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Renewed permit to help ease stormwater runoff n Oct. 7, the Environmental Protection Agency reissued a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit to the District, providing a comprehensive plan to reduce stormwater runoff and decrease the pollution of local waterways.
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A minimum of 350,000 sq. ft. of green roofs across D.C.
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An incentive program to encourage green landscaping.
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Retention of 1.2 inches of stormwater for development projects of at least 5,000 sq. ft.
The renewed permit requires, among other things, an increase in D.C.’s tree canopy and more green roofs to help control 90 percent of all stormwater runoff, one of the main perpetrators of river pollution.
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Taking into account suggestions from Casey Trees, the District Department of the Environment and Anacostia Watershed Society, the permit outlines practices that help ensure the District’s compliance with the Clean Water Act. Requirements laid out by the permit include: A requirement to add at least 4,150 trees annually to D.C.
Letter from the Executive Director Combined Federal Campaign 2011 Casey Trees’ First Bike Tour of Trees November: The Time to Plant Issue
The impact of trees on communities.
Elizabeth Elliott back planting trees after injury.
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Fall CTP Midseason Report Most Planted Tree Species This Fall Tree Planting Tool Safety Class Schedule / Kids Corner
Urban Tree Canopy Goal
Casey Trees’s low-impact development features, including its three green roofs, can handle an eight-inch rain event.
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In this issue...
7 Citizen Forester Spotlight
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ON PAG
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November 2011
18 million sq. ft. of impervious surface drainage.
The MS4 Permit is an important step in the ongoing process of cleaning up the District’s waterways. An increase in D.C.’s gray infrastructure after the 1970s created an upsurge in stormwater runoff. As a result, pollution of the local water systems — namely the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers — became even harder to control. Adding trees and other forms of green infrastructure can help D.C. achieve cleaner, healthier and more beautiful waterways.
October’s tree plantings are in the books and here is our progress towards D.C.’s Urban Tree Canopy Goal as of Nov. 1. Casey Trees-planted trees in 2011:
0 1, 5 1 8 Casey Trees-planted trees since 2002:
1 0, 6 9 7 Trees planted by all since 2002:
2 1, 0 7 6
Spotted! Volunteers from the Oct. 15 planting in Capitol Quarter. Check out more photos of Casey Trees plantings on Flickr.
REVISING A GREAT VISION
M
ost people know of Casey Trees because of our tree planting activities across the District each spring and fall. But just as important as our tree planting efforts is our work to protect trees. An early and major success of ours was helping to pass the Urban Forest Preservation Act (UFPA) of 2002, to ensure Special Trees — trees 55 inches in circumference or greater — that are removed are replaced to prevent against net canopy loss. When it passed, the UFPA was transformational, creating awareness at many levels of government and society that D.C.’s trees were important to the health and vibrancy of its neighborhoods. Budgets for street tree planting and care increased more than 10 fold, and D.C. increased its arborist staff from four to 14 in two years. The quality and monitoring of tree care contractors also increased.
Mark Buscaino Executive Director
Fast forward to 2011, and what was a visionary piece of legislation has fallen flat because of inadequate administration and enforcement: •
•
Of the 10,000-plus trees that should have been planted as replacements since the UFPA passed, records are available for only 2,000 replacement trees. No records are available to determine if replacement trees are still alive.
The problems we uncovered were so severe that this year’s Tree Report Card graded the UFPA’s effectiveness an “F,” which pulled the overall grade down to a “C.” A recent audit conducted by the Office of the D.C. Auditor and commissioned by Councilmember Mary Cheh found similar problems and the loss of thousands of replacement trees. This
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information
prompted
Councilmember Phil Mendelson to introduce the Urban Forestry Reorganization Act of 2011 to address this critical issue. On Friday, Nov. 4, DC Environmental Network is hosting a public meeting with Councilmember Mendelson to gather information and viewpoints on this topic. During this meeting we will put forth seven recommendations — outlined on the next page — that we believe will make the UFPA
Without a strong voice of support from you, the UFPA will continue to languish and D.C.’s tree canopy, once the envy of the world, will continue its slow decline. an effective tool in protecting and growing our tree canopy. As D.C. residents and friends of our urban forest, I invite you to stand with us this Friday in support of our recommendations. In the event you cannot attend, we have drafted a letter of support I hope you will sign and either email or mail to Councilmember Mendelson in the coming days. You are welcome to customize the letter as you see fit. Without a strong voice of support from you, the UFPA will continue to languish and D.C.’s tree canopy, once the envy of the world, will continue its slow decline. From 45 percent in the 1950s to 35 percent today, the numbers are clear. Make a difference by letting your voice be heard. Thank you for your continued support.
