Community Calendar
The LSC Community Calendar is meant to be a resource for you to find out what’s going on around town. We feature events by our friends and partners that relate to sustainability, nature and the environment, outdoor recreation, health and wellness, and social and environmental justice. Because LSC is not directly affiliated with all of the events posted here, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information. Please follow the links to the original source to verify event details with the originating organization. If you have an event you would like added to the calendar, let us know!
Trail Discovery Hike
Embark on an exclusive adventure as you hike Rice Orchard Ridge down to Overall’s Creek, a trail only accessible with a guide!
This moderate 4-mile out-and-back walk begins on Rice Orchard Ridge and extends 1.5 miles along a primitive trail before descending 200 feet downhill to the East Fork of Overall’s Creek. After enjoying the natural beauty, hikers will return the same way to the transport van.
Please bring water for the hike. Sturdy treaded shoes or hiking boots, along with hiking sticks, are recommended. A sack lunch or snacks is also suggested. Tennis shoes are not recommended as the trail may be slippery in some areas.
Details:
Bernheim members $15; Non-members $20
Registration required by 4:00 PM the day prior to the program. No pets, please. Call (502) 215-7155 to register or click the button below to register.
UofL Community Composting Volunteer Days
UofL Community Composting Volunteer Days
Every Sunday, Noon-2pm
250 E. Bloom St. (block north of Cardinal Blvd. between Brook & Floyd Streets, map)
Come help us turn “trash” into treasure as we manage UofL’s volunteer-powered community composting operation. Dress to get dirty. Tools provided. Learn about worm composting and becoming a UofL EcoRep! All participants are welcome to haul home some rich UofL compost for gardening projects in your own containers/vehicle. This is a weekly service opportunity throughout the year. Contact: Brian Barnes, 502-338-1338.
Winter 2024 Tree Planting
No experience necessary!
Get involved in our Winter 2024 FREE tree planting and make a difference in your community!
Register for free on Louisville Grows’ website, or reach out to Ellie at outreach@louisvillegrows.org or (502) 694-0120.
Zoning in on Change: Building Stronger Communities Through Bolder Action
Metropolitan Housing Coalition (MHC) is hosting a release event for the 2024 State of Metropolitan Housing Report (SMHR)!
The 2024 Report focuses on zoning and land use and ongoing land development code reform efforts in Louisville. Communities nationwide are starting to reform zoning laws to allow for middle housing. This shift towards more equitable and inclusive housing policies could help address the housing crisis in Louisville and Jefferson County.
Meet us on Thursday, December 12th @ 3:00 pm for this thought-provoking presentation.
Holiday Wreathmaking: Date Night Edition
Wreath Making takes on a whole new energy when you work together with your spouse/partner/main squeeze on a seasonal design that you’ll take home to enjoy!
For this edition, we’ll provide the greenery, form, decor items, and instructions- plus festive holiday refreshments to enjoy during the class and then time to enjoy the Yuletide lights on the grounds during this child-free evening.
Buy your tickets here! NOTE: price is per pair, and you’ll work together on one wreath.
Details:
Our instructors are in high demand. Reserve your ticket now to hold your spot.
Please keep in mind that all ticket purchases are final sale. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. All programs and events are rain or shine.
Walk with a Doc
Join us as we take some steps toward better health!
Walk with a Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. You’ll take a few minutes to learn about a current health topic from a healthcare professional, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and fun conversation.
It’s a great way to get out, get active, and enjoy all the benefits that come from walking, as well as from being outside and with others. Walk your own pace and distance.
Walk with a Doc
Join us as we take some steps toward better health!
Walk with a Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. You’ll take a few minutes to learn about a current health topic from a healthcare professional, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and fun conversation.
It’s a great way to get out, get active, and enjoy all the benefits that come from walking, as well as from being outside and with others. Walk your own pace and distance.
Canopy Good Business Summit - Business Beyond Profit
Canopy’s 4th Annual Good Business Summit aims to introduce newcomers and longtime friends to business beyond profit and the innovative ways Kentucky companies are showing up for our people and our landscape.
