Classes and Events

►Denotes pre-registration required!

Send an email to Arboretum@uky.edu to pre-register for classes, programs and workshops (unless otherwise noted). 
Please be sure to include your name, email address and phone number for any registrations. 

Please note:
Due to COVID-19, the Dorotha Smith Oatts Visitor Center, the Kentucky Children's Garden, and water fountains remain closed.
Please wear a mask or face covering when you visit, and follow all recommended social distancing guidelines.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during these difficult times. 

Kentucky Children's Garden Volunteer Training on Zoom

Date: June 23rd 

Time: 7-8 pm KCG Training Update on Zoom- Required for returning and new KCG volunteers.

8-9 pm Intro to Best Practices for Interacting with Children on Zoom- Required for new KCG Volunteers  

Description:  Are you interested in volunteering in the Kentucky Children’s Garden when we open (hopefully!) on July 1st? The Arboretum and the University of Kentucky require all volunteers to complete specialized training and a background check prior to working with children or in the Kentucky Children’s Garden (KCG). Returning KCG volunteers must attend a 1-hour KCG Virtual Training Update on Zoom. This update will be especially important as we will be covering new policies put in place to protect our visitors, staff, and volunteers from COVID-19.  New KCG volunteers must attend the KCG Training Update and a 1-hour Introduction to Best Practices for Interacting with Children. Get signed up so you can join us in the KCG!

Cost: Free 

Age: Anyone can join but minors must be accompanied by an adult. 

Registration: Call (859) 257-6955 or email arboretum@uky.edu 

The Hundred Acre 5K

Date: June 19 - June 27

Description: Join us this June for the fourth annual Hundred Acre 5k, benefiting us, The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky! John’s Run/Walk Shop and The Arboretum have teamed up to bring you a race that lets your running benefit your favorite place to run or walk! Even your little ones can participate by joining the children’s fun-run (ages 2-10). Both the 5k and the Children's Mile are virtual this year, so you’ll be able to pick your own start and finish, your own course, and the best time for your race during our race window. All 5k participants will receive a Hundred Acre 5k race T-shirt and Arboretum-themed finisher award. Each child participating in the fun run will receive one free day admission to the Kentucky Children’s Garden which is opening July 1st, and a ribbon. 

For 2021, proceeds from the race will help fund the Kentucky Children Garden located on The Arboretum grounds! The Kentucky Children’s Garden is a 2-acre garden designed to share the joy and wonder of nature and plants. It is best suited for children ages 2 to 6 and their families. The garden’s features include child-sized representations of Kentucky’s landscapes (natural and man-made, past and present) as well as themed gardens including butterfly, vegetable and transportation gardens. Connecting children to nature while they are young helps build essential skills and attitudes. Studies show that early nature connection can influence enthusiasm and respect toward nature throughout a lifetime. Additionally, nature play encourages healthy child development in many areas including social, emotional and physical. Not to mention, it’s fun! 

Packet Pick Up:

Friday, June 18: 3-7 PM at John's Run/Walk Shop on S Ashland Ave.

Saturday, June 20 to Sunday, June 27 at John's Run/Walk Shop on S Ashland Ave. during store hours.

Cost: The Hundred Acre 5K is $25

The Children's Mile is $5

Registration: Please go to The John's Run Walk Website to register or for more information https://runsignup.com/Race/KY/Lexington/TheHundredAcre5k?fbclid=IwAR1QLu...