The Leaflet — January 2014

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Aiming High 2013? A success. But how can we make 2014 the year for trees?

JANUARY 2014

CASEY TREES NEWS IN BRIEF

Casey Trees caps off another great year of tree planting Behind all the work at Casey Trees, the final measure of success can always be seen through the trees standing proud across the Washington, D.C. metro area.

Casey Trees’ planting efforts through the Community Tree Planting (CTP) and RiverSmart Homes programs resulted in the planting of 2,232 trees, while individual District residents received cash back for 217 trees through the Tree Rebate program. Roughly 100 different species were planted in 2013, the most popular among them were American elm, black gum, eastern redbud, yoshino cherry and American holly.

Additionally, Casey Trees debuted a new tree planting app during the fall CTP season. Using iPads, Casey Trees staff can better monitor and track the trees that are planted to ensure quality, good health and proper maintenance.

CASEY TREES NEWS CASEY TREES WELCOMES NEW ARBORIST | With the coming of a new year, a changing of the guard follows suit. After nearly four years, beloved Arborist Sara Turner will be departing Casey Trees for the Bay Area in California. In turn, the Tree Planting Department is excited to announce the arrival of new Arborist Becky Schwartz, who comes to Casey Trees after receiving a Master’s degree in Natural Resources Management from the University of Michigan and working with a variety of urban forestry organizations in Philadelphia.

TIME REMAINS TO SUBMIT PUBLIC COMMENT ON ZONING REGULATIONS | The District Zoning Commission has announced that it will be holding additional public meetings to hear testimony on the proposed Green Area Ratio (GAR) regulations that set standards for landscape and site design as part of a new revision of the current D.C. zoning regulations. Casey Trees believes the GAR needs to be refined to incentivize the planting of

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large canopy trees and eliminate loopholes that would interfere with sustainable development. The Planning and Design Department has already made some traction with current requests to revise a portion of the GAR, but until regulations are actually re-worded, it is still critical to continue providing feedback. In February, a series of community-based public hearings will take place for all Wards in D.C. Register here for additional information on providing public comments and making an impact with advocacy actions.

TREEWISE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM REGISTRATION OPENS JAN. 15 | The start of the new year marks the opportunity for summer youth programs to make sure TreeWise is part of their curriculum. TreeWise is Casey Trees’ nature- and place-based summer education program developed to get youth ages 6 to 10 outdoors to interact with and appreciate trees. Registration for interested participant programs will open on Jan. 15. This summer’s sessions will commence with on-site visits to participating youth programs from June 23 through July 16. The

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remaining sessions will take place at the U.S. National Arboretum from July 21 to Aug. 8. For any additional information on TreeWise or other youth programming, please contact Priscilla Plumb via email or at 202.349.1896.

AUTHOR’S DISCUSSION EXPLORED BEAUTY OF TREES | On Nov. 23 at the U.S. National Arboretum, renowned nature author Nancy Ross Hugo spoke to than 70 attendees about the work going into her new book Seeing Trees: Discover the Extraordinary Secrets of Everyday Trees.

Barbara Shea, a member of the Casey Trees Board of Directors, introduced the event and recognized the partnership between Casey Trees and the U.S. National Arboretum that helps such events come to fruition. Inspiration and tree appreciation rang true as participants took time after the presentation to navigate the Arboretum’s grounds and discover some tree details for themselves.

URBAN FORESTRY NEWS FORESTERS HOPE COLD FRONT WILL HELP KILL EAB LARVAE | As a bitter cold front takes hold of the central and eastern U.S., a potential positive effect has come to light. Forestry research indicates it might be the perfect cold front to wipe out a high percentage of emerald ash borer (EAB) larvae in the Midwest. Lee Frelich of the Center for Forest Ecology in Minnesota expects that subzero temperatures will increase EAB mortality to as much as 79 percent if temperatures go below -20°F. Despite bark providing trees with 2° to 7°F degrees of insulation from the winter weather, the cold front could pummel the devastating invasive insect and give Minnesota’s 900+ million ash trees a leg-up come springtime.

IN THIS ISSUE...

