LEXINGTON, Ky. — The city is now accepting applications for its Community Environmental Academy, a program designed to connect residents with local environmental issues and city operations.

The academy connects participants to topics including water quality, urban forestry and waste management through facility tours, educational talks, online training and hands-on experiences. The program runs four Saturday sessions from July through October, paired with five self-paced webinars. Upon completion, participants earn a CEA Graduate Diploma and may pursue an optional second phase to develop community projects.

Graduates selected for the project component receive up to $1,500 in funding to implement initiatives related to academy topics, with completion required by May 2027. Recent projects have included a stream restoration project at Preston's Springs Park, a program highlighting local trees, and a café compost mill and farmer program. The most recent class also developed upcycled yarn workshops, food forest signage and a monarch rain garden.

The Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works leads the academy to build community understanding of city environmental services. Past graduates have launched initiatives like the Lexington Green Guide, an online recycling and reuse database, according to city records.

Applications are due Friday, May 1. Participants may apply individually or as part of a group representing civic organizations, neighborhood associations or faith communities. Each group member must attend all sessions. The program also offers buddy passes for selected sessions, allowing participants to bring a guest.

For more information or to apply, residents should contact the Community Environmental Academy through Live Green Lexington at 200 E. Main St.