The Leaflet — July 2014

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JULY 2014

Warmth & Care Discover what we’re protecting this summer theleaflet

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CASEY TREES NEWS IN BRIEF

After competitive tryouts, area students selected for latest High School Summer Crew the high school students hope to water around 6,000 trees in just six weeks.

The crew will rotate between joining Casey Trees staff in trucks carrying 500-gallon water bladders and 300-gallon pump tanks, transporting water to Casey Trees planting sites and filing up watering bags along the way and the Water By-Cycle fleet, who reach trees using street bikes.

On June 27, 10 Washington, D.C.-area high school students — three veterans and seven newcomers — were chosen to partake in the annual High School Summer Crew jobs program. After passing an interview round, the students completed field tryouts on their way to becoming the chosen few to water, weed, mulch and track the condition of Casey Trees-planted trees across the District.

Since 2002, Summer Crew members have served as caretakers for the District’s newly planted trees. In 2014,

Water By-Cycle, the nation’s first bicycled-powered tree watering program, focuses on neighborhoods with limited street parking. The bikes are attached to custom-built trailers carrying hoses that connect to city hydrants, with the permission of DC Water.

2014 HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER CREW A’lshah Bakayoko, Rockville Ian Goudy, D.C. Taijuan Carter, D.C. Donté Branch, D.C. Brandi Clarke, D.C. Summer Crew Alumni Robert Page, Bethesda Briana Bogan, D.C. Marquel Lewis, D.C. Anthony Minnah, Montgomery Village, MD Ameenah Johnson, D.C.

CASEY TREES NEWS NEW FACES APPEAR AT CASEY TREES | As Casey Trees continues to grow, we are proud to announce to the addition of two new members to our exceptional staff.

Suraj Sazawal is the new Advocacy Associate who will support the Planning and Design Department in taking the Tree Advocate program to new heights in addition to having a hand in the many aspects of our advocacy efforts. Suraj holds a Masters of Public Policy from George Mason University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia. He comes to Casey Trees from a research and communications role with the Charity and Security Network.

Joining the administrative team, DaKisha Johnson is Casey Trees’ new Office Assistant and Bookkeeper.

Holding an Associate of Science in Business

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Administration from Johnson & Wales University and currently pursuring her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Maryland, DaKisha comes to Casey Trees with over 7 years of experience as a government contractor for Department of Defense military personnel.

NEW TREE PESTS AND DISEASE RESOURCE LAUNCHES | The Tree Pests and Diseases guide joins our Tree Species page as another new resource to help you protect your trees. The page works like a field guide, outlining some of the main local and regional threats to trees. Each tree pest or disease entry has photos, identification details, history and desired planting condition. Learn more about key threats to our region including Dutch Elm Disease and Emerald Ash Borer.

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URBAN FORESTRY NEWS NOMA GREEN SPACE COULD RESEMBLE TREE FILLED AVENUE | One of the most prominent places for development and revitalization in Washington, D.C. has been in “NoMa,” just around the corner from the H Street NE corridor. Amidst new housing, grocery stores and bike lanes comes a new proposal that would offer something more than commercial real estate space.

The tentative plan would create a green space resembling a path lasting several blocks and would be a walkable corridor and a connecting point for the neighborhood. The meander path is just one of several proposals for the creation of green space being considered by the NoMA Business Improvement District and faces many challenges over property ownership and long term development.

plan to plant up to two billion trees along the country’s 62,000 miles of highways. Planting trees along such vast stretches of land could employ up to 300,000 young people, especially within the 15 to 25 age bracket. These planting ambitions come in the middle of grander efforts for India to clean up its polluted waterways and improve upon ongoing development.

IT’S BANANAS! SHAKE SHACK PARTNERS WITH CASEY TREES | New York-based Shake Shack has expanded to D.C.’s Union Station, and the newest location is partnering with Casey Trees to promote, preserve and protect the District’s tree canopy. With every Beaux Arts Banana concrete purchase, Shake Shack will donate 5 percent of the sales to Casey Trees. Shack Shack team members will also be volunteering at Casey Trees tree care and planting events throughout the year.

