Tree Week (October 2018) involved numerous activities in the Lexington-University of Kentucky community.  One of these activities involved two 90-minute tree walks in Lexington Cemetery.   Participation was free and open to members of the community. The first of these was open to members of the community who were able to navigate the grounds of Lexington Cemetery.  The second was designed for citizens who are mobility challenged and their companions.  These individuals are normally unable to navigate natural systems where the grade, length of travel, and surface prevent their movement.  The distance of the second walk was shorter and remained on pavement.  Participants ranged in age from youth to senior citizens.

The tree walks were hosted by Dr. Bill Fountain, an arborist with the UK Department of Horticulture and Dr. Tom Kimmerer, a forest physiologist in private consulting.  The open dialogue between the instructors and participants involved the environmental services provided by trees in the built environment, traits that make them uniquely adaptable to cities, and folklore associated with these species.

The significant outcome is that citizens who appreciate the value of trees in the built environment are more likely to support the installation, maintenance, and preservation of trees of significance.  Communities with a well-maintained urban canopy have a more vibrant economic business climate, fewer life-threatening health issues (i.e. cardiovascular, asthma, ADHA, obesity, et al.), and a higher level of life satisfaction.