintain their urban garden through the end of August. The garden sits at the corner of Lansing Street and West New York Street, welcoming anyone ready to plant, weed, and cultivate fresh crops.

The schedule makes it easy to fit volunteering into your week. Monday evening sessions run from 5 to 7 p.m., while Friday morning shifts go from 9 to 11 a.m. Just sign up online and show up ready to dig in.

This isn't just about pretty plants. The urban garden is part of the university's larger sustainability efforts, which have already made a real difference in the community. The same space is home to up to 160,000 honeybees during summer months, helping combat bee population decline while pollinating local plants.

The Ripple Effect

Urban gardens like this one do more than produce food. They create green spaces in concrete neighborhoods, reduce urban heat, and give people a chance to learn where their food comes from. Every tomato planted and weed pulled contributes to a healthier, more sustainable Indianapolis.

For volunteers, it's two hours of fresh air, light exercise, and the satisfaction of watching something grow. For the community, it's fresh produce, pollinator support, and proof that small actions add up. No experience needed, just a willingness to show up.

You can make a difference before breakfast on Friday or unwind after work on Monday. Either way, you'll leave with dirt under your nails and the knowledge that you helped something good grow.