SPOTLIGHT: THE WHEELERS MAKE THE MOST OUT OF THEIR CASEY TREES EXPERIENCE........... 4 ADVOCACY PROGRAM RAISES CONCERNS OVER NEW TREE LEGISLATION....................................... 5 FALL COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SEASON ADDS 395 TREES IN D.C. METRO AREA..................... 6 CASEY TREES AND PARTNERS PLANT NEARLY 200 TREES IN DECEMBER........................................ 7 UPCOMING EVENTS HIGHLIGHT BIODIVERSITY AND HEALTH IN THE URBAN FOREST................. 8-9 JANUARY AND FEBRUARY EVENTS.......................................................................................................... 10 ARBOR KIDS: WINTER BIRDING............................................................................................................... 11 PHOTO CREDITS

Cover photo — Flickr credit: FritzFlohrReynolds

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Spotlight Two longtime D.C. residents learn and grow with Casey Trees

By Max Lopatnikov, Communications Intern, Casey Trees | After retiring from many productive years in their respective careers, John and Valerie Wheeler have continually found ways to stay engaged with their community, spend time outdoors and gain new skills and knowledge.

Lucky for us, one of the ways they accomplish those goals is by being involved with Casey Trees.

“I volunteer for lots of organizations,” John said. “I tell everyone that if I had to choose one organization to volunteer for, it would be Casey Trees.”

John first heard of Casey Trees after The Washington Post covered the conclusion of Casey Trees’ D.C. street tree inventory and immediately began learning more about the city’s urban forestry by completing his Citizen Forester (CF) training. John would soon encourage his wife Valerie to join and they began to dig into Casey Trees activities together, over time participating in plantings together as CFs. Prior to Casey Trees, John and Valerie spent time with the Dupont Circle Citizens Association, where they learned inventory and pruning skills while discovering a passion for trees and their well-being. The couple

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expanded their knowledge of urban forestry by attending Casey Trees classes and eventually became more involved.

“After taking the training course, I was hooked,” Valerie said. “Until that class, I had limited tree knowledge.

Casey Trees’ hands-on tree planting opportunities gave me a chance to realize I wanted to do more.”

Since then, John and Valerie have taken advantage of all Casey Trees has to offer — tree plantings and pruning workshops to tree tours and social events.

A highlight of the John and Valerie’s experience together occurred when they were both Project Organizers for a fruit tree planting in April 2012 at the community garden where they have plots. It was one of the first times that the couple worked together for Casey Trees in that capacity, and they learned just how much work can go into a tree planting.

“John and I have worked together and separately, benefitting from one another’s experiences,” Valerie said.

“It’s fun learning and providing support to expand Casey Trees’ ability to succeed.”

As Citizen Foresters, Project Organizers, Casey Trees Members, and committed citizens, the Wheelers play an essential part in the future success of Casey Trees and our city.

Become a Citizen Forester by participating in upcoming qualifying courses in January and February. See page 10 for more information.

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Advocacy New urban forest legislation raises questions about tree protection

By Maisie Hughes, Director of Planning and Design, Casey Trees | In 2003, faced with a dramatically declining tree canopy and increased development pressure, the D.C. Council passed the Urban Forest Preservation Act of 2002 (UFPA).

The goal was to protect against the loss of large trees and ensure tree canopy is restored over time. The UFPA required a permit from the District to remove trees 55 inches in circumference or larger, which are considered Special Trees. The UFPA also established a Tree Fund to defray the cost associated with the implementation of the UFPA and pay for replacement trees.

More than a decade later, we have become intimately aware of the limitations of the original UFPA. In 2011, we encouraged the District to make modifications to the law and the Council responded by drafting the Urban Forestry Administration Reorganization Act of 2011 (UFARA). Unfortunately, the UFARA did not make it to the Council for a full vote.

On Nov. 6, 2013, Chairman Phil Mendelson, at the request of the Mayor, introduced the Sustainable DC Omnibus Act of 2013. The Act includes “Title IV, Subtitle C: Growing the Urban Tree Canopy through Enhanced Tree Management,” and would modify the UFPA by changing a few simple words.

