Urban Forest Initiative

The urban tree canopy is critically important for the health of Kentucky’s communities, contributing substantially to ecological, economic, and social sustainability. Increasing the quantity and quality of the urban tree canopy cover, regardless of community size, will enhance its contribution to ecosystem services, increase its aesthetic value, and promote human health and a sense of community. Unfortunately, many smaller communities in Kentucky lack the resources to develop programming and activities focused on raising the visibility of the urban forest. Our proposed work will help to address this deficit as we innovate, develop and model replicable urban and community forestry (UCF) outreach programs that can be used by communities throughout Kentucky to enhance public awareness of, and care for, their urban tree canopies.