Donate

DONATE

WHY WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

Shortly after the park opened it became apparent that municipal funding for Eagle Creek Park would not be sufficient in order for this remarkable natural resource to meet its full potential. 

That’s when members of the Eagle Creek Park Advisory Committee recognized the need for a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to help raise money for unfunded park projects, and formed the Eagle Creek Park Foundation.

The Foundation’s mission is to promote, preserve, protect, and enhance Eagle Creek Park.

With your support, we provide financial and volunteer resources above and beyond limited city funding to support essential park projects and programs.

Adopt A Raptor to help support Eagle Creek Park!

CHOOSE ANY AMOUNT

CHOOSE ANY AMOUNT

MORE WAYS TO SUPPORT EAGLE CREEK PARK

There are many opportunities to support Eagle Creek Park, and the Foundation welcomes them all.

Bench Dedication

BENCH DEDICATION

HONOR SOMEONE SPECIAL

The Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s Bench Dedication Program is a wonderful way to honor someone special AND contribute to the enhancement of Eagle Creek for generations to come.

Your contribution will provide park visitors a place to rest and enjoy all that Eagle Creek Park has to offer.

And Eagle Creek Park Foundation will use the funds to carry out its mission to promote protect, preserve, and enhance Eagle Creek Park. 

Bench with Back

WORKING WITH US

Available spots can be found on the ‘Bench Dedication Map’, below. If your preferred location is not available or not listed, we still may be able to accommodate your request but will need additional approval from IndyParks, which could take additional time.

The map below shows locations of benches throughout the park (updated May 2024).

Select a marker to view additional location details (i.e. site description, GPS coordinates, images, bench requirements).

If you have questions/concerns about the availability of a specific location, email ecpf@eaglecreekpark.org.   

Disclaimer: Our Bench Dedication Program relies on coordinating with IndyPark’s staff and their availability to assist between park projects. Please expect timelines between form submission and bench installation to vary seasonally.

In partnership with Indy Parks

How To Give

We are not taking on any additional bench dedications at this time. Please check back again soon!

Flat Benches

BENCH DEDICATION PROGRAM FAQ

Frequently asked questions for the Eagle Creek Park Foundation Bench Dedication Program.

What are the benches made of?

All benches are made of a long-lasting recycled composite material and come with a custom name plate.

How much does a bench cost?

The total cost of a bench depends on the type of bench you prefer*. We have 2 options: flat/backless or backed. A flat/backless bench is $3,000 and a backed bench is $3,500. This includes the cost of the bench, labor and materials for installation, and a commemorative plaque.

*Disclaimer: some locations require a certain bench type – requirements are noted in each available spot’s ‘location details’ on the Bench Dedication Map above.*

How do I choose a location for my bench?

All bench locations must be approved by IndyParks. Pre-approved locations can be found on the Bench Dedication Map above. Green icons indicate “available” locations. Yellow icons indicate “reserved” locations (the location has been requested but either payment or approval is still required). Red icons indicate benches which have already been sold (installation in the works). Blue icons indicate benches that have been installed (in progress). If you click or tap on the icons, we’ve included at least one photo to give you a better idea of what the location looks like. Once you’ve select a location you want, complete the application by clicking the button above

What happens after I submit my bench request?

Someone on our team will reach out to you and walk you through the rest of the process! 

Does ECPF have other dedication programs (e.g. trees, bricks, etc)?

At this time, we do not have any other dedication programs. We are continually working with the community and IndyParks.

However, if you would like to donate ‘in memoriam/in honor’ of a loved one who had a special connection to Eagle Creek, you can do so by visiting our online shop (click the button at the top of this page) or visiting our office at the Park or get your donation started by emailing customerservice@eaglecreekpark.org or calling 317.327.7116.

Memorial Giving

MEMORIAL GIVING

IN MEMORIAM GIVING TO EAGLE CREEK PARK FOUNDATION

If you have fond memories of time spent in Eagle Creek Park with a loved one, or someone who had a special connection to the park, please consider a gift to the Eagle Creek Park Foundation in their memory.

You can commemorate special occasions like birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries with a gift in their honor, as well.

Your gift will be used to promote, preserve, protect, and enhance the park as it relates to restoration projects, environmental education, and improvements.

You can donate online to the right, or you may also send a letter along with a check to payable to Eagle Creek Park Foundation. 

Please be sure to indicate the In Memoriam / In Honor recipient in your letter.

How To Give

Please click the button below to complete your memorial donation: 

Contact us about In Memoriam Giving

For more information or assistance, please fill out the form below and we’ll be happy to answer questions.

Donor-Advised Funds

DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS

GIVING TO EAGLE CREEK PARK FOUNDATION VIA DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS

Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) donations are another way you can create a legacy at Eagle Creek Park.