On the surface, amending legislation by striking a phrase and inserting “or maintain” and “or,” may appear to be minor changes. But a closer look will reveal that the intent is twofold. By changing the act to include a fee-only system, the District intends to reduce its administrative burdens and increase the UFPA’s

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effectiveness. It also intends to allow the use of Tree Fund dollars for “tree maintenance.”

We strongly support the first aim. By requiring a fee payment into the Tree Fund to mitigate Special Tree removals, the District would be better able to administer the UFPA. As the law stands now, a property owner or developer may remove a Special Tree with a permit. The District then requires the permittee to either pay the associated fee into the Tree Fund, plant the specified amount of replacement trees, or a combination of the two. Allowing property owners to replant on their own adds additional burdens to the District. The City becomes responsible for tracking and inspecting the planting of replacement trees and for ensuring that they are planted correctly and of good quality.

The second aim — to allow the use of Tree Fund dollars for “tree maintenance” — could lead to abuse of the Tree Fund dollars in the future. Given the current Administration’s robust engagement in tree planting, it is doubtful that it would use the Tree Fund for pruning.

However, the new language in the Act would allow future administrations the discretion to use the funds for maintenance only and relieve them of the obligation to plant replacement trees.

We recommend that the Council eliminate the second provision and include a two year guarantee for tree survival. As second option for the Council is to retain the second provision, but specify that no more than 10 percent of Tree Fund dollars be used for the mulching and watering of trees.

To learn how to advocate on behalf of trees, take our Stand Up for Trees class on Jan. 25, learn more online or check out our advocacy actions and events here.

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Tree Planting Fall Community Tree Planting season adds nearly 400 trees to metro area

By Max Lopatnikov, Communications Intern, Casey Trees | Almost 1,000 Casey Trees volunteers,

neighborhood stewards.

young and old, donated more than 1,800 hours of hard work and planted 395 trees this fall at 22 sites across the Washington, D.C. area.

Casey Trees and volunteers honored veterans of the Korean War by planting shade and ornamental trees around the Armed Forces Retirement home. The planting was both memorable for the volunteers and residents alike. The Central Union Mission’s new offices also received 10 trees to help beautify the landscape of the human services organization’s new offices at the historic Gale School.

Every Community Tree Planting (CTP) season is unique with new faces, new locations and new stories. While the fall 2013 season featured its share of mainstays — planting on the grounds of local schools and in neighborhoods that have received trees through the program in past seasons — there were plenty of new sights and stories.

One of the most notable aspects of the fall CTP season was a renewed focus on building relationships and digging deeper into community ties after the trees in the ground are settled. Neighborhood plantings at Benning Terrace and Brookland Manor represented the beautification of underserved communities and growing support for existing green projects, such as community gardens, while encouraging youth to become

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With the help of Rock Creek Conservancy, Casey Trees contributed to a significant habitat restoration project in Rock Creek Park. More than a dozen trees were planted to create a habitat for neotropical migratory birds.

The CoStar Group was a contributing sponsor for the fall 2013 season.

Visit us online to apply for the fall 2014 and spring 2015 Community Tree Planting and school planting seasons.

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December marks end of CTP season, but beginning of other projects

By Jim Woodworth, Director of Tree Planting, Casey Trees | December was full of collaboration and accomplishment for our Tree Planting department. The crew has been hard at work planting trees through a set of different projects up until the bitter end of 2013.

PEPCO A foremost year-end project for Casey Trees has been the collaborative work with Pepco to complete two out of three planned street tree plantings to fulfill mitigation requirements as specified by the Urban Forestry Administration (UFA). The efforts have resulted in the planting of more than 30 shortstature or understory trees in underwire locations throughout Northeast and Southeast D.C. Locations and species were coordinated between Pepco foresters and UFA arborists with the moniker “Right Tree, Right Place” being designated for the design approach.

SHADES OF GREEN

TREES FOR GEORGETOWN For the fifth year, Casey Trees planted 26 street trees in Georgetown. The locations of the new trees are coordinated between our partners, UFA and Trees for Georgetown. We will plant a second round of trees in the spring, bringing the total to more than 70 trees. Additionally, Trees for Georgetown will install custom wrought-iron tree fences to protect the tree box and prevent soil compaction.

