Each year, the UK Urban Forest Initiative, with support from Extension, hosts a 20-hour workshop called TreeCATs (Community Arboriculture Training). In 2023, 24 enthusiastic participants from various regions in Kentucky, including Lexington (Fayette), Georgetown (Scott), Berea (Madison), and Paducah (McCracken), came together to expand their knowledge and engagement in urban and community forestry (UCF). The majority of participants were students from UK and other higher education institutions in the counties listed, but there were also non-student participants who are currently working in the UCF field.

To accommodate participants in locations across Kentucky, TreeCATs was held virtually in 2023 and spanned across five (5) Saturdays from March 31 to April 22, 2023. Each session offered engaging lectures and group discussions. Participants were also given hands-on assignments related to the different session topics to complete throughout the week.

TreeCATs provides a comprehensive overview of the benefits of trees and the significance of urban and community forestry programs and approaches. Participants delved into topics such as tree and forest health, climate resilience of forests, social equity, trees' role in community planning, and the importance of fostering relationships and collaboration within the field.

Throughout the program, attendees actively participated in interactive virtual sessions, where they shared their insights, experiences, and ideas. They learned about innovative strategies and best practices employed in urban and community forestry, exploring how trees contribute to the overall well-being of communities and the environment and how information about a community's tree canopy can be used to make planning and management decisions. The workshop not only imparted knowledge but also encouraged critical thinking, encouraging students to explore their own perspectives and solutions to address the challenges faced in the field.

One of the highlights of the TreeCATs workshop were independent projects undertaken by the participants. These projects allowed students to apply their newfound knowledge creatively and practically. At the conclusion of the program, participants presented deliverables that emerged from their independent work, which included tree maps, educational posters, card games, and lesson plans for engaging activities. Some participants even expressed their creativity through art, poetry, snd creative writing, capturing the essence of trees and community forestry in their expressive works.

The success of TreeCATs was evident in the enthusiasm and dedication displayed by the participants throughout the program. Their passion for trees and community forestry shone through their projects, reflecting the profound impact the workshop had on their understanding and appreciation of this vital field. With their newfound expertise and commitment, these students became ambassadors for urban and community forestry, ready to effect positive change in their respective regions and beyond.