Keeping Cool and Warm — Presented by Project Warm

This class will teach you how to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter—all while saving on your energy bill! Project Warm will present a wealth of tips, tricks, and information on agencies and programs for energy assistance.

Follow us on social media for the latest program and event info!

Louisville Metro Government’s Mayor’s Office of Sustainability (OS) has partnered with the Kentucky Solar Energy Society (KYSES) to launch the 2025 Solarize Louisville program! Solarize Louisville makes going solar easy by connecting participants with vetted and trustworthy solar installers, providing a step-by-step walk-through of the solar installation process, and helping participants access discounted rates on solar. Going solar will help you reduce your energy bills, potentially increase your property’s value, support local solar jobs, and help Louisville meet its goal of using 100% clean energy community-wide by 2040!

On April 2, OS announced that Daily Green Power and Pure Power Solar have been selected from a competitive pool of applicants as the designated partners for the 2025 Solarize Louisville campaign. Both companies are local small businesses and bring many years of experience and professionalism. By connecting Solarize Louisville participants with vetted installers, Metro is eliminating the hassle for residents to shop for an installer themselves and providing a wholesale discount of 15-18%.

In total, Solarize Louisville has put solar on over 220+ properties. Join this growing community today! The program is open to residents, small businesses, nonprofits, places of worship, and other small non-residential properties in Louisville/Jefferson County and surrounding counties. To learn more about the program and sign up, please visit solarizelouisville.com. 

We also invite you to register for one of our upcoming Solar 101 Workshops by clicking the links below. At these workshops, you can hear directly from the installers, learn more about the process, and ask questions! 

Solarize Louisville Workshop with Pure Power Solar
Location: Crescent Hill Library at 2762 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sign up to attend Solarize Workshop with Pure Power Solar. 

Pop-Up Drop-Off at Doss High

Pop-Up Drop-Offs are free recycling and large item disposal events for residents of Jefferson County. Join us at Doss High on June 14th!

Accepted Items:

• Up to 3 electronic items (recycled)

• Metal & appliances - no refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers or any items containing Freon (recycled)

• Up to 4 passenger tires (recycled)

• Household recyclables, follow curbside rules (recycled)

• Yard waste, follow curbside rules, wooden pallets (composted)

• Large household items (landfilled)

• Documents for shredding (recycled)

• Prescription medication (disposed properly)

• Gently used shoes will be collected for WaterStep - every 3 pairs of shoes collected provides safe water for 1 person for life!

• Items must already be separated into categories for easy off-loading so as much can be recycled as possible.

Louisville Metro Government, through the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability (OS), is exploring the development of a Louisville Green Bank. Green banks utilize innovative financing strategies that leverage public, private, and philanthropic capital and provide consistent funding to scale sustainability solutions. This important effort will better position Louisville to be a more sustainable, healthy, and prosperous city. Following a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) Process, OS has selected nationally recognized consultants Council of Development Finance Agencies and Public Sector Consultants to assist in the development of a Louisville Green Bank.

OS will host two virtual public meetings to seek community input as we explore the creation of a Louisville Green Bank. Join us to learn more about Green Banks and help shape a transformational tool to advance progress towards Louisville’s sustainability goals.

Register Below:

Green Bank Public Meeting #1
Location: Virtual via Webex
Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Register for Meeting #1

The Buy Local Fair is BACK at Lynn Family Stadium!

The Buy Local Fair features local and independent businesses, including food and drink vendors, artists and makers, services and more! Thanks to our sponsors for making it all possible.

Details:

• Free Admission!

• Onsite stadium parking in Purple Lot: $10/carload

• Stadium accepts credit/debit only for parking. A portion of parking fees will be donated to LIBA and our Buy Local/Keep Louisville Weird campaigns.

• Bicycles park free at racks.

• Carpooling encouraged.

• Event is ADA accessible. Service animals only, sorry no pets.

This long-running, family favorite returns for the summer!

Each Saturday in June and July, we offer drop-in nature and garden themed crafts and activities for families to create together. We’ll rotate projects each week, so come back often! The June theme is Fairies for Fairy Month, and July’s theme is Pollinators.

