The problem:  According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, about 18 million acres of forest are lost every year, and roughly half of Earth’s tropical forests have already been cleared. In the continental United States, a study by University of Michigan  found that an estimated  90 percent of indigenous forests have been removed since 1600.

The educational program response: With this in mind, Georgetown’s  3rd annual Tree Week, October 6-15, 2023, endeavored to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding for the important roles nature and trees have in improving our environment and  quality of life. Through a series of nature and tree-themed events, Tree Week Learning opportunities and events included Identifying Kentucky’s Trees, The Wild World of Tree Galls!, as well as a Rain Barrel Workshop , Toyota Tree Survey by Urban Forest Initiative, an Introduction to Bonsai lecture,  a tree giveaway, Heritage Tree Planting Toyota Environment Trail, along with Tree Ambassadors planting at Yuko En garden. Of those surveyed…(tree week and survey is still circulating – will finish when survey is in.)

The participants/target audience: Citizens of Georgetown and Scott County

Other partners: Scott County Cooperative Extension, Toyota Motor Manufacturing and its leadership, Etter Lane Nursery, the Mayor's Office of Georgetown,  Georgetown/Scott County Parks and Recreation, Yuko En Garden, Toyota Biodiversity Kentucky Trail, Friends of the Parks, and the Office of the Scott County Judge Executive

Program impact or participant response: Of those surveyed, 96% strongly agreed they preferred to spend time in public space/parks that were rich and diverse in tree species, 81% agreed  that having more trees in their local area would improve mental well-being, and 74% said trees would make their area more walkable and pedestrian friendly.