Plus, a new affordable housing development is complete.
 
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72º | 6% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:42 a.m. | Sunset 7:06 p.m.

 

Branch out for some tree-ific fun

Celebrate local trees during Lexington Tree Week

A shaded path surrounded by trees and low-lying plants
Find serenity in nature in the heart of UK’s campus. | Photo by LEXtoday
UK’s sixth 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 Urban Forest Initiative is the host + sponsor of Tree Week, but it isn’t the organizer of every event — the public is. “This is a community-created week,” Mary Arthur, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Forestry at UK, said. “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.
Asked
 

What is the official tree of the city of Lexington?

A. Bur oak
B. Chinkapin oak
C. Shumard oak
D. Tulip poplar
 
Stronger Life
 
Events
 
Thursday, Oct. 10
  • 250Lex Kickoff Celebration | Thursday, Oct. 10 | 5 p.m. | Tandy Park | Free | See city officials + planning committee members kick off the city’s 250th birthday celebration, then stick around for Vinyl Richie during Thursday Night Live.
  • Trivia Night | Thursday, Oct. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | Lost Palm | Free, donations encouraged | This edition of trivia will also feature raffles (tickets are $5) with all proceeds going to supporting Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
Friday, Oct. 11
  • Artist Talk: Tyanna Buie | Friday, Oct. 11 | 6-7 p.m. | 2nd Story | Free | The associate professor of printmaking at the Rhode Island School of Design will share more about how she reimagines history through her artistic practice.
  • Freaky Flicks | Friday, Oct. 11 | 6:30 p.m. | Moondance Amphitheater | Free | Grab your blankets, chairs, and picnic for an evening of spine-chilling, family-friendly fun watching “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.”
Saturday, Oct. 12
  • Living History 2024 | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate | $0+ | See Henry Clay’s history + legacy come alive through Chautauqua performances, engaging exhibits, reenactments, and hands-on activities.
  • Birding for Beginners | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 3-5 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg | $15 | Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with an easy hike while learning the basics of birding.
Sunday, Oct. 13
  • Kentucky vs. Texas Volleyball | Sunday, Oct. 13 | 1 p.m. | Memorial Coliseum | $10+ | Cheer on the Wildcats as they set + spike their way to victory over the Texas Longhorns.
  • Vandaveer | Sunday, Oct. 13 | 8 p.m. | The Burl | $15+ | Hear the indie-folk sounds of this Louisville–based musical project with support from Americana artist Kathryn Brooks.
Friday, Oct. 18
  • Shaker Village Trick-or-Treat | Friday, Oct. 18-Saturday, Oct. 19 | 4:30-7 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg | $0+ | You’re invited to a frighteningly fun evening gathering treats along the Village road — don’t miss hayrides, crafts, pony rides, food trucks, a bar, and live music.*
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News Notes
Civic
  • The Institute on Race, Power, and Public Equity recognized Lexington as a leader in spending its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to promote equity. ARPA Project Manager Jenifer Wuorenmaa noted the city used a portion of $121 million to support affordable housing, violence prevention, and public space improvement.
Development
  • The city held a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new affordable housing triplex on Magoffin Street. The development features two one-bedroom units, and one three-bedroom unit. Thanks to businesses + volunteers donating time and services, the project cost $175,000.
Active
  • The C.M. Gatton Beaumont and Whitaker Family YMCAs will launch their series of martial arts classes beginning Monday, Oct. 28. Offerings are available for all ages + include Tai Chi meditation, Shaolin, and Shotokan Karate.
Outdoors
Shop
  • Calling all vintage + antique lovers. Scout is cleaning out its warehouse and hosting a sidewalk sale this Saturday, Oct. 12 starting at 10 a.m. Make space in your vehicles for deep discounts on furniture, housewares, and more.
Sports
  • Following UK’s Pro Day, three Wildcats have made it on ESPN’s top 100 prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft. The list featured Koby Brea at No. 67, Jaxson Robinson at No. 90, and Brandon Garrison at No. 96. Catch them in action at tomorrow’s Big Blue Madness on the SEC Network. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
 
The Buy
 
Suede Chelsea boots — they’re the perfect fall/winter staple for your closet that offers you comfortable wear with ankle support and a slim silhouette.
 
 
The Wrap
 
Molly Thompson in a black shirt

Today’s edition by:
Molly

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