Lexington and the University of Kentucky are gearing up for the sixth-annual Tree Week, a week-long celebration of the trees and greenspaces that surround us. This unique event, scheduled for Oct. 6-15, allows residents to interact with the natural beauty of Kentucky's green spaces.  

“Tree Week is aimed at connecting people of all walks of life to the nature where we live, helping us all to be more connected to the value of trees and greenspaces in our lives,” said Mary Arthur, UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment professor emeritus. Arthur was previously a professor of forest ecology in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. 

The week, presented by the UK Urban Forest Initiative, includes many different events including tree-planting, guided tours, an Arbor Day celebration, nature-inspired music and other activities at The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky. Activities amid fall foliage at Ashland The Henry Clay Estate include educational tree walks, birding programs, calming yoga sessions and more.  

“Tree Week branches together people, the community and the environment,” said Heather Wilson, program manager senior in Lexington’s Division of Environmental Services. “Trees are important in so many ways and help establish a sense of place for our community.” 

As a symbol of the week's significance, organizers will hold the annual Signature Tree Planting event this year at Castlewood Park Oct. 6, from 5:30-7:30, featuring the band Lylak, the food truck Olmedas and tabling by multiple organizations.

The event is a collaboration of the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the UK College of Medicine, UK College of Arts and Sciences, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG), the Lexington Public Library, Fayette County Public Schools, local merchants, nature centers as well as community and nonprofit organizations.   

Tree Week’s full spectrum of activities and registration details can be found at https://ufi.ca.uky.edu/treeweek.