News

UK entomologist advances gene-silencing technology to protect forests from invasive pests

Jordan Strickler

Oct 2, 2026

Informational, Research

A University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) forest entomologist is closing in on a pest management strategy that could give landowners, cities and forest managers a highly targeted alternative to conventional insecticides — one that kills invasive beetles by silencing their own genes and leaves surrounding wildlife untouched.

Community invited to celebrate UK Tree Week 2026

Jennifer Elwell

Oct 2, 2026

Community

From climbing into the canopy of a campus white oak to planting trees for future generations, the University of Kentucky community will celebrate the many ways trees strengthen people, places and ecosystems during Tree Week 2026, Oct. 9-18.

Searching for the ‘super tomato’: UK lab advancing horticultural crop breeding for a healthier future

Christopher Carney

Oct 1, 2026

Research

A lab at the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) is at the forefront of breeding and genetics of fruits and vegetables.

UK Economic Development and Real Estate launches Kentucky Economic Opportunity Map

Ashley Castorena

Sep 30, 2026

Activism, Awareness, Community

The University of Kentucky Economic Development and Real Estate team has launched the Kentucky Economic Opportunity Map, a dynamic data visualization tool designed to help communities, organizations and economic development leaders better understand economic conditions and opportunities across the Commonwealth.

Community gleaning: The Arboretum’s partnership with Glean Kentucky helps feed Fayette County families

Jennifer Elwell

Sep 23, 2026

Community

The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, managed through the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, is donating produce from its Home Demonstration Garden through an ongoing partnership with Glean Kentucky (GleanKY). The Arboretum has already donated more than 1,100 pounds of produce this year to the Lexington-based nonprofit to feed local individuals and families facing food insecurity.

Nominations open for 2026 UK sustainability awards

Owen Wallingford

Sep 21, 2026

Celebration, Community, Recognition

Nominations are now open for two University of Kentucky sustainability awards: the Sustainability Champion Award and the Yanarella Levine Legacy Award. The Sustainability Champion Award recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to sustainability at the University of Kentucky within the last three years. Last year, five recipients received the award:

UK Recycling sets record with more than 18 tons collected during move-out

Jennifer T. Allen

Jul 13, 2026

Behind the Scenes

As University of Kentucky students moved out of campus housing this spring, UK Recycling set a new benchmark for sustainability efforts — collecting a record 36,355 pounds (18.2 tons) of donations and recyclables through its 2026 move-out initiative. The Give and Go donation drive, which helps divert gently used items from the landfill, hit a new high this year with 28,355 pounds donated, a 7% increase from 2025. The donations included 27,718 pounds of household items and 636 pounds of unopened food.

Applications for UK Sustainability Challenge Grant Program now being accepted

Jul 13, 2026

Academics, Action/Engagement, Behind the Scenes, Community, Research

 The Sustainability Challenge Grant Program is designed to engage and support multidisciplinary teams from the University community in the development of scholarly, creative, and research projects that promote sustainability by engaging students, advancing field(s) of study, and seeking to balance economic, social, and ecological factors.

Student-led effort brings nearly $300K in energy rebates to UK Henry Walke’s internship work also spans solar energy tracking and lab efficiency initiatives

Jennifer T. Allen

Jun 15, 2026

Behind the Scenes, Student-Focused

The University of Kentucky earned nearly $300,000 through a Kentucky Utilities (KU) Energy Rebate Program — an achievement that highlights the university’s ongoing commitment to efficient operations. The effort, led by Henry Walke, an environmental and sustainability studies and economics senior and lab sustainability intern in Utilities and Energy Management (UEM), focused on documentation and verification of maintenance on critical cooling infrastructure across campus.

Student art competition winners celebrate UK’s local food system

Katelin Ralenkotter

May 29, 2026

Behind the Scenes, Community

A new, mobile art installation spotlighting the University of Kentucky’s local and sustainable food systems will be on display on campus starting this fall. The student art competition, sponsored by UK Recycling, The Food Connection and UK Dining, aims to highlight student art and educate the campus community on UK’s efforts to source food locally, support agricultural industries and turn food waste into compost.

Sustainability Awards

UKULELE

Student Sustainability Council

Student Interns