Children in the Dell is included with admission; this is a drop-in program so no registration is required.

Spoil your four-legged friends with a day outdoors filled with tail-wagging fun!

Did you know that Bernheim welcomes more than 12,000 dogs each year? We love seeing our canine companions exploring nature with their humans, so we’re celebrating them in a big way!

On Saturday, June 7, Bernheim will go to the dogs at Paws in Nature, a festival celebrating our furry best friends. Enjoy activities for dogs and their humans, meet fellow dog lovers, and discover unique goodies from local artists and vendors specializing in pet products. Local food trucks will offer tasty options throughout the day, and Isaac’s Cafe will feature special treats crafted just for dogs.

Activities

• Agility Course – Test your dog’s skills with jumps and weave poles on a fun, beginner-friendly course.

• Arts and Crafts – Create paw-some keepsakes together, like paw print art to remember the day.

• Treat Scavenger Hunts – Let your pup’s nose lead the way in a sniff-tastic scavenger hunt for hidden goodies around the event.

• Splash Zone – Cool down with a refreshing play area featuring kiddie pools and sprinklers for dogs to splash and play.

• Family Photo Opp – Capture the fun with our charming photo spot, perfect for snapping an adorable picture of you and your pup with a scenic Bernheim backdrop.

• Stick Library – Pick a stick, leave a stick! Browse a curated collection of “dog-approved” sticks sourced right from the Bernheim grounds for a simple, tail-wagging delight.

Community Partners

• Barktown Rescue

• Dog Training Camp USA

• Wags Pet Therapy

This is a FREE event; no registration required.

Tree Pruning in the Shelby Park Neighborhood

Learn how to properly care for your trees through pruning techniques and proper tool usage at our tree pruning workshop!

Individuals who attend the pruning workshop are invited to join us all summer ong as we return to old planting sites to be maintained.

DM or email volunteer@treeslouisville.org to register!

Part of the Firefly Friday series!

If you grew up in Kentucky or the southeastern U.S., catching and releasing fireflies on warm summer nights may be a cherished memory. June is peak season for many firefly species, and Bernheim offers a protected habitat to enjoy their mesmerizing light show.

Join Bernheim Naturalists for these opportunities to make new memories with your family while learning more about these mysterious and mesmerizing creatures.

Non-members $20. Registration required by 4:00 PM the day prior to the program. No pets, please. Call (502) 215-7155 to register and use your free member program passes, or click this button to sign up.

The Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit is the largest sustainability conference in the Midwest.

We bring together 650 passionate and visionary leaders to share inspiring, forward-thinking, and solution-oriented ideas that propel us toward a healthier, more resilient, sustainable, and equitable future. Join Fortune 500 powerhouses, innovative entrepreneurs, government officials, sustainability directors, academic, non-profit, and community leaders committed to solving some of the region’s toughest environmental problems while creating a positive economic impact.

The event will feature a full day of programming (8:00 AM to 6:00 PM), with 100 speakers, 45 exhibitors, an art show, live performances, breakfast, lunch, a networking reception, and more!

Zoning Matters: Conversations with a City Planner

The Office of Planning continues to host public conversations at branches of the Louisville Free Public Library. This open forum allows community members to talk about their neighborhoods, ongoing development, and ask questions about the the city's Land Development Code Reform or other planning and zoning activities.

Through conversation in these spaces, both planners and community members can take away a greater understanding of why zoning matters to us all. Through conversation in these spaces, both planners and community members can take away a greater understanding of why zoning matters to us all.

What’s Happening in the Big Prairie?

This summer, take a walk through The Big Prairie and learn about its history, current management practices, and interesting plants, insects, and animals that make this space a thriving ecosystem.

Non-members $15. Registration required by 4:00 PM the day prior to the program. No pets, please. Call (502) 215-7155 to register or click this button to register.

The Metropolitan Housing Coalition presents our Housing and Affordability Fair!

Organizations will share resource on lowering energy bills for qualified LG&E customers and resources for accessing affordable housing options.

