Resiliently Rooted: How One Student’s Vision Grew Into a Statewide Urban Forestry Showcase

What began as a student internship project at the University of Kentucky has blossomed into a public art exhibition that brought together over 600 visitors from across the Bluegrass. Resiliently Rooted: From Roots to Canopy, organized by the Urban Forestry Initiative within the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, asked a powerful question: How do trees inspire and sustain us?

This five-day event at the Bolivar Art Gallery showcased more than 30 pieces from Kentucky residents of all ages—ranging from student artists and retirees to professionals. The result was a moving celebration of urban trees and community connection through sculpture, photography, mixed media, and more.

Graciela Martinez, a junior in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, led the effort as part of her UFI internship, blending her passion for forestry and the arts to spark deeper public engagement with the natural world.

Learn how one student’s vision became a platform for creativity, community collaboration, and sustainability education across Kentucky.

To read the full story: https://news.ca.uky.edu/article/resil...
To learn more about the Urban Forestry Initiative, visit: https://ufi.ca.uky.edu

Contact: Lynn Phillips, [email protected]
Media Inquiries: C.E. Huffman, [email protected]
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