The Leaflet — February 2013

leaflet

the

FEBRUARY 2013

Under Attack How will the recent EAB outbreak in D.C. affect the city’s tree canopy?

CASEY TREES NEWS IN BRIEF

Casey Trees nominated for Best Nonprofit, Best Place to Volunteer awards Casey Trees marked its 10th Anniversary in 2012, and with the help and support of thousands of individuals, we exceeded many goals and increased the reach and value of our tree planting, educational and research programs.

It’s safe to say that the success of Casey Trees has been a direct result of each and every one of our donors, staff, volunteers, friends and advocates. Help us recognize everyone’s work and vote Casey Trees Best Nonprofit and Best Place to Volunteer in this year’s Washington City Paper Best of D.C. Readers Poll. Voters can only submit one ballot.

Donate a few minutes of your day to vote for Casey Trees and help us bring home the award!

Even though 2012 was great, we are determined to do even better in 2013!

CASEY TREES NEWS CASEY TREES LEADS REFORESTATION EFFORT AT FORT DUPONT PARK | Casey Trees partnered with the National Park Service (NPS) in January to reforest Ward 7’s Fort Dupont Park in the first large-parcel planting of its kind.

The three-day planting included 250 trees along a 900-foot linear section of hiking trail that is scheduled to be closed and on two large grassy areas. Casey Tree Farm provided 30 balled-andburlapped trees and 190 native specimens from Earth Sangha, a native tree nursery whose stock is grown from locally collected seed. Thirty junipers were also added. Casey Trees’ High School Summer Crew will contribute to the project by watering the new trees throughout the summer.

Casey Trees plans to utilize volunteers and staff members seasonally to implement an invasive species management plan at the site.

DEADLINE FOR PRIVATE TREE DEDICATION REQUESTS APPROACHES | What better way to start the year then with the gift of giving? Valentine’s Day is less than two weeks away! Casey Trees will accept requests for Tree Dedication program private plantings

2

until Feb. 15. Requests for public tree dedications are accepted throughout the Community Tree Planting season.

PRUNING VIDEO SERIES ADDED TO WEBSITE AND YOUTUBE | Five new pruning videos have been added to Casey Trees’ website and Youtube channel to help tree owners properly prune. Videos include tips, techniques and advice on how to properly prune your tree.

Removing dead or damaged wood will result in healthy, long-lasting trees and the best time for structural pruning is now because leaves have fallen and it is easier to inspect a tree’s structure and framework.

CASEY TREES WELCOMES NEW STAFF MEMBER | Christine Remein joined Casey Trees as the new Bookkeeper in January. She received her bachelors in political science and international relations from Duquesne University and worked as a Peace Corps volunteer in Togo. Christine is originally from Cleveland and comes to DC via Brooklyn, N.Y. Christine enjoys reading, painting, all kinds of yoga, exploring and working with direct trade coffee. She currently works with Vigilante

February 2013 | theleaflet

coffee, as well as the Student Conservation Association, and is ready to perfect and expand her bookkeeping skills with Casey Trees.

PREPARATIONS BEING MADE FOR SECOND PLANTING FIELD AT CASEY TREE FARM | Since last summer, Casey Tree Farm has been preparing a second field site for its ever-growing tree nursery. Beginning in March, 3,500 bare-root and containerized trees will be planted on 10 acres adjacent to the current field site. A well pump and irrigation lines will be ready for use by April. The fully planted field will hold 5,000 trees and is set to be completed in Spring 2014. Together with the first nursery field planted in 2011 and 2012, the Farm’s nursery production will increase to 8,000 trees. The addition of the second field will also provide 2,000 trees annually for Casey Trees’ planting programs.

URBAN FORESTRY NEWS INVASIVE BEETLE OUTBREAK IN D.C.’S KENILWORTH PARK | Emerald ash borer (EAB) was recently spotted in D.C.’s Kenilworth Park. EAB outbreaks have now been recorded in 15 states and the District of Columbia. Early symptoms of an infested ash tree include dead branches at the top of the tree, D-shaped exit holes, vertical bark splits and S-shaped tunnels.

Prince George’s County, Md., has introduced stingless wasps to combat their beetle problem.

To further prevent the spread of EAB infestations, homeowners are urged to photograph the insect and damage. The transport of firewood across state lines is also prohibited. Homeowners are also instructed to report sightings to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the EAB hotline: 866.322.4512.

