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Inside Lexington’s Community Environmental Academy
Presented by LFUCG Environmental Services
Here’s a sneak peek of the hands-on, in-person learning you can expect through CEA. | Photos provided by Live Green Lexington
What do a food compost mill, a monarch garden, and a pile of old sweaters have in common?
They’re all ideas that started with curious residents and turned into real, city-supported environmental projects through this year’s Community Environmental Academy cohort.
This recently revamped program invites Lexingtonians to step inside the work of the city’s Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works, including divisions like:
Part two
Residents who complete the program can then choose to put that knowledge into action by developing a project, supported by city funding of up to $1,500.
Over the years, those projects have taken many forms, from rain gardens and tree supports to welcome packets for new homeowners.
Ready to get involved?
If you’re interested in seeing how the city works, connecting with the community, or turning ideas into action, consider this your invitation to apply to the Community Environmental Academy.
Applications are open March 23-May 1, and the class capacity is limited to 20 participants.
This year’s programming includes four in-person sessions, held between mid-July and October. Participants are expected to attend all sessions in order to graduate and qualify for the optional project component.
Bonus: Stay up to date with Community Environmental Academy projects on Facebook and Instagram.
Don’t miss your chance to enter Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass’ Bourbon and Bubbles Raffle. Your $25 ticket supports children and their families’ healing journeys and gives you a chance to win a Pappy Van Winkle 20-Year Bourbon and Dom Perignon Champagne.
Weather
Many Kentuckians felt a little stir-crazy during the recent winter weather — but one Frankfort dad found a creative way to make the most of it.
Seasonal
Make this Valentine’s Day extra special with a Lexington Humane Society CuddleGram. For $100, an LHS dog, puppy, or kitten will visit your workplace for a 30-minute cuddle session. Perfect for loved ones, employees, or yourself — proceeds benefit LHS animals. Applications are due by tomorrow, Feb. 6.
Cause
Repurpose your unwanted clothes by donating to UK’s annual Thrift Shop Pop-Up, where students can shop for free. Bring your items to a drop box around campus by Wednesday, March 25. Pro tip: Consider grabbing a coffee while you drop off your items at the Willy T. Library in Core D by the Starbucks location.
Stat
60 minutes. That’s how much extra daylight Lexington will gain by the end of February. As the days get longer, we suggest soaking up the afternoon sun on a local restaurant’s patio with a beverage in hand. (AccuWeather)
Kids
Yesterday marked eight days in a row Fayette County Public Schools have not held traditional, in-person instruction. Mary Shea, a pediatric psychologist at Golisano Children’s at UK, recommends familiarizing yourself with the ‘5 Cs’ of screen time.
Read
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Real Estate
Local homes ahead of 2026 trends
Don’t miss the spiral slide in the backyard. | Interior design by Aurora Parrish | Photo by ASH Media
Looking for what’s next in real estate? Zillow’s 2026 forecast highlights the trends to watch, and these standout homes in Lexington show them in action.
Color drenching
260 Clay Ave. | $1,295,000
This Chevy Chase-Ashland Park home combines modern updates with historic charm, showcasing colorful designer finishes and thoughtful materials on every surface. From the kitchen to the primary suite and backyard guest space, the use of color and detail flows throughout the home.
Personalized touches
4017 Peppertree Drive | $850,000
This 5,124-sqft Palomar home balances everyday function with space to unwind. With two basements and a furnished recreation room, there’s room for everyone. Built as a custom family home, the current owners have added to the home, including a recently renovated kitchen. Outdoor features include a gazebo with a fire pit and a saltwater hot tub.
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The Buy
It’s almost time for the perfect holiday to tell your friends how you feel: Galentine’s Day. Treat the bestie in your life to a February 13 gift that says, I’m grateful for you.