Lexington Tree Week kicks off this month

UK’s sixth annual Tree Week kicks off today + runs through Sunday, Oct. 15., bringing a 10-day celebration of trees and green spaces.

Community events are taking place throughout the week, giving Lexingtonians the opportunity to take part in hands-on educational experiences. Think: guided hikes, art exhibits, and tree plantings.

Need to know

• The Urban Forest Initiative is the host + sponsor of Tree Week, but it isn’t the organizer of every event.
• Events are hosted by citizens + community groups.
• “This is a community-created week,” said Mary Arthur, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Forestry at UK. “We create the umbrella for everyone to host events + help get the word out.”

Events

The initiative kicks off today with a signature tree-planting event at one of our local parks:

• 2023 Tree Week Kick-off Event | Today, Oct. 6 | 5:30 p.m. | Castlewood Park, 201 Castlewood Dr. | Free | Partake in planting a ceremonial tree + enjoy music from Lylak while dining from delicious food trucks.

Following the kick-off party, there are 50+ more events taking place over the course of the campaign. Here’s a few of our favorites:

• Conjure: An Exhibition of Photographs Consecrating the Natural World | Today, Oct. 6 | 5:30 p.m. | The Loudoun House, 209 Castlewood Dr. | Explore the natural world through photography.
• 32nd Celebration of Arbor Day | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Arboretum, 500 Alumni Dr. | Celebrate Arbor Day with a tree-planting ceremony, free admission into the Kentucky Children’s Garden, and other educational activities.
• Canopy Care and Tree Celebration on Campus | Monday, Oct. 9 | 1-3 p.m. | Ingels Hall on UK’s Campus, 705 Sports Center Dr. | See demos of tree canopy care, hear live music from WRFL, and enjoy snacks.

Check out the full lineup of events.