AMBITIOUS PLAN AIMS TO PLANT BILLIONS OF TREES IN INDIA | In a campaign aimed at tackling two critical problems — youth unemployment and environmental degradation —the Rural Development Ministry of India announced a

IN THIS ISSUE...

FOR THE LOVE OF LINDEN....................................................................................................................... 4-5 CASEY TREES BRANCHES OUT............................................................................................................... 6-7 SPOTLIGHT: KELSEY DESMOND REACHES OUT TO D.C.’S KIDS............................................................ 8 TECHNOLOGY TAKES SUMMER CREW DATA COLLECTION TO THE NEXT LEVEL................................ 9 JULY AND AUGUST EVENTS, CLASSES AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES................................. 10-11 ARBOR KIDS: BEE TREES!......................................................................................................................... 12

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By Casey Manning, Communications & Marketing Associate and Marty Frye, Arborist | In 1974, Iris Garrelfs

moved from a small town in northern Germany to D.C. to work as a sound engineer for a German radio and television station.

40 years later, she still lives in the same unit in The Towers, then an apartment complex but now a condominium, near the National Cathedral, with no plans of vacating her adopted home.

Iris first learned about Casey Trees through a lecture series at the Smithsonian National Zoo, and was impressed when the Casey Trees arborist in charge of the RiverSmart Homes Shade Tree Program,

answered her phone call.

“I couldn’t believe it. And so he said, ‘Well you have to talk to

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the Department of Environment.’ And again a human voice answered and I asked, ‘Do you know about the tree planting?’

And he said, ‘No, but I’ll connect you.’ And someone answered and said, ‘Yes, when do you want me to come over?’ I couldn’t believe it.”

The RiverSmart Homes Shade Tree Program is designed to reduce stormwater runoff and erosion on residential property in D.C. Through this program, homeowners can request that shade trees be planted on their property by Casey Trees for $50 per tree. But many don’t know that the program expands far beyond plantings on private single-family lots and can include condominiums, co-housing developments, apartment complexes and even small businesses. Open landscapes associated with

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these properties are excellent opportunities for us to plant significant numbers of shade trees to make a substantial addition to D.C.’s tree canopy while supplying residents with a woodland landscape to enjoy.

To Iris, the four linden trees (Tilia Americana) that Casey Trees planted around the side of property are the dearest. The stately trees provide shade for those below it and nectar for the bees and butterflies.

As a member of the condo board, Iris was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming support for the tree planting project she proposed, which involved 18 total trees planted between older elm trees. If those elms die, the newly planted trees will be there to fill in any gaps in the canopy. “I think in every condo community, nothing you suggest is without people saying, ‘No,’ and ‘Why?’ and, ‘Does it have to…?’ And yet this was very much a welcomed suggestion.”

“They have a very important role in German music, folk songs, literature. And it goes very far back in history, even to the Germanic gods. And during the Holy Roman Empire, it was the tree of judgment. It’s the center of German villages, even today.”

And though Iris has built her life in D.C., the linden tree never fails to transport her back to Germany.

“It’s a symbol of comfort and of being home.”

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Casey Trees

Branches out

On the second Tuesday of each month, Casey Trees gathers at a different local watering hole to mingle and share stories. Longtime volunteers and new friends alike are all welcome, but we’ve asked a few Branch Out veterans what keeps them coming back every month.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED WITH CASEY TREES?

AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BRANCHING OUT WITH US?

WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK MONTH AFTER MONTH?

ANDREA MORELAND: It’ll be five years in the fall.

GREGG SERENBETZ: Since the beginning. I did the tree canopy survey in 2002 and then started planting trees when Casey Trees started planting trees, which I think was 2003.

VINCENT VERWEIJ: I think my first planting was in 2010 in Sherman Circle.

AM: I started coming whenever they started. Actually, they tried to get the volunteers to start organizing the happy hours initially. So a few of us were in charge of organizing the first happy hour, which was fun.

GS: For two or three years. You guys plan it once a month and we show up.