Mark Buscaino Executive Director
November 2011 | theleaflet
UFPA REVISION RECOMMENDATION OVERVIEW SUMMARY
1. Reduce the size limit for trees covered by the Urban Forestry Preservation Act (UFPA) of 2002 from 55 inches to 29 inches in circumference. 2. Modify the mitigation alternatives for trees removed under UFPA to an exclusive fee-based system, and allow these fees to support proven tree planting programs and contractors. 3. Increase the removal fee from $35 per caliper inch to $40 per caliper inch to account for tree planting cost increases from the time the UFPA was passed. 4. Specify within the UFPA where replacement trees must be planted — on private lots when trees are removed from private lots; on public space when trees are removed from public space. 5. Allow city inspectors to deny permits for individuals seeking to remove a tree if the reason given is arbitrary. Establish guidelines for allowable and non-allowable reasons for healthy Special Tree removal. 6. Streamline the inspection procedure to reduce burdens on city staff by relying on third party inspectors as the city currently does for building review/inspection. 7. Create a division within the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) to monitor, enforce and administer the UFPA and Tree Fund.
HOW TO HELP
1. Learn more about the UFPA and our recommendations. Additional resources are below including our Q&A brief. 2. Attend the UFPA public meeting hosted by DC Environmental Network and Councilmember Mendelson in support of our recommendations. Date: Location:
Friday, Nov. 4, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. John A. Wilson Building 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Room 120 Washington D.C. 20004
Advance registration is encouraged; space is limited. Attendees are not expected to offer public comment.
3. Send a letter of support to Councilmember Mendelson by email or mail. Use our customizable template.
RESOURCES
• CT Brief - UFPA Revision
• Urban Forest Preservation Act of
• CT Brief - UFPA Revision
• Special Tree Removal Permit
• Urban Forestry Reorganization
• Tree Report Card (2011)
Recommendations Statement Recommendations Q&A Act of 2011
theleaflet | November 2011
2002
Application
• D.C. Auditor’s Report 3
Casey Trees helps celebrate 50 years of CFC giving S CFC #24598 of the National Capital Area
ept. 1 marked the start of the annual Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), officially kicking off the 50th anniversary of the only authorized workplace charitable giving drive for federal employees. From now through Dec. 15, employees in the federal workplace can opt to support one of more than 4,000 approved local, national and international charities.
For the fourth year in a row, Casey Trees is a participating member in the Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area (CFCNCA) — the local campaign for federal employees in the Washington, D.C. metro area and the largest workplace giving campaign in the world. In celebration of their 50 years of giving, campaign leaders have set a 2011 goal of $67.2 million. We are
New topics set for Tree Talk Thursdays lineup
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asey Trees has released the fall/ winter 2011 schedule for Tree Talk Thursdays, a free online chat series that highlights issues relevant to D.C.’s tree canopy and answers specific tree questions posed by the general public. The forum, hosted on Casey Trees’ website, happens on the second Thursday of every month from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST. Individuals can participate in live sessions or replay past chats.
calling on all our friends in the federal government to help reach that mark by donating to Casey Trees today. Giving is easy. Anytime before Dec. 15, federal employees interested in giving can fill out, or submit electronically, a donation pledge form by designating their chosen organization and the desired amount of their gift. To make a donation to Casey Trees and help us tree D.C., choose CFC #24598.
Every donation received through CFCNCA will support our tree planting, education and design initiatives. By pledging support, you are making the first step towards establishing a green legacy in our nation’s capital to be enjoyed for generations to come. Choose CFC #24598 today.
FALL/WINTER SCHEDULE
To submit a question in advance or suggest a topic, send us an email.
Nov. 10 — EAB Invasion
Dec. 8 — Tree Space Design
Jan. 12 — Tree Trending
Addressing D.C.'s emerald ash borer quarantine.
