Lexington Tree Week 2025
Expiration: 365 days after purchase
Included Venues
See locations on an interactive map.
OCTOBER 14, 2025
6pm - 8pm
Gather your friends, grab a brew, and get ready to put your tree knowledge to the ultimate test! To celebrate Tree Week, we're hosting a special trivia night at Blue Stallion Brewery. Join us for a fun-filled evening of tree-themed questions
OCTOBER 14, 2025
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
During this event, middle school and high school students who are interested in the outdoors get to explore what forestry can mean to them. Join UK’s Forestry Extension and ForestryWorks of KY to learn all about Kentucky's forests, careers in forestry, and how to measure trees!
OCTOBER 13, 2025
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Do you love books as much as you love trees? Join other readers at Central Library for a free book exchange. Bring your gently used books and swap them for new literary treasures. Fiction, non-fiction and kids books--anything that celebrates or explores trees, nature, plants or the environment is welcome!
OCTOBER 10 - 19
8:00 am - 8:00 pm
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington cares for seven acres in suburban south Lexington. We have spent over 60 years planting trees and managing our property in concert with nature. Come enjoy our tree walk to see 26 species native to Kentucky. The trees are labeled with species name and a QR code to learn more about each tree from our website where you will also find a map with each tree's location.
OCTOBER 16, 2025
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
End your day with a quiet and relaxing “golden hour” hike at Floracliff while the early evening sunset shines through the trees. This hike will head down to the Kentucky River floodplain, where setting sun lights up the palisades.
OCTOBER 12, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join fellow yoga lovers and tree enthusiasts in one of Lexington’s most historic and leafy places, during the week celebrating the canopy that stands over our city. We hope you enjoy the lush, open-air practice beneath branches that have witnessed generations as much as we do.
OCTOBER 11, 2025
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Join us to celebrate Tree Week at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary by making beautiful tree-inspired art! Participants will create unique images by arranging natural objects on pre-coated cyanotype paper; exposing them to sunlight; and "developing" them in water. Come learn how to do this simple alternative photographic process and take home your creations! Program will take place indoors and outdoors. All ages. Free. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is strongly encouraged to ensure we have enough supplies for everyone.
OCTOBER 18, 2025
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Come join Parks & Recreation, Friends of the Parks, and Friends of Jacobson Park for the installation of small trees funded by the Plant for the Planet Grant. We will be planting in the Marina area, please park in the large parking lot near Shelter 1 and the pedal boat/kayak rental building. Event will take place from 9-12 on Saturday October 18th. Dress accordingly to get dirty planting trees, mulching, and watering. All ages welcome! Rain date TBD.
OCTOBER 11, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Yes, they do! Discover how by joining nature photographer Janet James as she shares colorful images and describes how she learned to really “see” the engineering, architecture, and designs of our Kentucky native tree features. She has photographed all aspects of the 120 Kentucky tree species. Find out also how to participate in a national citizen-science tree observation project.
OCTOBER 16, 2025
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Learn about the importance of Trees in the Urban Landscape and about the local organizations such as the Tree Board and Trees Lexington! that promote a healthy tree canopy. Gather at the new PKL facility opened by Country Boy Brewing for an informal presentation and discussion. This event is the first in the revival of the popular Green Drinks program sponsored by the Environmental Commission.
OCTOBER 17, 2025
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Celebrate trees that have stood the test of time and been here 250 years or longer. Trees all around have been chosen for their beauty and resilience. Join us for the opening reception of Art by Nature: Rooted in Time. Featuring artwork from local artists across Lexington. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available. Award winners will be announced at 7 p.m.
OCTOBER 13, OCTOBER 15, 2025
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Kentucky native trees! There are approximately 120. How can someone begin to learn all these trees after a short presentation, "How to Identify Kentucky's Native Trees". This presentation will break down the characteristics that exist in Kentucky's trees and how you can use these characteristics to help in the process of identifying. By learning the keying process of tree identification, you will quickly have the tools necessary for "Identifying Kentucky's Native Trees". Program will be led by Doug McLaren, Retiree from the University of Kentucky's, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources.
OCTOBER 18, 2025
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Roll up your sleeves and help us grow the future of Davis Park! Neighbors and volunteers will team up for an afternoon of planting, pruning, and polishing up the LCLT's Community Center landscape.
OCTOBER 16, 2025
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Come join us for an evening to learn about insects and their importance to forests and trees. This event will include a live insect zoo, insect displays, and children's activities.
OCTOBER 15, 2025
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Join the UK Canopy Cats in a hands on experience and find out what it’s like to climb a tree! Safety gear and climbing equipment will be provided during a 45 minute run down of how-to climb a tree. Each student will have the opportunity to put on a harness, learn about what equipment is needed and how to use it, and climb a rope up in to a tree! Please sign-up for a 45 minute time-slot to guarantee your spot.
