Woodlands are found in all 120 Kentucky counties, so whether in town or country, everyone personally benefits from the trees around us. Communities that are lucky enough to be near extensive woodlands and cities that boast a thriving tree canopy profit from the aesthetics and the financial and health benefits trees provide.

Trees make a quantifiable difference to our quality of life in so many ways. They help moderate the environment. A large tree placed on the south side of a house will help cool that home. A healthy urban tree canopy has been shown to drop the ambient temperature in a metropolitan area by several degrees. Trees clean our air, reduce our energy demands, and filter water. Studies have shown that spending time in and around trees can reduce stress and improve our immune systems. And in this time of changing climate, a healthy tree canopy can help to lessen damage from severe storms, excessive precipitation, and rising temperatures. Let’s also not forget that their sheer beauty can help improve property values.

There are loggers in every county in Kentucky and wood-based industries in 110 counties. The forest industry contributes $13 billion annually to the state’s economy. Much of that money stays close to home supporting local businesses, and the tax dollars that are generated help to support essential services that benefit everyone.

Through Cooperative Extension, research, and teaching, the UK Department of Forestry and Natural Resources does vital work to ensure our rural and urban woodlands remain healthy and continue to thrive in the future. We have the only Society of American Foresters accredited degree program in Kentucky, which produces society-ready graduates with the ability to manage forests for wildlife, water quality protection, and timber production. On top of that, the department now offers a certificate in urban and community forestry. Students enrolled in the certificate program emerge with the knowledge to help communities care for, increase, and plan urban tree cover.

Pollution, construction, and soil quality are just a few of the challenges urban trees face. The Urban Forest Initiative working group, with the support of the Tracy Farmer Institute for Sustainability and the Environment and community partners, champions awareness of the value of a healthy urban tree canopy. UFI’s myriad programs are open to the public.

Masters and doctoral programs in the department focus on forestry and natural resource sciences, such as silviculture, hydrology, and ecology. Students in those programs produce powerful research results that support woodland owners and improve the forest and urban ecosystems.