LEXINGTON, Ky. — The city's Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works has recognized 30 schools and 72 teachers for their participation in environmental education programs, according to an announcement from the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.

Through partnerships with these schools and teachers, EQPW facilitated nearly 40,000 interactions with students across Fayette County this academic year. The city offers units of study for K-12 classrooms designed to teach students about waste management, water quality and sustainability, while also highlighting work the local government performs in these areas.

The units of study consist of four lessons combined with related hands-on experiences. EQPW also offers a series of lessons on transportation and cycling for second, third and fourth grade classrooms through a partnership with the Lexington Area Metropolitan Organization.

"The work of our office would not be fully realized without the participation of these teachers and students," said Jennifer Carey, Director of Environmental Services. "Helping our young people understand these important topics and the work our local government does is an investment in the future of our communities and those who will lead it."

Schools are awarded recognition at different levels — Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze or Partner — depending on their participation level. Platinum schools are those that engaged every student in at least one full unit of study. Additional field trips to city facilities such as the Lexington Recycle Center and the Town Branch Wastewater Treatment Plant are available to complement the classroom lessons.

The recognition highlights the city's broader environmental education initiative. The Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee oversees policies and programs related to environmental education, waste management, water quality and other department divisions.