IN THIS ISSUE...

FROM THE DESK: TREE PROTECTION LEGISLATION IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD...................... 4 GIVING: CASEY TREES’ 2012 ACCOMPLISHMENTS................................................................................. 5 SPOTLIGHT: OFFICE VOLUNTEER CRISTINE ROMANO............................................................................ 6 TREE TALK CONTINUES TO BRING CLASSROOM TO YOUR COMPUTER.............................................. 7 SUSTAINABLE DESIGN SERIES BRINGS NATIONAL EXPERTS TO CASEY TREES................................ 8 BEFORE & AFTER: DRAMATIC TRANSFORMATION AT MILLENIUM PARK IN CHICAGO.................... 9 CASEY TREES ANALYZES D.C.’S IMMINENT EMERALD ASH BORER OUTBREAK............................. 10 COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING PROGRAM APPLICATION NOW ONLINE............................................. 11 WINTER OFFERS SPECTACULAR VIEWS AT CASEY TREE FARM................................................... 12-13 CASEY TREES’ WINTER 2013 EVENT SCHEDULE.............................................................................. 14-15 ARBOR KIDS: BOOKS ABOUT TREES........................................................................................................ 16

theleaflet | February 2013

3

From the Desk Legislation to help trees north of the District Last month two important pieces of legislation were introduced in Montgomery County, Md. The first, Bill 41-12 – Roadside Tree Protection, reforms how the County deals with street tree removals for home construction, driveway installation, etc.

Currently, if a healthy 70-foot-tall oak tree is removed for home construction, the replacement requirement may be satisfied by planting a single cherry tree. Bill 41-12 updates this lopsided system whereby a fee is paid into the County’s Tree Replacement MARK BUSCAINO Fund based on the size of the tree removed.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The County would then use the Fund to plant street trees based on resident requests to ensure newly planted street trees are properly adopted, cared for and survive.

For private lots, Bill 35-12 – Tree Canopy Conservation, would require a fee be paid for removal of tree canopy when land disturbance is 5,000 square feet and greater. Again, fees would be used by the County to replant trees to make up for canopy lost. While neither bill is perfect, each will help build a base of protections for the County’s trees that currently do not exist.

There are two main criticisms of the bills. First, that they restrict an individual or entities’ ability to remove a tree. This is untrue. What these bills do is require the payment of a fee when a tree is removed so the County can replant to make up

4

for canopy lost. In fact, that neither bill restricts removals is a significant criticism of environmental groups — again, neither bill is perfect.

The second criticism is that the bills restrict private property rights, which again is untrue. Similar to zoning codes that prohibit construction of an apartment building in a low-density residential zone even though a greater profit could be made, the bills simply say that the County values its trees on all properties, and when they are removed, the impact extends beyond the lot to the adjacent homes, neighborhood and County as a whole. To make up for that loss, the County will replant what has been lost.

Our partner, Conservation Montgomery, is leading the effort to pass these bills. Please join us in support of their efforts by signing their online support petition.

Remember, the best time to protect our urban trees was decades ago. Short of that, the best time is now!

Regards,

Mark Buscaino Executive Director Updates to Bill 41-12 and Bill 35-12 can be accessed on the Montogomery County website.

February 2013 | theleaflet

Giving Employee matching gift programs enhance individual contributions The giving season rush of December may be over, but that has not stopped some amazing Casey Trees supporters from maximizing their impact this year. Like many people, they are taking advantage of employee matching gift programs at work, effectively doubling — and sometimes tripling — their financial contributions!

In recent years, matching gift programs have become increasingly more common as companies and organizations such as Bank of America, Home Depot and General Electric have begun to recognize the true value of their employees’ philanthropy. And while, in general, larger companies and associations tend to be more likely to offer a matching gift program, more and more smaller-sized businesses and organizations are creating programs of their own.

By offering matching gift programs, businesses are able to better spread their own charitable activities throughout the markets they serve. It also gives employees the unique opportunity to have a say in where their company’s donations go.

Unfortunately, often times these programs, which can generate millions of dollars in donations each year, often go unnoticed by employees. But this year, do not make that mistake!

If you are not sure whether your workplace has a matching gift program, just contact your human

theleaflet | February 2013

DO YOU WORK HERE? Check out a few local companies that offer employee matching gift programs. If you work here, be sure to take advantage of them and maximize your donation to Casey Trees today.