How to design better growing environments for trees.
Emerging developments in arboriculture.
DID YOU KNOW? Nov. 4 is Arbor Day in Hawaii. Its state tree, the kukui, has eight-inch, maple-shaped leaves that are lightly colored and covered with a silvery powder. The trunks and branches are large and sometimes twisted and the tree can grow up to 80 feet tall. Its flowers are small and greenish-white and it produces a nut whose seeds have high oil content, making it a main ingredient in candles and giving the tree its common name of candlenut. Happy Arbor Day, Hawaii! 4
November 2011 | theleaflet
TREES BY BIKE Casey Trees debuts tree tours by bike for tree and cycling enthusiasts.
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n Oct. 23, Casey Trees held its first bike tour of trees, with 10 participants making stops at tree destinations along the National Mall.
From Above (clockwise): Riders visited many venerable trees along the National Mall, including an overcup oak on the south side of the National Gallery of Art; Author Melanie ChoukasBradley explains the seeds of a Kentucky coffeetree; the National Mall is famous for its American elm-lined pathways and streets.
Urban Forestry Instructor Shawn Walker and City of Trees author Melanie Choukas-Bradley led the tour, highlighting butterfly host trees at the Butterfly Habitat Garden of the American Museum of Natural History, the Jefferson Elm near the Smithsonian Castle, and two massive bur oaks — one of which is dedicated to Martin Luther King, Jr. The tour looped back through the U.S. Capitol grounds, home to many venerable and impressive tree specimens. Choukas-Bradley is a regular contributor to Casey Trees, leading tree walks across the District. Hoping to cover more ground and engage cyclists, she approached Casey Trees with the bike tour format. With its rich collection of trees, the National Mall provided an ideal location to launch the new concept. “Bike tours gives us all that tree walks have to offer while enabling us to span a larger landscape,” Walker said. “Visiting the trees of the National Mall would be overwhelming on foot, but all that changes when you are on two wheels.”
theleaflet | November 2011
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The Best Time to Plant November 2011 Issue
Trees Make a Difference M
aggie McCarty and her husband signed a contract on their home in the Capitol Quarter neighborhood in January 2008, before anything was even built. Today, new buildings continue to go up and green space is still hard to find. Casey Trees’ Community Tree Planting program, which adds 10 or more trees to private or public property, provided a great opportunity to add a trees to the barren landscape. It also meant McCarty and other new residents could get acquainted. “The community planting presented a wonderful opportunity to get to know each other,” McCarty said, “and for us to rally around a community space.”
McCarty, the planting’s project organizer, heard about the CTP program from her ANC commissioner, David Garber, who was the project organizer at the Historic Anacostia Block Association planting in spring 2009. “He knew I was involved in the community and interested in gardening and landscaping,” she said. McCarty received a lot of support 6
from the community before, during and after the planting. She got a great response to a survey she posted for neighbors to vote on their favorite tree plan. And the post-planting feedback has been uplifting as well. “One neighbor said to me after the planting ‘We got a park!’ and she was right,” McCarty said, “that raggedy little green space was transformed into a park thanks to Casey Trees and everyone’s help.” Since the Oct. 15 planting, which was sponsored by the Charitable Foundation of the Energy Bar Association, McCarty has heard from many of her neighbors — including ones who did not attend the planting — offering to help with watering. “For now, I’m going to stay focused on keeping the 18 trees we just planted alive,” she said about plans to add more trees to the neighborhood through the CTP program. McCarty said she hope through efforts like the community tree planting, residents can come together to help shape the future of the neighborhood. “As they grow and flourish, I think the space will become a real community asset.”