AM: It’s a really good chance to connect with some of the more regular volunteers VV: I’m in it for the beer.

Sign up for our emails to receive reminders before each Branch Out

Branch Out Happy Hour SUMMER SCHEDULE

EVERY SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH FROM 6:00 P.M. TO 8:00 P.M.

JULY 8: NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR AUGUST 12: 1905 BISTRO & BAR SEPTEMBER 9: EL CENTRO D.F. NO ADVANCED REGISTRATION REQUIRED

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Spotlight

TreeWise intern Kelsey Desmond wants to plant the seed for D.C.’s kids

By William Green,

Communications Intern | If you want to get people interested in trees and green space, summer Education Department intern Kelsey Desmond thinks you have to start young.

“The social justice part of sustainability is really important, and a lot of that is engaging young folks who might not be interested in trees or just in anything.”

Kelsey brings her unique experience working at a summer camp for blind children back home in Cleveland to Casey Trees’ summer TreeWise program, instilling in D.C. school children a lifelong appreciation for trees.

“I think planting the seed — pun intended — for these kids so that they get why trees are important is our overarching goal,” she said.

And Kelsey’s seen firsthand what impact just a few hours of outdoor education can have on kids. During a visit to E.L. Haynes Public Charter School, one wowed six-year-old boy couldn’t contain his excitement. ”You

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ALIVE

guys are the best tree walkers I’ve ever seen in the whole world!” he exclaimed.

“And I was like, ‘Wow, that’s a lot kid.

Thank you.’ Yeah, that’s definitely been a standout moment.”

When she’s not out in the field educating, Kelsey is working the phones, sharing information about the TreeWise program and other Casey Trees educational events to as many schools and community groups as possible.

Pursuing a major in French and a double minor in Linguistic and Cultural Anthropology and Sustainability, Kelsey hopes to marry her seemingly disparate interests with her passion for education.

“People ask me as a French major, ‘what the heck are you gonna do after school?’ I could definitely see myself working with kids in education, as well as environmentalism, and kind of combining those two. I think education is a vital part of what I would like to do after Casey Trees.”

FOLLOW OUR WEEKLY WATERING ALERTS

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Technology takes Summer Crew data collection to the next level

By Michael Potts, GIS Analyst | The High School Summer Crew is a program with dual purposes. It teaches high school students tree stewardship while making D.C. greener by ensuring its trees are adequately cared for in the harsh summer months. But advancing technology has given the program a third purpose: providing an opportunity to record useful data.

Once trees are purchased from the nurseries, the Casey Trees-designed app tracks them at every stage of their lives. This stretches from recording the locations and care actions of young trees planted at Casey Tree Farm to tracking a tree throughout its life as it is planted in the city and subsequently revisited for care and health updates.

The usage of this app is revolutionizing the way Casey Trees tracks maintenance data.

In the past, paper maps were used to take notes on watering and other maintenance tasks.

Although those maps were useful, the data couldn’t be shared in real time: different watering crews didn’t know what the others were doing nor which trees had already been visited. This required a great deal of route planning and management to make sure no efforts were duplicated and no trees fell through the watering cracks.

The crews are now able to use the map feature in the app and see trees labeled and visualized according to care needs. Trees that have a watering priority will stand out, ensuring they receive the care they need.

Users can tap on a single tree to perform detailed maintenance one tree at a time, or the user can gerrymander select the trees they’ve visited. The trees to be visited are shown in green, yellow, or red, which indicates their level of need.

WHEN LESS THAN 1.5 INCHES OF RAIN FALLS IN A GIVEN WEEK, TREES MUST RECEIVE 25 GALLONS OF WATER

TAKE THE PLEDGE TO WATER YOUR TREES DURING THEIR MOST VUNERABLE SEASON & RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY RAIN GAUGE theleaflet

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Events Tree care events and programs to enjoy this summer June, July and August offer the chance to take a break from planting and try out this summer’s tree care events, tree tours and family programming. Become a Casey Trees Member to receive exclusive benefits, including advanced registration to events like the ones below.