AES CORPORATION GENERAL DYNAMICS

BOEING LOCKHEED MARTIN BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON MACY’S

CAPITAL ONE RAYTHEON

FANNIE MAE VERIZON GEICO WAL-MART resources department and they will give you all the information you need to know.

Whether it is a simple sign-up form, monthly payments or even easy-to-make payroll deductions, matching gift programs are more often than not easier to participate in than you would think. And even better is that they also provide a great way for you to maximize your personal contributions and increase the impact of your gift for an organization.

This year, be sure to make the most of your generosity and take part in an employee matching gift program. It is the best and easiest way to make a greater impact in your community today.

Casey Trees offers a variety of ways to directly contribute financially to its tree planting and education programs.

5

Spotlight Volunteer Cristine Romano adds value There are many ways to help Casey Trees that don’t involve a shovel.

Volunteer Cristine Romano, who began working as an office volunteer in fall 2012, first learned about Casey Trees while working at the National Audubon Society and decided to help with Casey Trees’ initial tree inventory in 2002. She was shocked to learn about the extreme loss of tree canopy in many areas of D.C. and wanted to help reverse that trend.

“I admire Casey Trees’ clear and laser focus on restoring the urban tree canopy,” Romano said. “I did back then and I still do now.”

Originally from the plains of Nebraska, Romano did not grow up surrounded by many trees, so after moving to D.C., she witnessed the brilliance of an urban forest and the issues it faces. Her recent volunteer post at Casey Trees is somewhat unconventional for a tree-planting nonprofit, but her assistance is crucial to advancing Casey Trees’ mission.

“There are so many talented people working here in a real variety of disciplines,” Romano said. “I love seeing the collaborative work that goes on behind the scenes. Working at a desk is nice because it genuinely supports the important field work that is more visible to the public.”

Romano loves a conversation outside the Casey Trees office and trees come up quite often, especially after major storms or power outages.

6

“I’m a real evangelical when it comes to Casey Trees,” she said. “I talk to my neighbors all the time about taking advantage of the tree-planting programs and about the importance of tree health and the value of protecting our healthy, mature trees in urban spaces.”

One of the things she enjoys talking about most is her involvement with Casey Trees, from the 2002 tree inventory to the administrative work she does today.

“This is a great group of people and there are few volunteer opportunities as gratifying as planting a tree.”

Learn about the many ways you can get involved with Casey Trees as a volunteer.

February 2013 | theleaflet

Education Casey Trees expands online chat series Casey Trees’ popular monthly online chats will now occur twice a month, giving D.C.’s tree lovers more opportunities to interact with tree experts and learn interesting tree tips.

The series also received a slight name change and is now called Tree Talk.

The online interactive series launched in 2011 allows users to talk with with industry experts and arbor enthusiasts from the convenience of their personal computer. In addition to submitting questions to be answered by guest contributors, users can discuss issues related to preserving the District’s tree canopy.

Questions can be submitted before and during each chat session. Topic proposals and question submissions should be emailed.

Mar. 14 – A Blossoming City Discuss the many species that blossom in early spring — dogwood, serviceberry, redbud and cherry — and where to witness their beauty.

Mar. 28 – Repurposing Urban Wood Regional crafters and artists are using reclaimed wood as a main component in their works. Join to discuss interesting ways you can repurpose felled trees.

The upcoming schedule is: Feb. 14 – For the Birds Tree-friendly ways to attract birds throughout the year.

Feb. 28 – Sustainable Designs Sustainable design techniques used locally and nationally to promote larger, healthier tree spaces in urban areas.

theleaflet | February 2013

Advance registration is not required, but those who sign up can schedule reminders to upcoming sessions.

Past sessions are replayable in the Tree Talk archive.

Additional information about online and classroom educational opportunities can be accessed on the website or found on pages 14 and 15.

7

Education Four-part series offers practitioners a look at urban treescape design

By Stephanie Juchs, Community Education Coordinator, Casey Trees | October 2012’s Tree Canopy Symposium offered an opportunity for those in the D.C. metropolitan area to take stock of our past and present tree canopy to assess where we’ve been and how, as a region, we can move forward to increase the urban tree canopy.

The Principles of Sustainable Design Series was intended as the next logical step after our Tree Canopy Symposium as a way to educate ourselves and others on techniques to increase and augment our tree canopy in the harsh urban environment. To achieve a healthy and growing urban canopy, we must figure out ways to balance the infrastructure and biological needs of the urban environment.