This year’s event will feature presentations over lunch from Chef Edward Lee of the LEE Initiative and Rob Samuels of Maker's Mark, with a morning talk by Maggie Harlow of Signarama Downtown. The agenda showcases impact, culture and leadership based learning opportunities, a Mission Marketplace, facilitated networking, and more! Head to the event website to learn more and get tickets!
At the Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC). Learn more here.
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Incentives
Have you heard of the IRA?
The Inflation Reduction Act is a 2022 bill that aims to lower inflation, invest in domestic energy production and manufacturing, and reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030. The IRA provides rebates and tax credits for adding energy efficient appliances in the home. But, what about upfront costs? Landlords? Low-income and fixed-income families? Can they take advantage of IRA funds? YES!
Join us virtually next Tuesday, November 19th at 2 PM with the Office of Energy Policy to discuss Kentucky’s plan for IRA funds. During this webinar, we will discuss the IRA, how it works, and how low-income and fixed-income families can take advantage of these funds without emptying pockets. You won’t want to miss this webinar!
Register at this link!
Buy Local Holiday Bazaar
Buy Local Holiday Bazaar
Tuesday, Nov. 19th, 10am-2pm, UofL Student Activities Center Ballroom
Need some gift ideas for your loved ones or for yourself? Skip the corporate crap made with slave labor overseas and come support a vibrant local economy at UofL's annual Buy Local Holiday Bazaar! We're going to have some amazing local vendors, so come load up on locally-crafted, handmade holiday gifts from our UofL Farmers' Market vendors and other local artisans! This is your best bet for getting a jump on your holiday shopping. The Bazaar features a wide variety of local artisans and food producers coming together in one location! You'll find unique holiday gifts and treats available only here, such as locally-made sweets, baked goods, holiday décor, clothing, home goods, jewelry, ceramics, hand-crafted items, personal care items, and art! Enjoy complimentary sweet treats and fair trade hot chocolate and coffee. And every purchase gets you a raffle ticket for a Buy Local gift package! Make your list. Check it twice. And don't miss it! This event is brought to you by UofL Dining.
Alberta O. Jones Park's 1st Birthday
Alberta O. Jones Park is turning ONE!
Join us for a fun-filled celebration with games, music, ice cream, and cupcakes as we honor a year of bringing our community together.
Meet us at the park on Sunday, November 17th to participate in the festivities.
Beargrass Creek Clean
Help clean the creek on canoes!
Join Our Earth Now! in a creek cleanup! Meet us at the Passionist Earth & Spirit Center on November 17th at 2:00 pm. We will be using canoes to clean Beargrass Creek!
Walk with a Doc
Join us as we take some steps toward better health!
Walk with a Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. You’ll take a few minutes to learn about a current health topic from a healthcare professional, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and fun conversation.
It’s a great way to get out, get active, and enjoy all the benefits that come from walking, as well as from being outside and with others. Walk your own pace and distance.
Citizen Forester Training
We’re looking for folks who want to lead others planting trees during our tree plantings!
Citizen Forester Training 101 will give you an introduction to urban forestry with participants learning how to restore and maintain Louisville’s urban forest. You will also learn basic tree anatomy and physiology, environmental stewardship, tree planting skills, and leadership skills to guide other volunteers in proper tree planting. And we will be planting a tree or two!
Training is open to individuals of all abilities, ages 12+ years. All trainees receive an instructional manual, a Citizen Forester t-shirt, and a light lunch. Seating is limited. Register today at this link!
11th Annual Louisville Sustainability Summit
2024 Louisville Sustainability Summit
Friday November 8th Sullivan University
Hungry for Change: Climate, Equity & the Future of Food
A summit dedicated to exploring the vital intersections between our food systems, climate resilience, and social equity. This event will bring together thought leaders, policymakers, activists, and innovators to discuss sustainable food practices that not only mitigate climate impact but also promote social justice. Through engaging speakers, dynamic discussions, and networking opportunities, we aim to inspire action and drive meaningful change towards a resilient and inclusive food future. Let's collaborate to build a more just and sustainable world—one meal at a time.