TUESDAY, JULY 8

SATURDAY, JULY 19

SATURDAY, AUGUST 9

Social: Branch Out Happy Hour 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Nellie’s Sports Bar 900 U St NW

Volunteer: Fort Dupont Park Invasive Species Removal 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Fort Dupont Park Minnesota Avenue & F Street SE

Volunteer: Rock Creek Park Invasive Species Removal 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Rock Creek Park 6100 16th St NW

We’re headed back to Nellie’s Sports Bar for July’s Branch Out Happy Hour! Join us on Nellie’s newly revamped rooftop to cool off from the summer sun.

Help Casey Trees, Anacostia Watershed Society, and the National Park Service remove invasive vines and care for trees at this park.

Help Casey Trees, Rock Creek Conservancy, and the National Park Service remove invasive vines.

Cost: Free **No advanced registration required.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9 Family Program: Tree Detectives at Garfield Park 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Garfield Park 3rd St & South Carolina Ave SE Bring the whole family to Tree Detectives, a family-focused tree tour where you’ll hunt for clues including leaves, flowers and fruit to help identify different trees.

Cost: Free

SATURDAY, JULY 19 Family Program: Buds Story Time 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

24th & R Streets NE

Cost: Free

SATURDAY, AUGUST 9 Fruit Tree Workshop 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Stuart Center 821 Varnum St NE

Join us for our new family program, Buds, a tree-focused story time aimed toward an audience of toddlers and preschoolers.

The workshop, led by fruit tree expert Michael Phillips, will include information on fruit tree basics including pruning, fungal disease management, and insect challenges.

Cost: Free

Cost: $25 **Scholarships available

Cost: Free

THURSDAY JULY 10 Volunteer: Lansburgh Park Tree Care 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Lansburgh Park 1030 Delaware Avenue SW Give young trees a leg up by joining us to care for trees at Lansburgh Park.

Cost: Free

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Volunteer: Citizen Science Project Thursday, July 17, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 19, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Casey Trees Headquarters *Must only attend ONE of these two sessions Contribute to a national study about monitoring tree health through Casey Trees’ Citizen Science Project. After the training class, participants will measure the 100 trees near Eastern Market (exact location to be discussed at the training session) and record their data at a time and date of their choosing.

Cost: Free

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 12 Social: Branch Out Happy Hour 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

1905 1905 9th St NW Join us at 1905 for our monthly happy hour for friends and volunteers! Free and open to all.

Cost: Free **No advanced registration required.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13 Family Program: Tree Detectives at Stoddert Elementary 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Stoddert Elementary School 4001 Calvert St NW Bring the whole family to Tree Detectives, a family-focused tree tour where you’ll hunt for clues including leaves, flowers and fruit to help identify different trees

Cost: Free

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16 Family Program: Buds Story Time 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m 24th & R Streets NE Join us for our new family program, Buds, a tree-focused story time aimed toward an audience of toddlers and preschoolers

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20 Class: Non-Native Invasive Plant Removal 6:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Casey Trees Headquarters This course looks at non-native, invasive plants and how they threaten native landscapes.

Participants will learn how to identify and control invasives found in the D.C. area.

The course consists of two parts on two different days: a 2.5 hour classroom session at the Casey Trees headquarters (August 20th) followed by a 2.5 hour field session (August 23rd) in Rock Creek Park Cost: Free **Registering for the classroom session automatically registers participants for the field session

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21 Volunteer: Petworth Neighborhood Tree Care 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Petworth 7th & Webster Streets NW Give young trees a leg up by caring for trees at Petworth with us!

Cost: Free

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Arbor Kids

Finding Bee’s Favorite Trees Bees love trees as much as we do and the trees certainly love them back.

Every bee’s life is essential because they pollinate trees, ensuring that every tree can grow big and strong, all the while coming to life with beautiful fruits and flowers.

However, not every tree is the same. The trees below have especially identifiable flowers. How many of these trees can you find your neighborhood?

TULIP POPLAR

LITTLELEAF LINDEN

SOURWOOD

BLACK LOCUST

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