Bluegrass Greensource will partner with Trees Lexington to execute programs LEXINGTON, KY (via press release) – Trees Lexington, a non-profit organization dedicated to the growth and maintenance of Lexington’s urban tree canopy, today announced it was the recipient of a Kentucky Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Grant in the amount of $250,000 to enhance the tree canopy at 15 Fayette County public schools in underserved neighborhoods over the next three years.  In addition to the numerous ecological, economic, and social-emotional benefits inherent with increasing campus tree canopy, the grant will enable work with both educators and students to design and implement a sustainable model for environmental education. Bluegrass Greensource is a Lexington-based organization which has provided environmental education and community outreach to over 20 counties in Central Kentucky for two decades.  It will partner with Trees Lexington and staff and educators at Fayette County Public Schools to conduct place-based research on their preferred native tree species and deeper learning projects on the benefits of their schools’ new campus trees. The grant, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service, is part of $1.6 million in statewide grants distributed by the Kentucky Division of Forestry through its Urban and Community Forestry Program. The overall goals of the grants are to enhance education about and accessibility to greenspaces for communities that have historically had far less access to the numerous benefits of trees and greenspaces than the general population.  Michael Potapov, Trees Lexington Board President, noted, “A healthy tree canopy offers numerous benefits to our community, from reducing air pollution and noise to lowering energy costs and stormwater runoff. Studies have shown that residents with access to greenspaces live longer and healthier lives. This grant will enable us to plant 720 trees in underserved areas, addressing the disparity in tree canopy coverage. By investing in our urban forests, we’re not only improving the environment but also creating a more vibrant and resilient community. Planting trees with students allows us the opportunity to engage the next generation of environmental stewards, while providing them with the joy and fulfillment that come from the simple act of planting a tree.” Amy Sohner, Executive Director of Bluegrass Greensource, observed that “Trees Lexington has demonstrated both passion and competence in getting things done for our urban environment. We are delighted to be their partner in these programs, which give us the opportunity to leverage the educational and research expertise we have acquired in environmental sustainability over the last two decades.”  Tresine Logsdon, Sustainability Coordinator at Fayette County Public Schools, said, “This grant is a dream come true for the schools and neighborhoods that stand to benefit from both greater tree cover and the educational programs it brings. It has the potential to confer benefits for far longer than the term of the programs.  Our new campus trees will serve as part of our students’ legacies to their school.” About Trees Lexington! Trees Lexington is dedicated to the growth and maintenance of Lexington’s urban tree canopy and educating its citizens on the benefits and value urban trees bring to our lives and wellbeing. Since 2017 Trees Lexington has been responsible for the planting of thousands of new urban trees in areas with the least urban tree canopy. Trees Lexington has licensed arborists on its board and its volunteer staff. By partnering with over 20 civic groups in both tree planting and maintenance, Trees Lexington has engaged large segments of our community while amplifying its message about the importance and benefits of our urban tree canopy. To learn more, go to www.treeslexington.org The post Trees Lexington Receives $250,000 Grant for Tree Canopy Enhancement and Educational Programs at Fayette County Public Schools Campuses appeared first on The Lexington Times.