Philanthropically-minded members use their DAF gifts to help fund the various projects and upkeep needed to preserve the unique experience of Eagle Creek.

We appreciate your gifts.

 

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HOW TO GIVE

Please click the button below to complete your DAF donation: 

Contact us about Donor Advised Funds

For more information or assistance, please fill out the form below and we’ll be happy to answer questions.

Planned Giving

PLANNED GIVING

ABOUT PLANNED GIVING TO EAGLE CREEK PARK FOUNDATION

Planned giving encompasses a variety of philanthropic strategies that help you provide for charity while advancing your own financial and personal objectives.

Planning your gift is a way for you to take advantage of the tax, financial, and estate planning benefits of philanthropy.

WHAT YOU CAN GIVE

Your gift can be made with almost anything—cash, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, and even property such as artwork, boats, vehicles, and royalties.

Leaving your retirement plan or IRA (or a portion of it) to the Eagle Creek Park Foundation is a tax-wise gift.

Planned gifts can also be given through a direct bequest, charitable remainder or lead trust.

TAX ADVANTAGES

Naming the Foundation as the recipient of your retirement plan after your lifetime (or at the death of the survivor of you and your spouse) could potentially minimize estate and income taxes on the plan assets designated to the Foundation.

If you’re considering a future gift to the Eagle Creek Park Foundation, we recommend you consult with your tax advisor and attorney in regards to the tax treatment, and to receive options on how to structure your planned giving to best meet your goals.

How To Give

If you’d like to name the Eagle Creek Park Foundation in your will, please include the following language:

I give (_____dollars/____ percentage or the entire residue of my estate) to the Eagle Creek Park Foundation, an Indiana 501(c)(3) charitable organization, for the benefit of Eagle Creek Park (for a specific purpose, or general support). 

Contact us about Planned Giving

For more information or assistance, please fill out the form below and we’ll be happy to answer questions.

Sponsorships

Adam Hibshman

Marketing and Program Manager

Eagle Creek Park Foundation

Complete this form and let us know your goals, and we will be back in touch soon with next steps for a potential partnership with your company.    >>>

Partner Interest Form

You or your organization can reach highly engaged outdoor enthusiasts through our sponsorships!

 SPONSORSHIPS WITH EAGLE CREEK

Eagle Creek Park Foundation manages a number of events throughout the year at Eagle Creek Park, including our popular Iron Eagle Paddle Run, Kid’s Fishing Derby, and Owl Fest – plus a number of exclusive members-only events!

We are always looking for sponsorship partners, and can provide a number of ways to involve partner companies with our membership.

For more information, or to brainstorm, collaborate and develop a custom partner sponsorship program for your company, email Meghan Mustin.

Sponsor opportunities at Eagle Creek

Owl Fest 2023

Owl Fest 2023

8th Annual Owl Fest | Introducing the Carlsen Aviary! Who’s ready?!

Owl Fest 2024

Owl Fest 2024

9th Annual Owl Fest | Raptor Election Oct 26 & 27. Who’s ready?!

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Adopt A Raptor

ADOPT A RAPTOR

Become part of the Adopt A Raptor program to help us generate funds for the birds’ long-term care at the Ornithology Center!

HOW IT WORKS

“Adopt a Raptor” is a donation to support Eagle Creek’s Ornithology Center and their mission to protect wildlife and educate others on the benefits of wildlife protection!

All adoptions are symbolic and in no way signify ownership.

Birds may not be held or touched. All birds may be adopted by more than one person.

Donations to Adopt A Raptor are considered “restricted funds” and go specifically to support the Ornithology Center.

Thank you so much for your support!

WHY ADOPT A RAPTOR?

The funds are restricted to supporting the Ornithology Center. The Ornithology Center is home to several raptor ambassadors that were wild-born, found injured by licensed wildlife rehabilitators, and determined “non-releasable” due to injuries.

This means that they will never be able to survive in the wild again on their own and must be cared for by facilities like the Ornithology Center.

As ambassadors of their species, they help us educate about raptor conservation. The adoption program generates funds for the birds’ long-term care, housing, food, and enrichment!

*If your adoption level includes an invite to our annual “Adoption Party” in, you will receive an invite via email once the date/time is set*

**If your adoption level includes a private program, you will receive an email from an OC staff member to schedule a day/time to visit!**

Meet our Raptor Ambassadors

Adopt A Trail

ADOPT A TRAIL

Donations contributed to this fund support the maintenance, enhancements, and expansion of trails in Eagle Creek Park.

HOW IT WORKS

The trails in Eagle Creek are like the backbone of the park.  Without them, the grandeur, scale, and offerings of this park would suffer.

Eagle Creek relies on donations from people like you for things like maintenance, improvements, and even expansions.

A recent example of expansion is the West Side Trails – opening up large areas for hiking, walking, and nature viewing.

Your help is needed and appreciated!