Stay up to date on the latest details for this event at our website!

Welcome to a houseplant lovers paradise!

Plants, plants, and more plants, covering 27,000 sq. ft. at the KICC in Louisville, KY on May 31st!

We feature a variety of common, uncommon, and rare plants. Whether you are a seasoned plant parent looking for your next wish list plant or a new plant enthusiast - we have something for you.

General admission tickets are only sold day of the event at the door, and they never sell out!

Details:

• $10 cash or $12 card.

• 15 and under are always FREE.

• VIP is on sale on our website and here until 5/28/25.

• VIP hour from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

• GA is open 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

NEW Fabulous Fridays – Monthly Happy Hour in the Garden!

What better way to kick off the weekend than meeting friends amidst the stunning setting at Yew Dell. Join us for Fabulous Fridays on the last Friday of each month for a delightful selection of wines, seasonally-themed cocktails and mocktails, along with garden-fresh creations from our own Chef Mike Ross. Maybe even toss a corn hole beanbag for some fun. The gardens will be blooming, the music will be playing, and the fun will be flowing.

FREE admission!

Join us at the Smoketown Alley Clean-up!

Help us clean up some of the Smoketown alleys! On June 8th we will be rolling up our sleeves to spruce up the alleyways neighboring our new office. We are looking for volunteers to help pick up trash, remove overgrowth, and give back to our community.

No need to register, just meet us at our new office parking lot!

Meet us on the playground for an evening of connection, play, and wonder in nature!

The evening begins with Playcosystem Happy Hour, where attendees can explore Bernheim’s expanded natural playground while enjoying great food, drinks, and live music. You’ll also have a chance to connect with our partners from Lights Out Louisville, supporting dark sky initiatives.

At 9:30 PM, the adventure continues with a guided Firefly Hike led by Bernheim Volunteer Naturalist Bill Napper. This year’s timing coincides with the peak of Blue Ghost Firefly season – a rare and magical species that calls Bernheim home. The evening concludes with a Night Sky interpretation by Dan Price of Starpointe Astronomy.

Enjoy:

• Food by Big Moe’s BBQ Food Truck

• Brews by West Sixth Brewery

• Mocktails by NKD Mocktails

• Live music by Aaron Bibelhauser

This event is open to regional Chambers of Commerce, business professionals, and the general public (ages 21+). Nocturnal Networking is FREE. Registration required by 4:00 PM the day prior to the program. No pets, please. Call (502) 215-7155 to register or click this button to register.

EveryHome May Webinar: Solarize Louisville and the Cool Roof Incentive Program with LMG Office of Sustainability

Join us for our EveryHome webinar on May 27, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM! Guest speakers from the LMG Office of Sustainability will present two energy-saving programs: Solarize Louisville , which helps households get discounted solar installations through bulk purchasing, and the Cool Roof Incentive Program, which offers homeowners $1 per square foot for installing energy-efficient roofs.

You won’t want to miss this webinar! Be sure to register here for this FREE webinar on May 27th at 1:00 PM.

Mix & mingle with members and friends from YPAL, Canopy, and Rotary!

What do young professionals, good business, and our local leaders have in common? You! Together, we are committed to building a welcoming, vibrant community for you in Louisville.

Join us for an evening of meaningful networking, delicious food, signature cocktails, inspiration... and you guessed it, synergy.

More Details:

• Attire: Come as you are!

• Parking: Nearby parking garages and street parking

• Event Flow: Casual networking

• Wheelchair Accessible? Yes

• Neighborhood: St. Matthews

• Bus Line: Plan your TARC Route

Baird St Community Garden Presents

Planting Roots: A Community Garden Celebration

We’ll be grilling hot dogs, playing cornhole, and introducing people to our space!

SATURDAY MAY 17TH 2PM-6PM

1849 BAIRD ST
PORTLAND, KY 40203

You are invited to the Louisville Audubon Society’s 2025 Annual Meeting with our special guests, Raptor Rehab of Kentucky!

Please register using this link. You don’t need to be a member to attend.

