Louisville is experiencing a significant environmental improvement, driven in part by University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment students. Partnering with TreesLouisville, a non-profit, UK landscape architectural students aim to bolster and preserve the urban tree canopy, targeting the city's underserved areas. 

“The partnership with TreesLouisville isn't just about trees,” said Jordan Phemister, lecturer in the UK Department of Landscape Architecture. “It's about instilling a sense of service in the next generation of landscape architects." 

A 2012 urban tree canopy study spotlighted Louisville's urgent need for change, citing the city as severely affected by the urban heat island effect -- an effect that intensifies temperatures in urban settings compared to their rural counterparts. Alarmingly, Louisville's tree canopy had declined from 40% to 37%, a stark contrast to the recommended 45%. Recognizing the challenge, TreesLouisville was founded in 2015 to address this deficit. 

"The forecast was dire, predicting our canopy would drop to approximately 30% by 2022,” said Cindi Sullivan, TreesLouisville executive director. “We decided something needed to be done, so TreesLouisville was formed, dedicated solely to tree canopy improvement." 

One of TreesLouisville's early collaborations was with Jefferson County Public School System (JCPS), a major Louisville landowner. The challenge wasn't just planting trees; it was about strategic placement to maximize benefits. Here, the students enrolled in the "Design with Plants" senior class, displayed their expertise becoming key project contributors. 

"It's not just about designing; it's about understanding the cost, maintenance and long-term growth of the trees," Phemister said. "We're equipping our students with a comprehensive understanding of the process. Over eight years, our students have proposed over 50 different planting plans, each tailored to meet specific site needs and community priorities." 

Initially guided by Chris Sass, landscape architecture associate professor and co-lead of UK’s Urban Forestry Initiative, the students initiated hands-on collaboration with TreesLouisville from the non-profit’s inception. Beyond classroom theories, they were tasked with real-world problem-solving. TreesLouisville presented the students with sites and arranged interactions with local officials. The students crafted tree planting designs tailored to each site's unique requirements, for instance, providing shade for playgrounds or addressing stormwater and drainage challenges. 

Many student-driven designs materialized quickly. A design conceptualized in one season often saw trees planted by the next, establishing rapid implementation of many student projects. 

"Working with UK students, we received help with design, ensuring optimal tree placements," Sullivan said. “Almost 100% of the projects envisioned by the students are implemented, either in the same planting season or the following one. Our projects don't just benefit students and staff, but the entire local community." 

The experience offered more than just academic learning. Students gained hands-on expertise, understanding the nuances of community engagement and the broader environmental challenges that metro cities like Louisville face.  

“This partnership between UK and TreesLouisville increased our tree canopy deficit throughout Kentucky and aided in the development of the college’s undergraduate Urban and Community Forestry Certificate,” Sass said. 

The outcomes of this partnership are evident across the city. Schools that once lacked green spaces now feature shaded playgrounds and improved outdoor environments, benefiting both students and the broader community. 

“While the knowledge starts in the classroom, the application extends far beyond,” Phemister said. “It's all about giving back, making meaningful contributions and driving positive change where it is most needed." 

To learn more about TreesLouisville, visit https://www.treeslouisville.org/. To learn more about The Urban and Community Forestry Certificate, visit https://ucf.ca.uky.edu/.  

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