Trees are long-lived plants that have social, economic, and environmental benefits. They help mitigate climate change, increase property values, decrease utility bills, clean air and stormwater, reduce urban heat, reduce crime, and support diverse wildlife populations. To provide these benefits, trees need proper care and owners who understand their needs. 

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 in Tree Week since 2021. The Pulaski County Horticulture Agent organized a committee in March 2024 to plan and organize events for Tree Week 2024 (October 5-12).

The Lake Cumberland Master Gardener Association sponsored 100% of the Tree Week events.  

Seven scheduled events were planned over the 8-day period. Participants were also encouraged to go on self-guided, on-your-own walks/hikes. Tree Week events were held at a number of parks located in the central, north, and western part of the county. Leaf print T-shirts and Mulch Madness were held at Firebrook Park where over 20 youth and 3 volunteers, respectively, participated.

 The week culminated in a Tree Week breakfast at Woodstock Community Center located in the northern part of Pulaski County. The breakfast was sponsored and prepared members of the Lake Cumberland Master Gardener Association. Six great door prizes valued at $400 were donated for the event. Participants who bought a $5 breakfast ticket were entered in the drawing for the donated items.

Around 40-45 community members ate breakfast and shopped at the local farmers market that was happening at the same time.

Eighty-five people participated in all the scheduled programs. About one-fourth were youth. Nineteen volunteers helped in leading or assisting with the programs. One participant commented, ‘We had a great time making leaf prints on tshirts then mulching the trees we see almost everyday here at this park’.