Learn about food insecurity, food waste and the carbon impact of food production.
Explore ways to enact change and spur action for everyone in our community.
Listen to on-the-ground experts and gain insight that can improve your life and change how you think about food
Bike. Cruise. Brews.
Bike through Louisville with community partner Bikes, Cruise and Brews!
A great way to meet new folks, they welcome all biking levels, with different routes each week. Roll out occurs every Sunday at noonish for a low stress cruise with local brewery stops along the way, returning to Logan Street Market around 3:00 PM.
For more information about this week’s ride, including special workshops, and other rides hosted during the week at Instagram @bikecruisebrews. Meet up at the market at 11:30 AM for a 12:30 PM roll-out. Follow on Instagram @bikecruisebrews to stay up to date on weather cancellations.
Outdoor Yoga
Start your weekend with a gentle yoga session at the market!
All levels welcome, pay what you can with suggested a donation of $5.
Rain or shine, this event occurs on St. Catherine, weather permitting, or in the Wild Hops Venue.
Kentucky Building Codes Stakeholder Meetings
Kentucky’s Department of Housing and Buildings Construction (DHBC) is currently considering the adoption of new building code!
Louisville Metro Government’s (LMG) Mayor’s Office of Sustainability (OS) is interested in advocating for the 2024 IBC building code and 2024 IECC energy code standards (Kentucky currently enforces the energy efficiency standards of the 2012 IECC for commercial buildings and the 2009 IECC for residential). Standardizing higher energy efficiency in buildings can allow the building industry to more efficiently plan, procure inventory, train workforce, reduce energy costs, and create a healthier environment.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that moving from the 2009 energy code to the 2024 energy code could save a Kentucky household $687 annually. LMG is receiving technical guidance on energy code comparisons from the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to inform our next steps.
We invite you to provide input and collaborate with us during this process per the timeline below:
October 24 at 9 am Eastern Time – Register here – Virtual public/stakeholder meeting with MEEA to debrief post October 15 DHBC task force meeting and discuss next steps in advance of January 2025.
Nature Play
This program offers opportunities for nature exploration and creative play with a variety of activities!
Families welcome. Dress for the weather—rain or shine, cold or hot! We hope to see you there.
To register, please call 502-394-0379 or email NortheastYouthServices@lfpl.org.
Planting Event: Deer Park
Tree Champion Volunteers Needed!
Join the Deer Park Neighborhood Tree Champions to deliver and plant beautiful native trees around our community!
We’ll be meeting on Saturday, October 19th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Passionist Earth & Spirit Center.
Coffee, cookies, and community served—bring shovels, gloves, trucks, muscle, and good cheer!
To Sign up, email Helen at payhelen@gmail.com.
Big Tree Walk at Parklands
Join Joe Walker of Big Tree Walks on Friday, October 18th!
Meet at Playground near the Egg Lawn to join Joe for a 1-mile walk to see several big sycamores, including the biggest tree in the Parklands.
Part of this walk will be off trail, and it is mostly flat, and it will last about an hour.
Contact Joe at Jurbanw@bellsouth.net with any questions!
Brownfields for Bankers and Developers Info Session
The Brownfields for Bankers and Developers!
Louisville Metro, in partnership with NJIT's Technical Assistance to Brownfields Program, the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet's Brownfield Program and EPA Region 4 is hosting a Brownfields for Bankers and Developers Info Session. This event is free and open to the public.
The Brownfields for Bankers and Developers Info Session event will be held on Thursday, October 17th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at 429 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd in the 1st floor conference room. Lights snacks will be provided.
Please contact Sara Ellis, AICP, Brownfields Project Manager with any questions at sara.ellis@louisvilleky.gov or 502.574.1569. Click here to register for the session.
Green Tea Talks Energy Efficiency Fair
LEARN HOW TO LOWER YOUR ENERGY BILL & PROTECT YOUR HOME FOR WINTER AT NO COST TO YOU!
