UK's seventh 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 volunteer-led and LFUCG-sponsored Tree Week Planning Team manages the event series, but it isn't the organizer of every event. "This is a community-created week," said Mary Arthur, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Forestry at UK. "We create the umbrella for everyone to host events + help get the word out."

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.