RIVERSMART HOMES

The planting crew added more than 30 understory trees in two days in December.

Additionally, 75 trees were planted in three days across various sites in Montgomery County. The pilot effort, a collaboration with the county’s Planning Department and Department of Parks, featured locations that were solicited and reviewed by planning officials. There was a particular emphasis on commercial and residential property along

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the Georgia Avenue corridor, a priority area because of its relatively low tree canopy coverage.

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December was the final push for the RiverSmart Homes program, as 70 trees were planted at homes across the District, bringing the total for the fall season to 350.

Site visits are currently being booked for spring 2014 and our arborists hope to have 350 additional trees committed for the upcoming season.

These projects have helped Casey Trees cement a strong finish to 2013 and provided a foundation for new partnerships and the continued development of new tree planting efforts in seasons to come.

Follow Casey Trees to read more about the great partnerships that are helping increase the canopy of Washington, D.C.

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Education With local partners, Casey Trees looks to expand knowledge of urban forest

By Stephanie Juchs, Community Education Coordinator, Casey Trees | In the face of all of the challenges of an urban environment, diversity becomes an important factor in the health of our urban forests.

Diverse forests are known to be more resilient to climate change, pests and diseases, and a host of other issues.

Recognizing the benefits of a diverse and healthy urban canopy, Casey Trees is partnering with several local institutions to provide two educational programs where experts will impart their wisdom and discuss the latest research and practical knowledge for maintaining biodiversity and canopy health in urban areas.

BIODIVERSITY SYMPOSIUM Held in partnership with the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and Pogo Tree Experts, Casey Trees is hosting a Biodiversity Symposium on Feb. 13. Speakers will stress the importance of a diverse urban canopy at multiples scales, from the genetic to community level.

The panel includes:

• Dr. Mike Raupp, Professor of Entomology and Extension Specialist at The University of Maryland, who will discuss the role of pollinators in maintaining biodiversity in urban forests and how insects act as agents of biological control.

A high concentration of a single species, such as American elms (pictured here on the National Mall), presents a higher risk of succumbing to widespread canopy loss from pests and diseases.

in Chicago and examining the potential effects of climate change on common species in the city.

• Coming from the Chicago Botanic Garden, Dr. Andrew Bell will present recent studies investigating the genetic diversity of street trees

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• Dr. Richard Olsen, Research Geneticist for the U.S. National Arboretum, will discuss how the

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Arboretum’s urban tree breeding program develops disease-, pest- and stress-resistant cultivars for the nursery industry and urban forest.

• Dr. Doug Tallamy, Professor and Chair of the Entomology and Wildlife Ecology department at University of Delaware, will give a keynote presentation on how fragmented habitats are detrimental to biodiversity and offer ways to reconnect these viable habitats and support diverse urban communities.

DIVERSITY AND FRUIT TREES Washington, D.C.’s urban forest diversity has increasingly included more fruit trees, which can often be the right tree for the right place and meet various ecological and community needs.

Schoolyards, community gardens and even individual homeowners, often through the Tree Rebate program, have become increasingly interested in the benefits that fruit trees provide. However, fruit trees require specialized care and maintenance to keep them healthy and productive.

We at Casey Trees have recognized this increased interest in fruit trees and urban agriculture, and are hosting more classes and workshops for attendees to learn all the nuisances of keeping their fruit trees, well, fruitful.

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On Feb. 23, we are partnering with the Arboretum to host renowned orchardist Michael Phillips, who will discuss fruit tree basics, including proper pruning and the management of fungal diseases and insects.

Phillips, author of The Apple Grower and The Holistic Orchard, will teach participants how to successfully integrate fruit trees into their landscapes and boost ecosystem health by growing fruit trees correctly. This all-day workshop includes a field portion where Phillips will discuss and demonstrate some of the techniques for successfully managing fruit trees on several species in the Washington Youth Garden on the U.S. National Arboretum grounds.

Renowned orchardist Michael Phillips will cover fruit tree maintenance strategies to promote good health and fruit production.