WHAT IS THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY FAIR AND WHY ATTEND?
Join us for the LSC’s Energy Efficiency Fair. Featured organizations will provide information on how to lower your energy bill for qualified LG&E customers!
You will learn about:
No cost weatherization services
How to lower your energy bill
Sustainable and efficient energy
Inflation Reduction Act Incentives
Free weatherization kits and utility bill payment assistance will be available. Refreshments will be provided by LG&E.
WHAT IS GREEN TEA TALKS?
GTT is a new program of the LSC that partners with historically disinvested populations to promote a series of community-lead conversations. It is proactive, impactful, and fun.
**SPONSORED BY SOCIABLE WEAVER FOUNDATION AND NORTON HEALTHCARE**
Central Park Trees: Walk and Talk
Join the Olmsted Parks Conservancy on this Walk and Talk!
Come on down to Old Louisville to talk trees with Olmsted Parks Conservancy! We will explore beautiful Central Park and we'll spend an hour winding our way through mature canopy species, newer hardwood installations and everything in between. Easy walk on paved surfaces. This sylvan greenspace is a must see!
Contact Matt at matt.spalding@olmstedparks.org with any questions!
October Green Drinks with Organic Association of Kentucky at Epiphany
Join us for October Green Drinks when we will hear from the Organic Association of Kentucky (OAK) about their new Global Farm Metric tool, as well as other OAK project updates. OAK is a nonprofit organization founded by farmers, for farmers, focused on growing ecological resilience, economic viability, and socially just futures for Kentucky farmers through educational, technical and market resources in order to improve environmental resilience and conservation, nurture human and community health, and drive regional prosperity. Learn more about OAK here.
Epiphany is a craft cocktail bar and spirits house focused on moments of discovery. With an eye for supporting local farmers, Epiphany brings the farm-to-table concept into the beverage world. A lot of the fresh ingredients in our drinks are sourced from the same farms you’ll find at the farmers markets, keeping more dollars in our community while reducing our carbon footprint. Read more about Epiphany here.
Bugs and Brews
Hosted by Trellis Brewing and Idlewild Butterfly Farm!
Idlewild Butterfly Farm will be on site with handouts that talk about their favorite tree hosts and the butterflies and moths that they support, plus show-and-tell with moth pupae and dried specimens.
Contact Kaitlyn at kaitlyn@trellisbrewing.com with any questions!
Volunteer Clean-up
You know what’s better than one Tree Week event? FOUR Tree Week events!
We hope you consider joining us on October 15th at Schardein Cemetery to clean up the grounds.
You have the option to either come work on the Morning Shift (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM) or the Afternoon Shift (1:00 PM to 4:00 PM)—or both!
Head to our website to register today.
Gifts & Thrifts
Donate clothes and find your new favorite outfit!
Every three pieces of clothing equals one credit, with up to five credits available per person to shop at our October 13th event!
Additional credits can be earned with a monetary donation on the day of the event, and donations can be made at the Lynn Family Sports Vision & Training Center anytime!
**What NOT to donate: baby clothes, underwear, swimsuits, kids clothes.
Food Forest 101: Guided Hike
Guided Hike in Smoketown and Paristown with Beargrass Thunder!
This all-ages hike will begin at Smoketown at Trellis. We will walk to the Paristown Food Forest at 850 Vine St. before walking back to Trellis for an afterparty!
Learn about the amazing history of the two neighborhoods as well as how vacant lots can be transformed into edible landscapes or habitat for our native birds and pollinators!
Tree Week
Tree Week is an event is an effort to engage our community in celebrating and raising awareness of the value of our community forest. It is a week of activities across Louisville Metro including tree planting, mulching and pruning, tree tours/walks, outdoor activities like yoga or biking, online workshops, scavenger hunts, hiking at local landmarks, and nature therapy/mindfulness walks. Tree-centric events like film showings, art and music, storytime and library events, K-12 programming, and guest speakers/webinars will also be included.
