Lexington Kicks Off Annual Tree Week to Promote Urban Tree Appreciation and Education

Lexington, Kentucky has officially launched its annual “Tree Week,” a dedicated initiative aimed at recognizing and celebrating the city’s extensive tree canopy. The week’s events began on Friday, with a variety of seminars, educational classes, and giveaways designed to engage the community in appreciating the importance of urban trees.

On Monday, the Lexington Senior Center hosted a comprehensive Tree Identification Seminar. Participants were given the opportunity to deepen their understanding of local flora by learning how to identify different tree species just by examining their leaves. The seminar is part of a broader effort to highlight the significance of trees in enhancing the quality of life within urban settings.

According to Steven Rogers, the Aging Services Program Manager, the community has shown a keen interest in expanding their knowledge about trees. “People just want to learn more. If you have not taken the time to learn about trees, it’s an interesting topic. Everybody sees trees every day,” he stated.

Doug McLaren, a former forestry expert with 42 years of experience at the University of Kentucky, led the seminar. He expressed the hope that events during Tree Week would not only celebrate Lexington’s greenery but also foster a better understanding of its ecological role. “The more they know about individual trees, the more they can better understand how those trees fit into our society and why they are so important to us,” McLaren explained.

McLaren encouraged attendees to take full advantage of the week’s offerings. “Take the opportunity, get outside, investigate all the programs that are available for you and have the opportunity of learning more about trees,” he urged.

Tree Week serves as a reminder of the vital role that trees play in urban environments, from improving air quality to providing shade and habitat for wildlife. Residents interested in learning more about the city’s tree canopy, or participating in upcoming events, are invited to visit the official website for additional information.