Tree Week is the brainchild of UK’s Urban Forest Initiative and has been in Lexington and a few other satellite locations for 5 years.  Not only is the week about planting trees and overall learning more about trees, but it’s also an impetus to get people outside in nature. 

Pulaski County has participated since 2021. The Pulaski County Horticulture Agent organized a committee in April 2023 to plan and organize events for Tree Week 2023 (October 8-16).

 Master Gardeners, city employees, and interested citizens served on the committee. The Lake Cumberland Master Gardener Association sponsored 100% of the Tree Week events.  

 Ten scheduled events were planned over the 9-day period. Participants were encouraged to go on self-guided, on-your-own walks/hikes and take part in the week-long Tree Week scavenger hunt. The Army Corps of Engineers, local boy scout groups, and a local native plant seed swap group led their own activities in addition to what was planned by the committee.

 Seventy-five people participated in all the scheduled programs. About one-third were youth. One participant volunteered this quote: “These events are so great. Although I couldn’t go to them all, I appreciate the efforts.’