We’ll have a meet and green, a program by Raptor Rehab of Kentucky, the election of new board members and officers, a silent auction, and refreshments and light snacks!

Come see what we’re doing and support our RROKI friends!

A celebration of music and local makers!

Forest Fest is back! Mark your claendars for Saturday, May 17th, because it’s bigger than ever!

Enjoy a full day of bluegrass music, local food and drink, craft vendors, and youth nature play activities in the stunning Horine Reservation.

Live Music lineup (starts at noon):

• Tommy Prine

• Relaay the Band

• Miles Nielsen and The Rusted Hearts

• The Kentucky Gentlemen

• Tray Wellington

Bring your blanket or chair, but leave coolers and outside alcohol at home. Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome! Parking is $15.

Plant pals! Get ready to dig in because our awesome Seeds & Starts events are coming to jazz up your May!

Imagine this: gorgeous weather (we've already put in the order!), fantastic plants just waiting to find their forever homes with you, some sweet tunes to groove to, and all your best buds hanging out. Plus, our amazing partners will be there, sharing their green wisdom!

What could be better than spending two beautiful Saturdays in Louisville with us? We can't wait to see your smiling faces, so mark your calendars and don't forget to bring those boxes and flats – you'll need 'em for all the planty goodness you'll be taking home!

Every single dollar you spend helps Louisville Grows keep doing our thing – making our neighborhoods greener and healthier for everyone. Let's grow together!

National Beyond Plastics is offering a free webinar, “Microplastics’ Impact on the Brain and Heart”.

This is a great opportunity to hear first hand from the scientists who are researching impacts of microplastics in human bodies.

Please use this link to register for the webinar!

Learn about installing solar for your property at the Solarize Louisville Workshop with Daily Green Power!

Register for the workshop at this link. We’ll be meeting at the Western Branch of the Louisville Free Public Library on May 10th at 11:00 AM.

See you then!

The How-To Festival is celebrating a dozen years of hands-on learning!

This free, interactive, FUN, educational extravaganza features more than 50 “how-to” sessions taught by local experts.

Sessions include lessons in car and bicycle repair, crafts, dance, music, business, art, plus more than a dozen gardening workshops in three tents outside, thanks to our partners at the Urban Agriculture Coalition.

Plant pals! Get ready to dig in because our awesome Seeds & Starts events are coming to jazz up your May!

Imagine this: gorgeous weather (we've already put in the order!), fantastic plants just waiting to find their forever homes with you, some sweet tunes to groove to, and all your best buds hanging out. Plus, our amazing partners will be there, sharing their green wisdom!

What could be better than spending two beautiful Saturdays in Louisville with us? We can't wait to see your smiling faces, so mark your calendars and don't forget to bring those boxes and flats – you'll need 'em for all the planty goodness you'll be taking home!

Every single dollar you spend helps Louisville Grows keep doing our thing – making our neighborhoods greener and healthier for everyone. Let's grow together!

Join us for our 5th Annual Sustainability Summit! This full-day event on April 28th will begin with registration at 8:00am followed by opening remarks at 8:30am. The event will run until 4:00pm and will be followed by a reception & networking. By featuring a variety of speakers we will touch on topics like Climate Resilience: Cultivating Hope and Strength in the face of change, Recycling for the Future: Strategies to Minimize Contamination through Education, Complete Streets: Designing Safer, more Inclusive Pedestrian and Cycling Networks, and more. Community leaders, elected officials, and those interested in sustainability and equity are all encouraged to attend.

In all the world, there is no other place like the Falls of the Ohio, a truly unique landscape that holds significant natural and historical resources. Join naturalist Nick Feltner and explore the Falls of the Ohio in search of resident and migratory birds. Bring binoculars if possible. This free program meets on the deck by the interpretive center.

Discount admission is available all day! Enjoy $5 off general Zoo admission PLUS FREE parking powered by LG&E and KU Foundation. See community eco-partner displays and learn about their organizations’ community impact from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come join the fun and learn what you can do to help save our planet. Discount available at Zoo ticket windows only and cannot be applied to online purchases.