Learn More > 

WHY ADOPT A TRAIL?

Our Adopt A Raptor program is a restricted fund for the Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center – meaning the funds can only be used for that facility. 

Our Adopt A Critter program is also a restricted fund for the Eagle Creek Park Earth Discovery Center. 

Adopt A Trail funds are unrestricted funds, and can be used where ever they are needed throughout Eagle Creek Park!

The red trail stairs pictured in this image were constructed using funds collected by the Eagle Creek Park Foundation.

Projects like these are made possible by our members and donors. 

*If your adoption level includes an invite to our annual “Adoption Party” in, you will receive an invite via email once the date/time is set*

**If your adoption level includes a private program, you will receive an email from an OC staff member to schedule a day/time to visit!**

DOWNLOAD TRAIL MAPS

PARK TRAIL MAP

RUNNING COURSE MAP

WEST SIDE HIKING TRAILS

ORNITHOLOGY CENTER TREE MAP

EARTH DISCOVERY CENTER TRAILS

FISHING MAP

STATE NATURE PRESERVES

GREENWAYS MAP

Adopt A Critter

ADOPT A CRITTER

Become part of the adopt a critter program to help us generate funds for the various animals at the Earth Discovery Center!

HOW IT WORKS

“Adopt A Critter” helps Eagle Creek protect wildlife and educate others on the benefits of wildlife protection!

All adoptions are symbolic and in no way signify ownership.

Animals may not be held or touched. All animals may be adopted by more than one person.

Donations to Adopt A Critter are considered “restricted funds” and go specifically to support the Earth Discovery Center.

Thank you so much for your support!

WHY ADOPT A CRITTER?

These funds are restricted to supporting the Earth Discovery Center at Eagle Creek Park.

The Earth Discovery Center is home to all manner of ground dwelling critters from turtles, frogs, snakes, possum and many other species who live under the care of the EDC staff. 

All of the animals have been injured or otherwise cannot live in the wild and are now ambassadors to help educate people about the natural world around us. 

They rely on donations from people like you for their feed and care.  Your help is needed and appreciated!

*If your adoption level includes an invite to our annual “Adoption Party” in, you will receive an invite via email once the date/time is set*

**If your adoption level includes a private program, you will receive an email from an OC staff member to schedule a day/time to visit!**

Choose from a variety of critters

Opossum

Bats

Turtles

Snakes

Salamanders

Frogs

Fish

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Volunteer

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at Eagle Creek Park

Eagle Creek Park frequently works with volunteer groups and individuals in a variety of ways to help beautify the park, educate patrons on the environment, and fundraise to enhance park amenities.

Their service plays an essential role in Eagle Creek Park’s overall success to the public.  As patrons visit the park, we want to provide them with unsurpassed customer service and an opportunity to create a memorable experience.

Park naturalists can especially use volunteers who are willing to be trained in helping with structured hikes for school groups and the public, assist with programs or as docents in the center’s exhibit rooms, and help to cover our front desks/phones.

We’d like to thank our 100+ regular volunteers for all of their hard work and dedication to our park. They selflessly volunteer around 8,000 hours per year.

Contact Us >

How to volunteer

  • Volunteers must be at least 13 years of age.
  • Volunteers must complete and submit a volunteer application.
  • If you are between the ages of 13-16, you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
  • Parents and guardians must also fill out a volunteer application.
  • Adults must pass a background check before volunteering, which usually takes 2 weeks to process.
  • The need for volunteers may vary throughout the year.

For more information on volunteer opportunities and how to apply to become a volunteer, please contact our volunteer coordinator Anne Cecere. 

Eagle Creek Park Administration Office
7840 West 56th Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46254
317-327-7123

Email Anne >

|    FOUNDATION OPPORTUNITIES   |

Fishing Derby

Flyer and goody bag distribution, registration, set-up & tear-down, food & beverage, parking, fishing gear distribution, grilling, fishing guidance, EMT stand-by.

LEARN MORE >

Iron Eagle Paddle Run

Water aid stations, road crossings, medal distribution, registration, t-shirt distribution, boat management, after party.

LEARN MORE >

 

|    PARK VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES   |

Welcome Desk
Answer phones, greet visitors.

Docent
Engage and interact with visitors in exhibit areas.

Public/School/Scout Programs
Give or assist with presentations and hikes

Gardening

Email Anne >

STRIKE TEAM

Wild Leek

INVASIVE SPECIES STRIKE TEAM

The Strike Team is a group of dedicated volunteers who don’t mind getting dirty battling invasive species such as bush honeysuckle, garlic mustard, and wintercreeper.

Volunteer opportunities occur at least monthly, with no commitment. You don’t have to be an official Eagle Creek Park Volunteer to participate.

Contact Brenda Howard if you would like to be notified of Strike Team events. 

Email Brenda

Autumn Sneezeweed