Cross Campus Engagement and Collaboration…

CLD Program & Outreach Associate Lissa Pohl contacted Mary Arthur and Lynne Reiske-Kinny, faculty members of Forestry and Entomology, to gage their interest in bringing Rupert Bentley Walls, Senior Arborist of London’s Borough of Hackney to the CAFE as a guest lecturer and resource with expertise in the community engagement aspect of urban forestry initiatives. This idea was then introduced to the UFI group in September of 2017 who were enthusiastic about incorporating Rupert into their bi-annual community Seminar Series on Urban Forestry. Soon UFI’s community members realized that they were also hosting events in October of 2018 that Rupert could be part of, and thus Tree Week was created to showcase the various       community wide urban tree and nature initiatives throughout Lexington. 

Success…

From its inception and design, Tree Week was a grassroots coalition between the local city government, the university and non-profit organizations and individuals around urban forestry initiatives. Tree Week itself was a demonstration of a successful community engagement initiative which met the missions of both UFI and the CLD.

There were over 60 separate events throughout the community that were advertised via the UFI sponsored Tree Week website. At CLD sponsored events over 500 people had a chance to meet or hear Rupert speak about urban forestry and community engagement. Over 150 students in both Forestry and Community & Leadership Development attended lectures and public presentations sponsored by UFI and CLD.

 Long Term Outcomes

Lexington Tree Week was such a success that in January 2019 the UFI Tree Week team convened and decided to continue with Tree Week for October of 2019 and began planning in earnest in March of 2019.

                                              Tree Climbing Competition at Henry Clay Estate - Rupert Bentley Walls

                                             speaks to tree climbing competitor while touring Lexington's Historic Trees on                                                     bicycle.