OCTOBER 15, 2025
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
You will participate in a fun arts and craft tree project, decorate a tree cookie and also play a tree-based game. LFUCG Environmental team will also partner with us to complete the fun project.
OCTOBER 13, 2025
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Join Dr. Rob Paratley on a walk through the UK Arboretum. In view of the 250th anniversary of Euro American settlement of Lexington, this tree walk at the UK Arboretum will highlight important trees that greeted the first settlers that came through the Bluegrass. These were their witness trees, the indicators of rich soil, the shade trees for their pastures, and the sources of wood, nuts, medicine, and feed. Although the Bluegrass region was rapidly transformed as the population grew, the its trees are still here in hedgerows, parks, yards, and forest remnants.
OCTOBER 19, 2025
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Red Oaks will be at Beaumont Park going nuts about trees! We will share how to make your own Black Walnut ink and Osage Orange dye, try foods made with ingredients from trees, and host a twig mix and match to test your observation skills.
OCTOBER 14, 2025
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Join Lexington Parks and Rec for a volunteer day! You will be removing honeysuckle around the park! Please wear closed-toe shoes, bring water, and sunscreen. Parks has you covered with tools & supplies! Help give back to your local parks!
OCTOBER 10 - OCTOBER 19, 2025
8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Visit Dogwood Park during Tree Week, October 10 - 19, for a self-guided tree walk. Follow signs posted throughout the park to learn more about our trees, including species such as Eastern Wahoo, American Basswood, Pawpaw and Yellowwood.
OCTOBER 15, 2025
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
What does climate change feel like in your everyday life? Join us under the canopy for a Climate Conversation using our card deck, which offers a way to explore our personal experiences of a changing climate. What shifts have you seen? What worries you? How can we join together to live joyfully in challenging times? Like trees sharing signals through their roots, we connect through story and reflection. Together, let’s imagine how to live with kinship and courage in uncertain times.
OCTOBER 18, 2025
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Plant container trees in the stream buffer at Gardenside Park. Hosts, Eveline Dungan of Trees Lexington! and Kris Goggin, Key Steward, Gardenside Park will guide participants in correct planting, watering and mulching techniques that make planting a new tree successful.
OCTOBER 15, 2025
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Come out to help plant trees in the middle of campus. Assist the Urban Forest Initiative and UK Facilities in installing several trees. Opportunities including tips on successful planting, how to set a tree's roots up for success, UK's historic tree canopy and more! Wear clothes you can dirty if you feel like digging, or come to hang out and appreciate trees during Tree Week. Planting will be near UK's Whitehall classroom building.
OCTOBER 18, 2025
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Trees are more than trunks and leaves—they are entire living systems! Join Bluegrass Greensource to explore the many parts of a tree, from the hidden roots below the soil to the leafy crown above. Through hands-on activities children will discover how trees grow, how they provide food and shelter for wildlife, and why they are essential to a healthy environment. From Roots to Crown invites families to connect with nature, learn together, and see trees in a whole new way.
OCTOBER 18, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Jim Krupa (UK Biology) will give a tour of Mathews Garden pointing out some unusual trees and their biology and history. This is a treasure of biodiversity amidst a busy part of the city. The Garden is a 0.6-acre woodland garden on the corner of Limestone Street and Washington Avenue that has been in existence since 1900 and is used by students for research and teaching. The entrance to Mathews Garden is on the campus side. To find parking turn into Washington Ave. Spots are available at end of Washington Ave; more spots can be found when you take the first left after you enter Washington.
OCTOBER 12, 2025
12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
If you love bikes and trees, this event is for you! Begin at African Cemetery No. 2 at 12:30 pm to help load a fleet of cargo bikes with mulch, trees, shovels, and other supplies, and then escort the cargo bikes to Two Suns Farm, a short ride away. At Two Suns Farm, supplies will be unloaded for a separate Tree Week event. After delivering the supplies, bicyclists will continue on an 8-10 mile ride touring some of Lexington’s iconic trees. This event is family-friendly and accessible to riders of all comfort levels.
OCTOBER 12, 2025
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Join Preserve Techincian Judson Collins on a tour of some of the unique and interesting tree species that inhabit the cliffs and bluffs of the Kentucky River palisades. We'll learn about why the geological features of the area affect the trees that grow there, and how to identify a suite of native trees and other plants found in this unique habitat, including Kentucky yellowwood, blue ash, and rock elm. This is a moderately strenuous out-and-back hike along the cliffs. Close-toed shoes and water bottles are recommended.
OCTOBER 18, 2025
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Join Bartlett Tree Experts for a morning of green giving and expert guidance. Bartlett Tree Experts will be giving away free native trees and a conduct a live tree planting demonstration. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or planting your first tree, their ISA certified arborists will be on hand to answer your questions and share tips to help your tree thrive.