The series developed as a way for experts in the field of sustainable design from around the country to share their talents with practitioners in the D.C. area. Instructors for the series will share specific design features and projects that demonstrate how to include considerations for urban trees.

The classes present an opportunity for urban planning and design and landscape architecture professionals to identify design strategies and tools and hear insightful case studies and best practices.

The four-part series kicked off on Jan. 30 with Jason Grabosky, professor in the urban forestry program at Rutgers University, who helped develop Cornell University-Structural Soils. Grabosky discussed finding space for tree roots in cities.

8

On Feb. 6, Danielle Pieranunzi, LEED AP BD+C, Affiliate ASLA, Director of the Sustainable Sites Initiative™, will provide an overview of the SITES program as well as lessons learned from the twoyear pilot program.

Jim Urban, FASLA, author of “Up By Roots: Healthy Soils and Trees in the Built Environment,” will discuss various approaches — mainly Silva Cells — to enhancing the urban forest by designing better tree spaces on Feb. 13.

The final class in the series includes a panel discussion on landscape performance that will include perspectives from landscape architect experts. Barbara Deutsch, FASLA, Executive Director of the Landscape Architecture Foundation, will be presenting the innovative Landscape Performance Series. Alit Balk, ASLA, Senior Designer at ParkerRodriguez, Inc. will present on Constitution Square, a project which is a full city block at 1st, M and N Streets NE in the heart of NoMa in Washington, D.C. The final panelist will be Terry Guen, whose work on Chicago’s Millennium Park is highlighted on the next page.

Individuals interested in how to address the challenges of having a healthy and growing tree canopy within our challenging urban infrastructure are encouraged to attend.

Casey Trees continues to offer quality classes for professionals and tree enthusiasts alike. Check out pages 14 and 15 for classes in February and March.

February 2013 | theleaflet

Planning & Design Before & After: Chicago’s Millenium Park From 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Feb. 20, Casey Trees will host a panel of landscape architecture experts in the final session of this winter’s Principles of Sustainable Design Series.

Joining the panel is Terry Guen, FASLA, principal at Terry Guen Design Associates, Inc. (TGDA). Guen and the firm helped transform Chicago’s downtown with Millennium Park. TGDA was responsible for landscape design, construction documentation and construction review of all planting areas for the 24.5-acre park. Plantings included more than 400 canopy and ornamental trees, thousands of shrubs and perennials installed in a four-foot soil profile, a reinforced sand-based concert lawn and eight-inch extensive green roof.

2001

Photo courtesy of Terry Guen Design Associates, Inc.

1998

Photo courtesy of Chicago Park District.

Cost for the panel discussion is $20 and advanced registration is required. ISA and LACES Continuing Education Credits are available.

Casey Trees continues to look to national and international projects to glean from them best practices and strategies for incorporating a sustainable tree canopy in large urban parklands.

First Fridays will begin again on Mar. 1, with special guest Chris Shaheen from D.C.’s Office of Planning. Shaheen will discuss the history of public space in the District.

2004

Photo courtesy of Edward K. Uhlir. theleaflet | February 2013

9

Technology & Research Invasive beetle encroaches on District’s ash tree population

By Dr. Jessica Sanders, Director of Technical Services and Research, Casey Trees | With the discovery of emerald ash borer (EAB) at Kenilworth Park, D.C.’s tree canopy stakeholders need to seriously examine what this invasive pest could do to the city’s trees.

Even though the ash tree makes up roughly two percent of D.C’s urban forest, according to our 2006 i-Tree Eco survey, EAB could potentially cost the District up to $87 million. This price would account for replacement costs and lost ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, stormwater mitigation and temperature reduction. The most problematic aspect of EAB is that the majority of ash trees actually occur on private property, which means landowners have much at stake.

WHAT IS EAB? Top photo [courtesy of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation]: EAB larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees. Once they reach adulthood, they tunnel out of the tree and begin feeding on its leaves (bottom photo) [courtesy of Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension].

EAB is an exotic beetle native to Asia that attacks all species of North American ash trees. EAB was first spotted in southeast Michigan in 2002 and is responsible for destroying much of Detroit’s urban tree canopy. The culprit for the plight of ash trees are the larvae that feed on a tree’s inner bark. This causes disruption to the transportation of water and nutrients through the

10

tree. After becoming infested with EAB, a tree will thin and, if heavily infested, exhibit canopy die-back, causing up to one third to one half of the branches to die in a year. By year two, most of the tree canopy will be infected, subsequently leading to the death of the tree.

