Support Us Button Widget

Celebrate local trees during Lexington Tree Week

The seventh annual tree week is returning with a ton of fun, educational events around town.

A shaded path surrounded by trees and low-lying plants

Find serenity in nature in the heart of UK’s campus. | Photo by LEXtoday

Table of Contents

UK’s seventh annual Tree Week kicks off tomorrow + runs through Sunday, Oct. 20, 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, discussions, and tree plantings.

Need to know

The volunteer-led and LFUCG-sponsored Tree Week Planning Team manages the event series, but it isn’t the organizer of every event. “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.”

Three people with shovels stand, smiling, as they prepare to plant trees.

The Tree Week Kick-Off event will feature tree planting, live music, and nature organizations. | Photo courtesy of Tree Week Planning Team

Events

In addition to the 70+ events for the community to participate in, there are month-long activities like the “Tree-ative” Exhibit at the BCTC Newtown Campus and the Go See Trees tour downtown. We’re highlighting a few below, but be sure to check out the full lineup.

  • Tree Week Kick Off, Mary Todd Park | The community is invited for a fun-filled evening including a tree-planting, a food truck, kids activities, live music, and booths from local environmental groups on Friday, Oct. 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Poetry under the Trees, McConnell Springs | On Sunday, Oct. 13, soak in the spoken word of fellow Lexingintonians under the native tree canopy. For those who wish to share, an open mic will start at 6 p.m.
  • Tour of Lexington Cemetery | Learn more about the towering collection of conifers during a guided tour with botanist Rob Paratley on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 2 p.m.
  • Art by Nature, Living Arts & Science Center | See the selected works of this year’s exhibit at the gallery opening on Friday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. The theme for this edition is Monarch Waystations.
More from LEXtoday
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date in the Horse Capital of the World.
The popular AI chatbot had plenty to say about the Horse Capital of the World, but we didn’t let ChatGPT leave without saying something nice.
21c Lexington has transformed one of its rooms + is giving you the opportunity to stay the night in an interactive art installation.
Cats and public places, a purrfect pair.
Castle & Key Distillery harnesses solar energy as part of their ongoing plans to became an industry leader in sustainability.
The landscape is changing in Lexington, so we’re sharing the progress on various development projects happening around town.
We’re highlighting the 23 best parks that Lexington, KY has to offer — complete with splash pads, playgrounds, walking trails, and even a few dog-friendly spots.
Lexington muralist Wylie Caudill brings his artistic ability to the stage with ActOut Theatre Group’s “Torch Song” at the Farish Theatre.
If your sweetheart’s love language is quality time, this one’s for you.