Lex Grow Trees awards nearly $400,000 in grants to grow Lexington’s tree canopy

News release provided by Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government

Lex Grow Trees is proud to announce the recipients of its second round of grant funding, awarding a total of $392,985.28 to six organizations committed to expanding and maintaining Lexington’s tree canopy. These grants are part of an ongoing initiative to support tree planting, education, and maintenance across the city. The funds, allocated by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council, will help create greener, healthier spaces for residents while also improving the city’s environmental infrastructure.

“This second round of grants, which began with 21 applications requesting more than $1.2 million, highlights the dedication of our community to restoring and enhancing Lexington’s tree canopy,” said LFUCG 3rd District Councilmember Hannah LeGris, who co-chairs the committee in charge of Lex Grow Trees. “Each of the six selected projects will help improve the equity and quality of our tree canopy, connect more members of our community, and foster a deeper understanding of the vital role trees play for health our city. We are excited that hundreds of trees have already been planted across multiple Council Districts from our first round of grants and I look forward to seeing these new projects come to life.”

The following organizations have been selected to receive funding, pending Council approval:

•             Andover Neighborhood Association – $100,000

The Andover Neighborhood Association (ANA) is receiving a grant to plant 350 trees across the Andover Hill and Villages of Andover communities. This initiative will engage approximately 4,000 residents in environmental education and tree care activities. The trees will help restore the 55-acre ANA greenspace, which was preserved in 2018, and will enhance the area’s waterway systems and stormwater management efforts. In addition, ANA will provide ongoing maintenance and educational programming to ensure long-term success.

•             Beaver Creek Hydrology – $80,000

Beaver Creek Hydrology (BCH), an environmental engineering consulting firm, will use this grant to expand the tree canopy on their property in northwest Lexington. BCH’s project will add native trees along their streams and surrounding areas to promote healthy ecosystems, improve waterway quality, and provide educational opportunities for employees, community members, and local restoration partners. The project will also offer educational signage to highlight the importance of native trees and sustainable land management.

•             Crawford Middle School PTSA – $9,855.78

The Crawford Middle School PTSA is using their grant to plant 30 trees around the school to improve the campus’s aesthetic and environmental quality. This project, which is part of a larger school beautification effort, will provide shade and cleaner air for the student population at Crawford, which includes 60% disadvantaged students. Students, teachers, and volunteers will participate in planting and caring for the trees, learning about the benefits of trees and the importance of community involvement.

•             Headley Green Homeowners Association, Inc. – $25,052

Headley Green Homeowners Association is focused on revitalizing their neighborhood’s urban forest by replacing aging pine trees and invasive species. The HOA will plant a mix of Green Giant Arborvitaes, Redbuds, and Dogwoods in the area near Mason Headley Road. The project will provide neighborhood beautification, support wildlife, and foster community pride as residents participate in tree planting and maintenance activities.

•             Trees Lexington!, Inc. – $91,943.50

Trees Lexington!, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the city’s tree canopy, will use their grant to fund a series of tree planting, care, and educational events. The organization will plant over 300 trees at locations such as God’s Pantry Food Bank, Bluegrass United Church of Christ, and several Lexington Housing Authority properties. The program will focus on underserved areas, improving tree equity in parts of the city that have historically been underrepresented in green space. The project will also provide hands-on learning opportunities about proper tree care and maintenance.

•             The University of Kentucky Research Foundation (Arboretum) – $86,134

The University of Kentucky Arboretum, the State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, will use their grant to expand and diversify their tree canopy. The Arboretum will plant 130 new trees in their horticultural gardens and propagate an additional 200 native trees for distribution throughout Lexington. The project will also include educational signage, internships for hands-on tree care experience, and a community tree event during Tree Week to raise awareness about tree stewardship.

Lex Grow Trees is an initiative designed to improve and expand Lexington’s urban forest by supporting tree planting, maintenance, and education efforts. Funded from $1.5 million allocated by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council, the program helps address tree canopy inequities identified in the 2022 Urban Tree Canopy Study. For more information about Lex Grow Trees and ways to get involved, visit LexGrowTrees.com.

News release provided by Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government

https://www.lexingtonky.gov/news/lex-grow-trees-awards-nearly-400000-grants-grow-lexingtons-tree-canopy