Metro Lex News

Lex Grow Trees has awarded nearly $500,000 in grants to enhance Lexington’s tree canopy and promote community engagement in urban forestry. Out of 22 applications requesting a total of $2.8 million, nine organizations received a combined $491,131.55 in the first round of large project grants. The funding was part of a $1.5 million allocation by the Urban County Council for Lexington’s tree canopy.

"We were encouraged to receive so many strong applications for this first round of the Lex Grow Trees grant. These grants will contribute to our mission of enriching Lexington's urban environment, enhancing community well-being, and fostering a deeper appreciation for trees among our residents,” said LFUCG 3rd District Councilmember Hannah LeGris, co-chair of the committee overseeing Lex Grow Trees. “Together, we are committed to maintaining, supporting, and expanding Lexington's tree canopy. We're excited to see these projects come to fruition!"

The funded proposals include:

- Andover Forest HOA: Granted $100,000 to plant 350 trees in Council District 6.

- Friends of Wolf Run: Awarded $97,935 for planting up to 175 large trees in high-need areas within Council Districts 3, 10, and 11.

- Bluegrass Greensource: Granted $95,312.50 for a two-year project focused on equitable tree distribution in underserved areas identified by the 2022 Tree Canopy Study.

- Trees Lexington!: Awarded $86,655 for a comprehensive program focusing on tree planting and educational initiatives in historically underrepresented areas.

- Hartland HOA: Granted $76,785.20 for planting 284 trees within the Hartland community and hosting an Arbor Day event in April 2025.

- Eastland Parkway Neighborhood Association: Awarded $18,271.85 for enhancing historical entrance walls with additional trees along Eastland Parkway.

- Pensacola Park Neighborhood Association: Granted $6,000 to counter the loss of mature trees by increasing the tree canopy by 7% by September 2025.

- Bread & Circuses Media: Awarded $6,000 for an oral history project engaging youth about tree maintenance and its impact on community health.

- Friends of the Parks: Granted $4,172 for a tree planting project at Clays Mills Elementary.

Managed by volunteers and government employees from the city’s Tree Canopy Ad Hoc Committee, Lex Grow Trees aims to address inequities in Lexington's tree canopy based on findings from the 2022 Urban Tree Canopy Study.

This round marks the first of two grant distributions; another application period will open in fall. Interested parties can visit Lex Grow Trees' webpage for updates on application windows and information about the initiative.

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