From beautifying our communities to filtering pollutants, absorbing noise and more, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate our urban forests. That’s why the University of Kentucky’s Urban Forest Initiative, in partnership with the Kentucky Division of Forestry and other state and local partners, is dedicating an entire week to trees.

The second annual Tree Week in Lexington will take place Oct. 12-19 and include more than 70 events such as outdoor yoga, a tree climbing competition, tree walks and art showings.

“Tree week hopes to engage with community members of various ages and backgrounds to not only celebrate trees, but also to teach people about the many ways trees help improve our lives,” said Bridget Abernathy, urban forestry partnership coordinator for the Kentucky Division of Forestry.

Abernathy helped plan the event with UK’s Urban Forest Initiative team. The team is comprised of UK staff, tree professionals and partners throughout the Lexington area.

More information about this year’s Tree Week, including a schedule of activities, can be found here.

Read more about the Kentucky Division of Forestry’s Urban and Community Forestry Program here.