Consider joining us for these special events and learn the various ways that you can help in maintaining our urban forest’s diversity and health!

The Fruit Tree Workshop with Michael Phillips is $40, however some scholarships are available. Please contact Stephanie Juchs by email or at 202.828.4132 to find out if you are eligible.

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Events Casey Trees has great slate of classes, workshops and panels for winter 2014 January and February are highlighted by our first-ever Biodiversity Symposium, which is shaping up to be a great day for learning! Additionally, become a Citizen Forester by attending one — or all — of our qualifying courses that will help you better understand the Washington metro area’s urban forest.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 Class: Pruning Workshop 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

American Elm Nursery 50 Marina Drive Alexandria, Va. Learn the fundamentals of pruning young trees to encourage healthy structural development at the National Park Service’s American Elm Nursery. Following classroom instruction, participants will use tools to prune American elms at various stages of development in the nursery.

Cost: Free, CLASS IS FULL

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 Class: Stand Up for Trees 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Casey Trees Headquarters 3030 12th Street NE Learn how to advocate for trees in your community and turn your knowledge into action by becoming a Tree Advocate.

Cost: Free, 3 SPOTS REMAIN **This is a Citizen Forester-qualifying course.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Class: Trees 101 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Casey Trees Headquarters 3030 12th Street NE

Biodiversity Symposium 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Smithsonian National Zoological Park 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW

Join us for this introductory course covering tree anatomy, tree identification and an overview of the benefits of D.C.’s urban forest.

In partnership with the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and Pogo Tree Experts, Casey Trees is hosting a Biodiversity Symposium that will highlight biodiversity and our urban forests while stressing the importance of a diverse tree canopy in the face of many challenges.

Practitioners in urban forestry, landscape architecture and other related fields will benefit from this more advanced discussion.

Cost: Free, CLASS IS FULL **This is a Citizen Forester-qualifying course.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Class: Trees 201 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Casey Trees Headquarters 3030 12th Street NE In this follow-up our Trees 101 class participants will learn more advanced tree identification skills and the process for identifying the right tree for the right place.

Cost: Free, CLASS IS FULL **This is a Citizen Forester-qualifying course.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Social: Branch Out Happy Hour 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Stoney’s 1433 P Street NW Join us at Stoney’s in Logan Circle for our monthly social happy hour for friends and volunteers! Free and open to all.

Cost: Free

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Cost: Free **ISA and SAF Continuing Education Credits offered.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Class: Fruit Tree Workshop 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Smithsonian National Zoological Park 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW Join fruit tree expert Michael Phillips, author of The Apple Grower and The Holistic Orchard, as he leads a workshop on how to grow healthy and thriving fruit trees. The session will include information on fruit tree basics such as pruning, fungal disease management and insect challenges. Come learn how to build system health in your orchard or fruit trees!

Cost: $40 **ISA Continuing Education Credits offered.

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Arbor Kids Winter birds and trees While your trees may look bare in winter, it can be a great time to do some bird watching especially if you have native trees with winter fruit on them. Here are some birds in our area that especially enjoy winter fruiting trees. Check out The National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for more information and bird resources!

RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER Red-bellied woodpeckers live in our area year round. In the winter you may see them feeding on the winter berries of hawthorn or mountain-ash trees, where they can be found most often along the main branches and trunk of the trees.

EASTERN BLUEBIRD NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD Northern mockingbirds especially enjoy winter fruiting trees and bushes, such as mulberries, hawthorns and blackberry brambles. Listen for its unique song, which usually mimics numerous other bird calls at once, to help you locate one.

BLUE JAY Blue jays are particularly fond of acorns and are credited with helping to increase oak trees range after the last glacial period. Blue jays search for acorns throughout the winter so keep an eye out for one.

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Eastern Bluebirds prefer more open spaces and in winter will perch on fruiting trees in open spaces to eat the berries.

CEDAR WAXWING You can find cedar waxwings in winter on native trees and shrubs such as dogwood, serviceberry, cedar trees, juniper, hawthorn and winterberry. They thrive in a variety of settings including in the woods, orchards and suburban gardens and on farms.

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