CURRENT EAB PROGRAMS The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) quarantined the District in mid-2011. Firewood from quarantine areas is not allowed to be transported across borders. Under the current programs in the District, the Urban Forestry Administration (UFA) has a pest monitoring program to manage EAB in street trees. Since most ash trees are on private property, UFA has offered help via their website and D.C.’s cooperative extension agent Sandy Farber Bandier at 202.274.7166.

HOW COULD OTHER PESTS DAMAGE D.C.’S TREE CANOPY? Although EAB could damage up to two percent of the urban canopy, this threat is minor compared to the potential of the Asian long-horned beetle (ALB), which attacks a variety of tree species, including maples, willows, elms and species the genus Populus.

In next month’s issue, Dr. Sanders will discuss how area residents can prepare for Asian long-horned beetle infestation.

February 2013 | theleaflet

Tree Planting Community Tree Planting program debuts new online application

By Sara Turner, Urban Forestry Manager, Casey Trees | Casey Trees recently debuted its new online application — along with a few new requirements — for the Community Tree Planting (CTP) program.

The paperless application makes it easier for community associations, recreation centers, garden groups, places of worship and other neighborhood entities to apply for trees through the CTP program. By streamlining the procress online, Casey Trees staff can better attend to the needs of each group.

All applications are due May 1. Groups may request a fall or spring planting event.

Expansion was another reason to update the application. Casey Trees now accepts applications from groups and schools in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland, and in Arlington County and Alexandria in Virginia.

theleaflet | February 2013

Another change was differentiating the CTP program from school planting projects. Two separate applications were created because the school planting program has unique requirements. For example, because of space limitations and maintenance , school projects only require room for five or more trees.

All projects must now also incorporate 60 percent or more shade trees, although orchard projects may be exempted from this requirement. The new rule ensures that financial resources are spent to add large canopy trees, which provide numerous environmental, social and economic benefits and live longer than smaller species.

The Tree Planting department is excited for this new resource and hopes it continues to connect the organization to exciting projects from new and old friends.

The spring 2013 Community Tree Planting season is set, but if your neighborhood, religious center, school or community garden has space, consider applying by May 1 for the fall 2013 season.

11

Casey Tree Farm At the Farm: Winter treescapes

By Brian Mayell, General Manager, Casey Tree Farm | Winter — on Casey Tree Farm or in D.C. — has its moods and its characteristic landscapes, like each season. Winter’s first month, December, brings reflection — the fallen leaves and bare trees remind us that a season of growth has finished —and then cheer, as we celebrate holidays together. January, especially late January in a cold snap, is no holiday. The days are short, the nights long and icy. The season’s mood darkens. I remember Wallace Stevens’ poem, “No Possum, No Sop, No Taters”:

Later: The leaves hop, scraping on the ground.

It is deep January. The sky is hard.

The stalks are firmly rooted in ice.

He is not here, the old sun, As absent as if we were asleep.

The field is frozen. The leaves are dry.

Bad is final in this light.

And finally: It is here, in this bad, that we reach The last purity of the knowledge of good.

The crow looks rusty as he rises up.

Bright is the malice in his eye...

Forest brush on Casey Tree Farm.

12

One joins him there for company, But at a distance, in another tree.

February 2013 | theleaflet

The last line always breaks the mood for me. I’m sure Stevens was aware of its darkly comical effect. You endure, and you shrug off endurance.

Endurance is not that bad. You can always go to Florida, like Stevens did in the winter.

Follow more about what happens at Casey Tree Farm in The Leaflet and on Casey Trees’ blog, Tree Speak.

Clockwise from top left: (a) Rocky Bluff along the Shenandoah River is the perfect backdrop for green conifers and the variety of textures and colors of hardwood bark; (b) A buck walks in a part of the Farm known as Land’s End. The photo was taken with a game camera; (c) Herons build large nests that are easily visible once leaves fall. This grouping is high in the canopy of an American sycamore.

theleaflet | February 2013

13

Events Sustainable Design Series headlines February and March event schedule This winter features a variety of continuing education courses and social events, most of which require advanced registration; space is limited and waitlists are available.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Class: Principles of Sustainable Design Series

Branch Out: Citizen Forester Happy Hour

Tree Talk Online Chat: For the Birds

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Casey Trees Headquarters 3030 12th Street NE

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Cause - The Philanthropub 1926 9th Street NW

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Online

In the second class in the four-part series, Danielle Pieranunzi, Director of the Sustainable Sites Initiative™, will provide an overview of the SITES program and lessons learned from the two-year pilot program.

