LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 22, 2026) — As the world commemorates the 56th annual Earth Day today, the University of Kentucky is highlighting some of its year-round programs, learning opportunities and community events that make sustainability part of everyday life on campus.
The recently launched Tracy Farmer Scholars Program supports engagement by providing funding support for students who are interested in pursuing sustainability-related research.
“We’re thrilled to support undergraduate and graduate research on the environment and sustainability across the disciplines,” said Lauren Cagle, Ph.D., program director and associate professor in the Writing, Rhetoric and Digital Studies Department in the College of Arts and Sciences. “UK is a powerhouse for environmental and sustainability research, and getting students involved enriches all of our work.”
UK’s Office of Sustainability, a multitude of research and academic units and sustainably-focused student organizations help turn ideas into action by supporting projects, internships and events that connect Wildcats with hands-on ways to make a difference.
“Earth Day is a great opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made on campus and to renew our focus on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” said Shane Tedder, director of sustainability and assistant director of the Tracy Farmer Institute for Sustainability and the Environment.
Throughout the year, the Student Sustainability Council works to advance the theory, practice and reality of sustainability. This year, the council distributed nearly $250,000 for campus sustainability projects. This support includes funding for the 13th round of the Summer Sustainability Research and Creativity Fellowship in partnership with the Office of Undergraduate Research.
The council also partners with UK’s Office of Sustainability and other sustainability-related units across campus for the Sustainability Internship Program. The program students the opportunity to develop a sustainability initiative or project that impacts campus in meaningful ways.
“The Sustainability Internship Program is just one of many examples of students at UK coming together around the shared purpose of cultivating lasting and sustainable change,” said Carlie Laughlin, sustainability program coordinator. “It is important to our students that they are able to make small-scale changes at our university and see the impacts in their local environment.”
Students from the SIP are engaged with several campus offices including UK Dining, UK Recycling and The Food Connection. SIP intern efforts have developed projects such as the “Resiliently Rooted” art showcase, a Behind the Big Blue Bins video and lighting retrofits to conserve energy around campus.
For many, celebrating Earth Day is about finding and being involved in bettering the community locally through participating on campus.
UK’s partnerships extend beyond campus. Earlier this semester, UK kicked off the Common Threads Lex partnership with Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and Fayette County Public Schools with a public screening of the documentary “Microplastic Madness.”
Take part in the many events happening on campus this week.
Celebrate Earth Day 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 22 at the 2026 John P. Wyatt, M.D. Environment and Health Symposium in the Gatton Student Center Ballrooms. This event will host lightning talks and notable keynote speakers Arden Pope and Douglas Dockery presenting “Air Pollution and Health Science: A Double-Edged Sword.”
The Office of Sustainability is hosting an event 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. April 22 in the Gray Design Building, celebrating the success of students in the Sustainability Internship Program. This year, Justin Mog, assistant to the provost for sustainability initiatives at the University of Louisville and host of the community radio show “Sustainability Now,” will speak. The event is free and open to the public.
Additional events celebrating Earth Day this week include:
- Plant Forward Picnic by UK Dining, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 22, at the Fresh Food Company. A plant-forward vegetarian meal and the opportunity to build your own flower bouquet.
- WRFL’s Earth Day Jam 4:30-6:30 p.m. April 22 at the Gatton Student Center. Students can grab a free T-shirt and succulent.
- Canopy Con 2026: Healthy Trees — Healthy People is 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. April 23 at the Fayette County Extension Office. It focuses on urban forestry, equity and health.
- The Urban Forest Initiative’s campus lecture by Geoffrey Donovan on “The Surprising Links Between Trees and Human Health” is 2:30-4:30 p.m. April 24, at the Kincaid Auditorium.
For more information on Earth Day events, visit the UK Sustainability events calendar.