Asbury University will host a tree-planting ceremony on campus March 27, 2025. The first-of-its-kind initiative is led by Dr. Bruce Branan, a professor of chemistry in Asbury’s Shaw School of Sciences, in partnership with two Asbury alumni, Dr. Kenton Sena ’12 with the University of Kentucky (UK) Lewis Honors College, and Dr. Ray Smith ’83. Sena and Smith both work as scientists at UK. The event is also supported by Green Forests Work (GFW) and the Laudato Si Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Lexington.
“We are thrilled to host this planting ceremony and establish a variety of trees and natural grasses on Asbury property,” Branan said. “We look forward to utilizing the planted area for future research within the Shaw School of Sciences and for community enjoyment.”
Volunteers will plant 4,000 trees of various species native to Kentucky, donated by GFW on Asbury property behind the baseball and shot-put facilities on land that was used to source dirt for the construction of the school’s new Outdoor Venue.
The day-long event is open to students, staff, faculty, and the general community. A worship service will begin at 9 a.m., followed by tree-planting activities from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. In the event of rain, the ceremony will take place March 29, following the same schedule. The ceremony will help foster a deeper connection between Asbury University and the surrounding community, as well as align with the University’s ongoing sustainability goals, environmental stewardship goals and promoting biodiversity on campus and in the surrounding area.
Sena explains about the unique support GSW and Laudato Si offer for the event. “The two organizations have worked hand in hand for many years,” said Sena. “Their partnership has created a unique opportunity for us to come together with brothers and sisters in Christ from multiple denominational backgrounds to read scripture and pray before the tree planting.”
Green Forests Work is a Lexington-based nonprofit that focuses on restoring healthy and productive forests on formerly mined lands in Appalachia and beyond. Since 2009, GFW has planted nearly 7 million trees across more than 11,000 acres. Asbury is excited to contribute to this number. For more information on GFW, visit greenforestswork.org.
The Laudato Si Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Lexington works to address social and environmental issues, particularly in rural communities. The organization is inspired by Laudato Si’, an encyclical written by Pope Francis that calls for urgent action on climate change, care for creation, and the dignity of human beings. The commission emphasizes gospel values, human dignity, and reducing suffering in the Bluegrass region and Appalachia. For more information, visit cdlex.org.
Parking for the event will be available behind the Asbury Physical Plant, accessible via the gravel path around to the right side of the intramural field and shot-put facilities. A map showcasing the lot is included below.