Learn more at https://www.treeslouisville.org/tree-week-home-page
LNC in the Enchanted Forest
Celebrate 60 years of the Louisville Nature Center (LNC)!
Join us for an unforgettable evening! Experience LNC programming first-hand, Enjoy craft cocktails in the forest while listening to live music, Get an exclusive peek at LNC’s plans for the future!
More information and ticket pricing coming soon—stay tuned.
Citizen Forester Training
Citizen Forester 101 Training
Join us for a hands-on Citizen Forester 101 Training where you'll learn all about urban forestry and how to become a Citizen Forester. Through the training, participants learn how to restore and maintain Louisville's urban forest. Participants are taught basic tree anatomy and physiology, environmental stewardship, tree planting skills and leadership skills to guide other volunteers in proper tree planting.
Training is open to individuals of all abilities, ages 12 years and older. All trainees receive an instructional manual, Citizen Forester t-shirt and a light lunch. Registration costs are sponsored by the City of Plantation and KIPDA. Seating is limited
Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn new skills and connect with nature in your community! This training session is open to current Citizen Foresters who would like a refresher course on leading volunteers and getting their hands in the dirt again.
Questions? Contact Colin at trees@louisvillegrows.org or 765-999-1027.
Tree Adoption Event
It’s just about time for free trees!
To kick off Tree Week, Trees Louisville will be handing out free one-gallon trees during our fall Tree Adoption Event. Stop by Churchill Downs on the Backside to take home up to TWO trees!
Trees are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to one C tree per person/household!
Kentucky Building Codes Stakeholder Meetings
Kentucky’s Department of Housing and Buildings Construction (DHBC) is currently considering the adoption of new building codes (which are set at the state level and cannot be altered by local jurisdictions). Louisville Metro Government’s (LMG) Mayor’s Office of Sustainability (OS) is interested in advocating for the 2024 IBC building code and 2024 IECC energy code standards (Kentucky currently enforces the energy efficiency standards of the 2012 IECC for commercial buildings and the 2009 IECC for residential). Standardizing higher energy efficiency in buildings can allow the building industry to more efficiently plan, procure inventory, train workforce, reduce energy costs, and create a healthier environment. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that moving from the 2009 energy code to the 2024 energy code could save a Kentucky household $687 annually. LMG is receiving technical guidance on energy code comparisons from the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to inform our next steps.
We invite you to provide input and collaborate with us during this process per the timeline below:
October 11 at 12 pm Eastern Time – Register here - Virtual public/stakeholder meeting with MEEA and partners to kick-off coordination. OS will discuss its proposed comments on the building code update and encourage feedback and coordination with others who are interested in engaging in this process.
River Cowboys: A Film by KWA
River Cowboys Documentary: The Louisville Film Premiere
Come join us for the Louisville film premiere of River Cowboys at Gravely Brewing Co! Get ready to experience the the beauty of Kentucky's Red River Gorge and witness the heroic effort of the "river cowboys" to keep Kentucky’s Red River free of illegally dumped tires and trash. Don't miss out on this in-person event on the big screen. \
This short but powerful 12-minute film will be followed by a panel discussion with lots of time for socializing, food, and drinks before and after. Grab your friends and family, and we'll see you there!
Important Details:
Doors open at 6:00 PM. Program begins at 7:00 PM.
Each $20 ticket purchased includes a free drink ticket distributed at the door.
All About Louisville Recycling
It’s an All About Louisville Recycling workshop!
This workshop is FREE to attend! Included with your admission are light refreshments and 10% off your entire refillery purchase.
Workshop highlights include:
Learn what you can/can’t recycle in Louisville
Find out where your recycling goes when it leaves your home
Discover valuable tips to reduce waste
Meet the Candidates
Meet the Candidates for Louisville Metro Council!
Hear from Metro Council candidates on issues of importance to nonprofits. Food and drink will be available for purchase, and tours of the Noble Funk Brewery are available.
Come to listen and network with other nonprofits! We’ll see you there.
Send us an email with your business or organization name, time & date of the event, location, and a description!