Lexington’s Urban Forest Initiative Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Seminar by Dr. Doug Tallamy

Lexington is set to celebrate a significant milestone in environmental advocacy as the Urban Forest Initiative marks its 10th anniversary with a seminar featuring renowned entomologist and wildlife ecologist Dr. Doug Tallamy. The event will take place on December 5, starting with an opening reception at 6 p.m. followed by Tallamy’s talk at 7 p.m., both held at the Worsham Theater on the third floor of the University of Kentucky Student Center. The seminar is free and open to the public.

Dr. Tallamy is well-known for his influential works, including best-selling books such as “The Nature of Oaks,” “Bringing Nature Home,” and “Nature’s Best Hope.” His advocacy focuses on the vital role of native plants in supporting biodiversity and wildlife habitats. His return to Lexington comes a decade after he first spoke at the city’s inaugural Urban Forest Initiative seminar, where his insights initiated a transformative dialogue on the importance of Lexington’s tree canopy and ecological health.

Throughout the past ten years, Tallamy’s work has highlighted alarming trends in insect populations as a result of habitat loss, pesticide usage, and the predominance of non-native plant species. He emphasizes that insects play a critical role in food webs and pollination, essential to sustaining both wildlife and human populations. “We have to practice conservation outside parks and preserves, and we have to plant these spaces in ways that will support biodiversity,” Tallamy noted in a recent interview.

In Lexington, common trees like the ginkgo—while visually appealing—do not support local wildlife like native trees such as oaks, which can host thousands of different species. Tallamy suggests a shift in landscaping philosophies, advocating for a reduction in traditional lawns in favor of native plants that nurture local ecosystems. His approach recommends a 70-30 ratio of native to non-native plants, steering clear of invasive species.

Lynne Rieske-Kinney, co-founder of the Urban Forest Initiative, expressed enthusiasm about Tallamy’s upcoming presentation, stating, “Dr. Tallamy actively promotes the use of native plants to enhance wildlife population abundance and diversity.” Her sentiments echo the Initiative’s continued commitment to enhancing urban tree canopies across Lexington and Kentucky.

As the event approaches, community members are encouraged to attend and engage in the critical discussion surrounding the integration of native ecosystems into urban landscaping, a step that aligns with contemporary conservation strategies.

For additional information about the seminar, residents are invited to visit the Urban Forest Initiative’s event page.