CTP Spring Application Deadline:
November 30 There’s still time to apply for a spot on the CTP spring schedule, which runs from March to April 2012. Requirements and the application form are available online. Applications can be sent by fax, mail or email. November 2011 | theleaflet
Citizen Forester Spotlight
Injury kept Elizabeth Elliott away, her passion for trees brought her back
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his fall marks Citizen Forester (CF) Elizabeth Elliott’s return to planting with Casey Trees. In December 2009, Elliott broke her arm and was forced to put off tree planting for a while. Elliott was on hand at the first planting of the fall 2011 Community Tree Planting season at The Catholic University of America. “It was great fun,” she said. “There was the added benefit of loosening up my arm.” Elliott spent her childhood in upstate New York and said the turning of the leaves was always one of her favorite times of year. Elliott has been a longtime admirer of Betty Brown Casey, following her philanthropic efforts with the Washington National Opera. When she read about the founding of Casey Trees, Elliott was excited she could give back to the city where she lives. “It became obvious that Casey Trees
was an opportunity for me to directly contribute to the well-being of our city,” Elliott said, “to get outdoors and to increase my knowledge of trees and their place in the ecological web.” After a while, Elliott wanted to get back outdoors and learn more about D.C.’s urban forest. She completed her CF training in fall 2006 and, soon after, fell in love with the many aspects of tree planting. Discovering new neighborhoods, forging friendships with other volunteers and physical activity are the things she has most enjoyed from the start. During a planting event in 2009, Elizabeth noticed the Lead CF was her sorority sister from college and the two have since reconnected. “It’s a team effort,” she said of tree planting, “we’re all in this together and we’ve done our best to give these trees a good start.”
Save the date Give to the Max Day: Greater Washington On Nov. 9, thousands of area nonprofits will unite to raise millions of dollars as part of the first annual Give to the Max Day: Greater Washington, a massive one-day regional online fundraiser to support local programs throughout the D.C. area. For 24 hours, do your part in helping add trees to the neighborhood by choosing Casey Trees on Nov. 9! theleaflet | November 2011
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October plantings attracted 374 volunteers who planted 169 trees
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ince Casey Trees’ Community Tree Planting (CTP) program kicked off on Oct. 1 at The Catholic University of America, more than 370 volunteers and Citizen Foresters — 281 adults and 93 children — have planted 169 trees. October featured 15 events, including five schools, two community gardens and a home for at-risk youth. The Charitable Foundation of the Energy Bar Association sponsored the Oct. 15 planting at Capitol Quarter (pictured at right). Starbucks Coffee Company has continued its in-kind donations of coffee for most events. There are still 13 CTP events and 204 trees to plant. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
Fall 2011 CTP Schedule NOVEMBER DATE
TIME
GROUP
REGISTRATION LOCATION
WARD
TREES
2 2 3 4 5 5 9 12 12 17 19
9A - 1P 12:30P - 3:30P 9A - 1P 9A - 1P 9A - 1P 9A - 1P 9A - 1P 9A - 1P 9A - 1P 9A - 1P 9A - 1P
Blow Pierce Public Charter School Capitol Hill Montessori School Collegiate Academy Public Charter School Rock Creek Cemetery Congress Park Plaza William C. Smith & Co. — Oxon Run Park Fort McNair Friends of Rose Park McLean Gardens Mount Vernon Triangle CID Friends of Petworth Playground
725 19th Street NE 200 G Street NE 4095 Minnesota Avenue NE Webster Street & Rock Creek Road NW 1345 Savannah Street SE Valley Avenue & Wheeler Road SE 4th & P Streets SW 2611 O Street NW 3460 39th Street NW 901 4th Street NW 801 Taylor Street NW
7 6 7 4 8 8 6 2 3 6 4
5 5 5 22 10 40 27 10 12 12 10
12th Street Brookland Neighborhood Group Franciscan Monastery Garden Guild
620 Michigan Avenue NE 1400 Quincy Street NE
5 5
16 30
DECEMBER 3 10
9A - 1P 9A - 1P
HOW TO VOLUNTEER We welcome volunteers of all ages and abilities, but advance registration is required and space is limited. Please note that school plantings are restricted to students, faculty and parents of that school. To register, visit our Calendar of Events webpage. Groups of five or more should contact Liz Ball, Volunteer Coordinator, by email or by calling 202.349.1907.
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November 2011 | theleaflet
,
WHAT WE RE MADE OF
Species diversity is important to D.C.’s urban forest. To promote diversity, Casey Trees will plant nearly 50 different species and cultivars this fall through its Community Tree Planting and RiverSmart Homes Shade Tree programs. See the most planted species from each program below.