What to Expect:
• Free native trees (1 per household – limited supply, first come, first served)
• Tree planting & care tips to ensure long-term success
• Arborist Q&A – bring your tree questions!
OCTOBER 11, 2025
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Join Lex Bird Cult for a Global Big Day Bird Walk at Hisle Farm Park! You'll walk around the park as a group, looking for birds across the various habitat types that occur there including several patches of trees and forest that were planted during Reforest the Bluegrass.
OCTOBER 18, 2025
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Adopt-A-Park Streamside Tree Plantings at Meadowbrook Park followed by a short walk to a 10 acre floodplain with a 7 year old riparian buffer zone and pollinator garden.
OCTOBER 16, 2025
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Explore BCTC's Newtown campus and learn more about the diverse selection of trees from biology professor Audrey Law. Meet under the SEC Walkway to begin.
OCTOBER 11, 2025
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join the Preserve Manager of Lower Howard's Creek Nature Preserve on a hike along the creek. You'll visit several early 19th century industrial ruins along the creek in addition to the trees and plants.
OCTOBER 11, 2025
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Join the University of Kentucky on a tree walk through UK's campus. Trees are native to Kentucky to to eastern Asia and Europe.
OCTOBER 10, 2025
5:30 pm - dark
It's a tree party! Join us for the kick-off of the 8th annual Tree Week Lexington celebration at McConnell Springs, help plant this year's Signature Tree Week Tree, and mingle with fellow tree lovers all while enjoying music provided by the local band, Lylak. Food will be available for purchase. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m., Mayor Gorton will read the Tree Week Proclamation and recognize the 250th birthday of Lexington around 6 p.m., and the planting of the tree(s) will follow. There might even be tree seedlings for you to take home in commemoration of this year’s celebrations.
OCTOBER 16, 2025
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Help the Lewis Honors College remove invasive species from a community forest patch planted as part of Reforest the Bluegrass at Mary Todd Park
OCTOBER 15, 2025
9:30 am - 10:30 am
For Kentucky Tree Week 2025, the book club will read and discuss this collection of essays about our relationship to the natural world.
All week
Take this self-guided walk through Downtown Lexington to identify and learn about some of the common tree species in the city. There are over 20 identifying plaques on various trees along Main and Vine for a fun and easy stroll. Scan the QR code on any plaque to visit the city's Go See Trees website, which will show the whole map and species information.
OCTOBER 15, 2025
5:30 pm - 6:15 pm
Join a Kentucky Geological Survey geologist as they give a talk about Lexington's oldest tree: the Whitfield Stump.
OCTOBER 14, 2025
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Celebrate Tree Week by reflecting on the trees that have shaped your life! At this event - hosted by the Division of Planning - you'll be invited to draw or write your favorite tree memory. Everyone's contribution will be added to a community "memory tree" to showcase the personal connections that make trees so meaningful.
Planning staff will also be sharing information about the Landscaping and Tree Protection Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment (ZOTA), which was passed in September 2024. This amendment strengthens protections for trees in development and ensures that Lexington continues to grow while preserving its tree canopy. While you’re there, you can also sign up for the new newsletter (Sounds Like A Plan!) to stay informed, and when you do, you’ll be entered into a contest to win a free tree sapling!
OCTOBER 16, 2025
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Enjoy an evening of climate crafting at the LEX Center for Creative ReUse. Participants will create collages or vision boards that reflect their relationship with trees and the changing climate. We will use the Climate Conversations card deck as a tool for brainstorming and reflection to inspire the creations. Materials and light refreshments are provided.
OCTOBER 11, 2025
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Join Lexington Parks and Recreation to celebrate Tree Week at Kelley's Landing for a guided sensory walk through the trees. You will engage your senses and explore the textures, sounds, sights, and scents of the natural world.
OCTOBER 15, 2025
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Join Stantec for a tree planting event at Beaumont Preserve. The goal is to create a managed woodland with a diversity of tree species like White Oak, Bur Oak, and Kentucky Coffeetree.
OCTOBER 11, 2025
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Join Hickman Creek Conservancy for a nature walk in Veterans Park as we walk along West Hickman Creek and talk about the relationship between trees and the creek.
OCTOBER 18, 2025
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Join Nancy Stelter Piano Instruction for a free informal recital featuring piano pieces inspired by trees and nature. The recital will be played by piano by students of all ages. The event is kid friendly and wheelchair accessible.
OCTOBER 18
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Walk the Vaugh Branch of Wolf Run to identify trees and clean up the area. Cookies and popsicles will be served at the end of the walk.
OCTOBER 19
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Make a new favorite tree friend! Walkabout Waverly Park and meet the old and new tree members. Learn ways to recognize trees by leaf characteristics: opposite, alternate, compound, simple, lobed, etc. Find a pretty leaf, get a prize!