UK Happenings

Join city of Lexington, UK Extension to explore local creeks during Water Week 2025

Water Week logo
Water Week is sponsored by the city of Lexington, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, Fayette County Public Schools and local watershed organizations.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 14, 2025) — Lexington’s sixth annual Water Week is March 22-30, with dozens of events that encourage a connection to our local waterways. People of all ages are invited to participate through a variety of in-person, virtual and self-guided opportunities.

This year, Water Week events include programs at Raven Run and other city parks, water quality testing opportunities, creek cleanups and plantings, a hands-on talk about streams, bioblitzes designed to capture information about flora and fauna, creek walks, and even a historical exploration of our waterways through Daniel Boone’s eyes.

In addition to events throughout Lexington, the public is invited to join University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service’s Water Quality team for one or all four events on (or near) campus.

Runners and walkers are encouraged to sign up for the Reforest Frenzy on Saturday, March 22, at Hisle Farm Park, 3551 Briar Hill Road. New this year, participants have a choice between a 1-mile dash, a 5K race and a 10K race. Hosted by John’s Run/Walk Shop, the Reforest Frenzy raises money for Reforest the Bluegrass programs that provide tree planting opportunities in Lexington. All race participants can either take a tree home or donate it to be planted on their behalf during a Reforest event. Trees naturally collect and filter rainwater, making them the best land cover for protecting and maintaining our natural waterways.

Lexington businesses, schools, churches and non-profits that are interested in projects to improve water quality or reduce stormwater runoff are invited to attend a virtual information session about the Stormwater Quality Incentive Grant Program. The session will be offered twice, 6 p.m. Monday, March 17, and 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 19.

Individual and self-guided activities include geocaching and storm drain stenciling.

Water Week is sponsored by the city of Lexington, the University of Kentucky, Fayette County Public Schools and local watershed organizations. Find event details and register for the Reforest Frenzy at: https://www.lexingtonky.gov/government/departments-programs/environmental-quality-public-works/environmental-services/live-green-lexington/water-week.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.