In Louisville’s West End, residents are leading efforts to strengthen their neighborhoods through environmental restoration. A new partnership between Kentucky State University’s College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources and Louisville Grows is helping advance that work-expanding access to training in conservation, urban forestry, horticulture, and community agriculture while investing directly in the people who live and work in the community.
Through this collaboration, Kentucky State’s Cooperative Extension teams will work alongside Louisville Grows to deliver hands-on, experiential training that equips residents with marketable skills, strengthening local workforce opportunities in the green economy and supporting ongoing environmental restoration efforts in Louisville.
Kentucky State University’s Cooperative Extension team will provide expertise in curriculum development, credentialing, and program evaluation. Louisville Grows will lead community engagement efforts, drawing on more than a decade of experience in urban forestry and community agriculture. Together, the partners aim to prepare adults for meaningful careers while communities benefit from stronger food systems and resilient landscapes.
Louisville Grows will support participants as they gain practical experience throughout the city and surrounding areas in conservation, tree planting, orchard development, greenhouse management, soil restoration, and sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to a healthier urban environment.
This initiative represents a shared commitment to advancing environmental equity and economic opportunity in Louisville. By combining education, research, and community action, Kentucky State University and Louisville Grows are planting the seeds for more resilient neighborhoods, a stronger workforce, and a more sustainable future for the city.
More information can be found at louisvillegrows.org and kysu.edu/ag.
Join the Louisville Grows Volunteer Community this Fall!
This November, our team and amazing volunteer community are coming together to plant over 300 trees across Louisville! Every tree planted helps grow a greener, healthier city – and we’d love for you to be part of it.
Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or brand new to tree planting, everyone is welcome to dig in, make friends, and make a difference in our neighborhoods.
View our event calendar to sign up for upcoming volunteer opportunities at https://louisvillegrows.org/events/
For questions, call 502-694-0120 – we’re happy to help you find the right volunteer opportunity. It doesn’t have to be tree planting – our team can help match you with other opportunities based on your interests, when available.
Let’s grow a more sustainable Louisville together!