Join Casey Trees friends, supporters and other eco-conscious individuals at the monthly Branch Out happy hour event. Among the specials: $5 draft beers, $5 select wines and selection of $5 food items. Bring friends!

Cost: $20; FULL

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9

Cost: Free

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Class: Stand Up for Trees

Class: Principles of Sustainable Design Series

9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Casey Trees Headquarters 3030 12th Street NE

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Casey Trees Headquarters 3030 12th Street NE

Take action and advocate for trees in your community. Learn about issues affecting urban trees and the tools available through the District’s municipal services to increase the urban tree canopy. Non-D.C. residents can apply lessons learned to their own communities.

Jim Urban will discuss various approaches to designing better tree spaces focusing specifically on Silva Cells and their implications and uses in practice and design. This is the third class of the four-part Sustainable Design Series.

Cost: Free This is a Citizen Forester-qualifying course.

Cost: $20; FULL

Ready your trees for hosting birds.

Guest experts James Robey of the Audubon Naturalist Society and Casey Trees’ Michael Ferguson will discuss tree-friendly ways to house and feed birds through the winter and spring.

Cost: Free

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Class: Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Washington Youth Garden 3501 New York Avenue NE

Discover how properly pruning can increase your fruit trees’ health and harvest.

Cost: Free; FULL

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Class: Principles of Sustainable Design Series 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Casey Trees Headquarters 3030 12th Street NE

In the last class of the Sustainable Design Series, a panel of experts will share specific features and projects they have been involved with that include considerations for maintaining a healthy urban forest.

Cost: $20; 10 SPOTS LEFT

14

February 2013 | theleaflet

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28

SUNDAY, MARCH 10

Tree Talk Online Chat: Sustainable Design

Tree Tour: Carderock with Melanie Choukas-Bradley

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Online

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Carderock Recreation Area Chesapeake & Ohio National HIstoric Park, Potomac, Md.

Panelists Claire Bedat, RLA, ASLA, LEED AP ND of RTKL Associates Inc. and J. Chris Earley, LEED AP+ of Greening Urban, LLC will discuss sustainable design techniques being used in the District and elsewhere that promote larger, healthier tree spaces in urban areas.

Cost: Free

SATURDAY, MARCH 2 Class: Tree Planting Workshop 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Catholic University of America 620 Michigan Avenue NE

Learn how to select and prepare a tree planting site and properly plant the tree to ensure its survival.

Attendees will get to test their new skills as we plant 30 trees on Catholic University’s campus.

Cost: Free This is a Citizen Forester-qualifying course. Participants are asked to volunteer their time at two or more tree planting events this spring to be classified as a Citizen Planter and eventually become team leaders at future plantings.

Join “City of Trees” author Melanie ChoukasBradley for a tree walk at Carderock, one of the most botanically diverse areas near Washington, D.C. Cost: Free; 10 SPOTS LEFT

TUESDAY, MARCH 12

SUNDAY, MARCH 23 & SUNDAY, MARCH 30 Tree Tour: Cherry Blossom Tree Walk with Casey Trees 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location determined upon registration

Join Washington Walks and Casey Trees for a walking tour recounting the history of D.C.’s cherry trees and other notable along the National Mall.

Cost: $20 In partnership with Washington Walks. Register for this event on the Washington Walks website.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28 Tree Talk Online Chat: Repurposing Urban Wood

Branch Out: Citizen Forester Happy Hour

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Online

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Location TBD

As beautiful as a healthy living tree is, sometimes wonderful things can come out of the limbs that have fallen – join us as we talk about the full spectrum of wood repurposing, including harvesting, woodworking, artistry, and more.

Casey Trees’ monthly happy hour.

Cost: Free

THURSDAY, MARCH 14 Tree Talk Online Chat: A Blossoming City

Cost: Free

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Online

Discuss the many species that blossom in early spring — dogwood, serviceberry, redbud and cherry — and where to witness their beauty.

Cost: Free

theleaflet | February 2013

15

Arbor Kids Winter Reads Too cold to play outside? Curl up with some good tree books this February. Here are some suggestions:

16

February 2013 | theleaflet