Group cited for shutting I-70 for 12 hours -- to plant trees - Indianapolis, IN

Group cited for shutting I-70 for 12 hours -- to plant trees

NEBRASKA CITY -- Keep Indianapolis Beautiful will be honored here Saturday for shutting down a six-mile stretch of Interstate 70 for 12 hours -- to plant trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses.

In an effort that took two years to plan, KIB partnered with Eli Lilly and Company of Indianapolis to restore the stretch of I-70 that runs between downtown Indianapolis and Indianapolis International Airport. Together, the groups organized more than 8,000 tree planters and arranged for the extended shutdown of the thoroughfare.

While the road was closed, the volunteers planted 1,600 trees, 1,000 shrubs and 72,000 perennials and native grasses to enhance four interchanges.

For its efforts, KIB will receive the Arbor Day Foundation's Excellence in Volunteer Management award.