RIVERSMART HOMES TOTAL TREES TO BE PLANTED: 267
RIVER BIRCH 19%
YELLOWOOD 10%
SWEETBAY MAGNOLIA 8%
REDBUD
SERVICEBERRY
HONEY LOCUST
YELLOWOOD
7%
7%
COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING TOTAL TREES TO BE PLANTED: 390
SWEETGUM 9%
REDBUD 7%
AMERICAN LINDEN 7%
6%
5%
LIVE GREEN WITH CASEY TREES! From now until the end of 2011, for every new $18 Live Green membership purchased, a donation of $10 will be made to Casey Trees. Click the icon below or visit livegreen.net/join to become a member and use “CaseyTreesLG” as the referral code. Help Casey Trees tree D.C.!
Go to Livegreen.net/join Input CaseyTreesLG in the “who referred you” box.
theleaflet | November 2011
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PLANTING PRECAUTIONS W
hen putting young trees in the ground, precaution is key. Several tree planting tools are heavy and can be difficult to maneuver. Always remember:
• • • •
Do not run while holding a tool. Wear gloves to protect your hands form blisters and other injuries. Keep your back straight — use the strength in your legs to lift heavy tools. When you are finished using a tool, place it on the ground, not against a tree or a wall.
A few tools require extra attention.
PICKAXE
SHOVEL
Use the pickaxe to break through the grass in a circle about 2-3 times the diameter the tree’s root ball. Be sure to:
After creating the circle, use the shovel to dig out the remaining dirt until you have a hole the same depth as the tree’s root ball. Be sure to:
• Use safety goggles. Goggles
• Use your instep. Drive the
will help protect your eyes from flying dirt and small stones.
• Check your 360-degree safety zone. Before you swing the pickaxe, make sure no one is directly in front of, behind or beside you.
shovel into the dirt using the instep of your foot, not your toe or heel.
• Place the blade downwards.
When you set the shovel on the ground, make sure the blade is face-down.
WIRE CUTTERS
Before placing the tree in the hole, use wire cutters to remove any wire around the root ball. Be sure to:
• Hold the tool properly. Use
both hands to grasp the handles, with your fingers facing inward.
• Keep your eye on the target. • Watch your fingers. Knowing
where everyone’s hands are will help you avoid accidents.
• Use your dominant hand. On
the handle, place your dominant hand closest to the axe for a controlled swing.
Planting trees is a breeze when you follow simple safety guidelines. Get some friends together and get your hands dirty this fall! 10
November 2011 | theleaflet
Fall programs and classes
All programs and classes are free unless otherwise noted. Advance registration is required for all events and space is limited. If you would like to be waitlisted for a full class, contact Urban Forestry Instructor Shawn Walker at 202.828.4132 or by email. If you signed up but are unable to attend, please contact Shawn so your spot can be given to someone on the wait list.
Special Classes Sustainable Fruit Trees in the D.C. area
Dr. Christopher Walsh, Professor of Horticulture, University of Maryland, College Park Wed., Nov. 9, 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Casey Trees Headquarters 3030 12th St. NE
L L U
S S A
F S I
Join Dr. Christopher Walsh, Professor of Horticulture, University of Maryland at College Park, for a discussion on the potential role of fruit trees in urban landscapes.
CL
Climate Change and Our Urban Forest
Dr. Giselle Mora-Bourgeois, Science Education Coordinator, Urban Ecology Research Learning Alliance Wed., Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Casey Trees Headquarters 3030 12th St. NE
L L U
S S A
F S I
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Using the USDA Urban Forest Effects Model (UFORE), Dr. Mora-Bourgeois will explain the connection between trees and climate change and how, with trees, we can better adapt to its impacts.
Film Screening and Discussion: A Community of Gardeners
Cintia Cabib, Director; Local Community Gardeners Sat., Nov. 19, 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Casey Trees Headquarters 3030 12th St. NE
A Community of Gardeners explores the vital role of seven community gardens in Washington, D.C. Cabib and guests from local community gardens will participate in an open discussion on the community garden movement.
Kids Corner
SCAVENGING FOR SEEDS! Many trees drop their fruit or seeds in the fall. Below are some examples of D.C. trees that do so. Collect different seeds from your yard or street and identify them using our tree ID book. How many different types of seeds did you come up with?
HONEY LOCUST BEAN PODS
SILVER MAPLE SAMARAS
BALDCYPRESS CONES theleaflet | November 2011
EASTERN WHITE PINE CONES SYCAMORE SEED PODS 11