Lexington, KY, October 15, 2025
News Summary
Lexington’s eighth annual Tree Week runs from October 12 to 19, featuring nearly 90 activities aimed at engaging the community with its urban forest. This year’s focus is to increase the tree canopy coverage from 23% to 30% by 2030. Highlights include the discovery of a 312 million-year-old tree stump and various programs such as tree plantings, community hikes, and art exhibitions, emphasizing the environmental and mental health benefits of trees.
Lexington is celebrating its eighth annual Tree Week, featuring nearly 90 activities designed to educate and engage the community about the city’s urban forest. The week-long event runs through October 19 and includes a variety of programs such as tree plantings, community walks, hikes, library events, and art exhibitions.
This year, the focus is on increasing Lexington’s tree canopy coverage from its current 23% to 30% by the year 2030. Officials stress the environmental advantages that a larger tree canopy can provide, including improved stormwater management, urban cooling, economic uplift through greener cityscapes, and enhanced mental health benefits for residents.
One of the significant highlights of this year’s Tree Week is the discovery of an ancient tree stump on the University of Kentucky campus, estimated to be around 312 million years old and predating Kentucky’s statehood. The fossil, which was uncovered over a Harlan coal mine, has been donated to the Kentucky Geological Survey, sparking further interest in the area’s tree history.
Tree Week activities are designed to connect residents with nature and foster appreciation for urban forestry. The city’s urban forest covers over 12,600 acres, providing ecological and economic benefits to the community. Urban Forestry Manager Heather Wilson, a member of the Planning Committee, emphasizes the importance of community involvement in recognizing and appreciating the significance of trees.
Daily activities for Tree Week include educational programming, yoga sessions, art events, and guided hikes. One special project, an art installation featuring colorful ‘tree sweaters’ at Jacobson Park, highlights local trees and their habitats. This installation was crafted by 35 volunteers from the Friends of Jacobson Park and originated from a previous initiative where a temporary plant nursery unintentionally transformed into a forest of loblolly pines.
The Art by Nature: Rooted in Time exhibit showcases around 100 pieces by artists inspired by ancient trees and includes a free public reception scheduled for October 17 at the Living Arts and Science Center. Mayor Linda Gorton commemorated Tree Week and Lexington’s 250th anniversary by planting a bur oak, the city’s official tree, at McConnell Springs Park.
Overall, the Tree Week initiative represents Lexington’s commitment to enhancing the urban forest, engaging the community, and educating them on the broader significance of trees within the urban landscape. The diverse range of activities aims to reach a wide variety of interests and age groups, ensuring that everyone can participate in the celebration of trees.
Key Features of Tree Week
- Duration: October 12 – October 19
- Activities: Educational programs, tree plantings, community walks, hikes, art exhibitions
- Goals: Increase tree canopy from 23% to 30% by 2030
- Tree Coverage: Urban forest spans over 12,600 acres
- Special Highlights: Discovery of 312 million-year-old tree stump, art installation with ‘tree sweaters’
FAQ
What is Tree Week in Lexington?
Tree Week is an annual event that celebrates the city’s urban forest through various educational programs, tree plantings, and community engagement activities.
When is Tree Week taking place this year?
This year, Tree Week runs from October 12 to October 19.
What is the goal of Tree Week?
The goal is to increase Lexington’s tree canopy coverage from 23% to 30% by 2030 and to educate the community about the benefits of trees.
What kind of activities can residents participate in during Tree Week?
Activities include tree plantings, guided walks, hikes, yoga sessions, educational programs, and art exhibitions.
How can I get involved in Tree Week?
Residents can participate in various events and activities, many of which are free, to learn about tree care and the importance of urban forestry.
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Additional Resources
- WKYT News
- Wikipedia: Urban Forest
- Lex 18 News
- Google Search: Tree Week Lexington
- Kentucky.com
- Google Scholar: Urban Forestry
- Spectrum News 1
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tree
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
