At Founder’s Square — a small park between 4th and 5th Streets along Muhammad Ali Boulevard — is slowly gaining forestry thanks to the Trager Microforest Project that is moving forward into its next phase.
Workers are currently installing new walkways and an irrigation system into the downtown space, with trees being planted at the square later this fall.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg (D) gave an update earlier in May as to the progress of the project.
“I am committed to moving our city in a new direction, toward a safer, stronger and healthier Louisville and projects like the Trager MicroForest are how we achieve those goals,” stated the mayor in an update online. “This project transforms a space that was not being used to its full potential by creating a tree canopy for a healthier environment, while also delivering a beautiful green space for residents and visitors to enjoy in the heart of our city.”
Based on prior reporting from LEO Weekly, Louisville’s tree cover currently sits at 39% shade for the city, which is only a 1% increase between 2012 and 2022.
The Trager family, from which the park is named, pledged $1 million to the project. The project itself is an effort from the Metro and the University of Louisville’s Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute.
See more outlines of the project here:
