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Research

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.   

6 students selected as 2026 Sustainability Summer Research Fellows

Haven L. Patrick
 May 14, 2026
Research

Six University of Kentucky undergraduates have been selected for the Sustainability Summer Research Fellowship, a program that supports student-led projects that advance sustainable practices and community impact through research.

My White Oak mobile app helps landowners assess their woods, plan for white oak’s future

Jordan Strickler
 May 14, 2026
Community, Research

A new mobile app is helping woodland owners across Kentucky and the Central Hardwood region determine whether white oak is present in their woodlands and is offering ways to help regenerate and sustain the species.

12 students selected as 1st cohort of Tracy Farmer Scholars

Grace Whitworth
 May 7, 2026
Research

The Tracy Farmer Institute for Sustainability and the Environment (TFISE) at the University of Kentucky selected 12 students for the inaugural cohort of Tracy Farmer Scholars conducting research in environment and sustainability.

Dyeing to make a difference: Sustainable textiles in Kentucky

Adreonna Rainey
Oct 3, 2025
Academics, Research

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 3, 2025) — What began as a small dye garden at the University of Kentucky Arboretum has grown into a hands-on summer internship and cross-listed course that immerses students in the sustainable production and use of natural dyes. The project was sparked several years ago when horticulturist Shari Dutton received the book “A Dyer’s Garden” as a Christmas gift.

Graduate student Zoë York researches the benefits of flowering shrubs on our campus trees

Adreonna Rainey
Sep 24, 2025
Research

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 24, 2025) — Urban trees do so much more than make our campus look beautiful.  They filter the air, cool the ground, and improve our mental well-being. But many of the trees at the University of Kentucky are under attack from an invasive pest.

Understanding the resilience of Kentucky ash trees at reforested sites

Zoe McComas
 Aug 19, 2025
Research

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 19, 2025) — For over 20 years, Reforest the Bluegrass has been Lexington’s premier community tree planting festival, resulting in the planting of more than 215,000 tree seedlings.

The changing canopy of UK’s campus

Graciela Martinez
Aug 12, 2025
Research

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 12, 2025) —UK has long been a growing epicenter of healthcare and academics, and large facilities have been built, renovated, or demolished to accommodate this. But with all this expansion, what is the impact of growth on our campus tree canopy?

Tracking the rise of Dahurian buckthorn in Kentucky

Callie Black
 Jul 28, 2025
Research

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 28, 2025) — Heading into my senior year as a Natural Resources and Environmental Science major at UK, I became interested in studying the Dahurian buckthorn (Rhamnus davurica), a woody invasive that is emerging in central Kentucky. This plant is extremely under-studied and could have tremendous impacts on our ecosystems if left untreated.

Signage study at UK’s Arboretum explores new ways to foster environmental literacy

Bailey Little
 Jul 23, 2025
Community, Research

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 23, 2025) — Walk through any arboretum, and you will find signs that guide your experience, naming plants, offering insights into the ecosystem’s role, or even helping you find your way around. However, many signs fall short of connecting with visitors or sparking a deeper understanding.

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