The Leaflet — October 2011

Casey Trees News

leaflet

the

October 2011

In this issue...

Autumn in

D.C.

ON PAGE 6

2 New Self-guided Tree Walk Online 3 Casey Trees Headquarters

Casey Trees celebrates one year at new location.

4 The Cost of a Tree 5 Fall in D.C.

What is responsible for fall’s tree transformation?

6 7 8 9 10

Tree Rebate Program Enhancements Fall Programs and Classes Casey Trees’ Fall Planting Season Fall CTP Schedule Kids Corner

Urban Tree Canopy Goal

Casey Trees celebrates Park(ing) Day in D.C. On Sept. 16, Casey Trees turned two metered parking spots in Dupont Circle into an instant park to promote the environmental, social and financial benefits of trees as part of Park(ing) Day 2011.

Casey Trees’ park design replaced 320 square feet of impervious surface normally off limits to pedestrians with an abstract forest open to the public.

Oversized tags touting the financial and environmental value trees bring to D.C. residents were attached to surrounding trees.

“We are pleased with the attention our Park(ing) Day installation attracted,” said Mark Buscaino, Executive Director of Casey Trees. “The event was a perfect opportunity to engage District residents about the benefits of trees and the urban forest.”

Tree tags adorned surrounding trees and informed passers-by about the benefits of D.C.’s urban forest.

PARK(ing) Day is an annual event that brings together activists, artists and citizens to temporarily transform parking spaces into public parks. In 2010, more than 800 parks in more than 180 cities in 30 countries were created.

Follow progress of the Urban Tree Canopy Goal as Casey Trees begins its fall planting season. Here are the totals as of Oct. 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

Casey Trees in the News Read these September news stories that feature Casey Trees.

“Tree Trouble in Washington, DC” NBC Washington, Sept. 15, 2011 Staff discuss the implementation of D.C.’s tree protection laws.

“Localities create temporary park spaces for Park(ing) Day” - Greater Greater Washington, Sept. 16, 2011 The blog post showcased Casey Trees’ Park(ing) Day installation.

October 13 Save the date Tree Talk Thursday focuses on aiding wildlife Trees provide shelter and food to a variety of animals. October’s Tree Talk Thursday topic is “Treescaping for Wildlife: Selecting woody plants to attract animals and create habitats” featuring Brian Mayell, Casey Tree Farm Nursery Manager.

Details: Thursday, October 13; 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Free.

Pre-register and receive a reminder for the session. Email questions in advance to treedc@caseytrees.org or submit them during the online chat session.

New self-guided tree Summer's Rainfall shortage shows in walk for Lincoln Park Casey Trees' weekly watering alerts

C

asey Trees’ newest downloadable tree walk will guide you through the streets of Capitol Hill near Lincoln Park.

J

Although Pierre L’Enfant had grand plans for this site, Lincoln Park was initially used as a dumping ground until being developed as the site of Lincoln Hospital during the Civil War. In 1867, it was designated as a park to commemorate President Lincoln and the Freedmen’s Memorial that you see in the center of the park today was installed and dedicated in 1876, funded entirely by freed slaves.

All four of July’s weekly recommendations — part of Casey Trees’ 25 to Stay Alive watering initiative — were “Dry.” When “Dry” conditions are posted, residents should give their trees the recommended 25 gallons of water per tree.

Tree walks for the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, Tudor Place and the Franciscan Monastery are also available online at no cost.

uly 2011 was the hottest month on record in Washington, D.C., which was apparent in Casey Trees’ summer watering alerts.

Watering alerts were issued every Monday from May 8 to Sept. 26.

“Dry” conditions happened most often — 10 out of 21 weeks — with “Normal” conditions coming in a close second at nine weeks. “Normal” alerts denote optional watering for the week.

The only “Wet” condition, meaning no watering is necessary, occurred in early September when the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee dumped nearly seven inches of rain on D.C.

Are you a federal employee?

Give to Casey Trees through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Registration open now.

Select CFC Code 24598. of the National Capital Area

2

October 2011 | theleaflet

Casey Trees marks one year in Brookland

Casey Trees moved into its new headquarters in the heart of Brookland one year ago. We are grateful for the warm welcome and look forward to being an integral member of this wonderful community.

Site tours available through First Fridays

First Fridays is a new series presented by Casey Trees’ Planning and Design department to introduce individuals, particularly design professionals, to sustainable urban design that incorporates trees.

October’s session focuses on trees and bioretention and will highlight curbside bioretention and innovative ways to maximize curbside root space for trees under sidewalks.

Details: Friday, October 7; 12:30 p.m. Advance registration required; space is limited. Lunch is provided.

Tour des Trees rides into the District Oct. 8

C

asey Trees will welcome nearly 60 cyclists who will be riding into the District Saturday, Oct. 8 on the second to last leg of the 20th annual STILH® Tour des Trees, a weeklong, 485-mile cycling tour benefiting the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund).

Casey Trees is a co-sponsor of the 2011 STIHL® Tour des Trees. The seven-day tour originates in Virginia Beach and stops in Williamsburg, Richmond, Charlottesville, Front Royal and Reston before concluding in D.C. Cyclists participate in tree planting and public awareness events at each stop.

“Casey Trees is proud to be a Silver Sponsor of the 2011 STIHL Tour des Trees,” Executive Director Mark

Buscaino said. “By supporting the Tour des Trees we are investing in urban forestry research that will significantly benefit the District’s urban forest and its neighborhoods for generations to come.”

In D.C., cyclists will participate in a tree planting at the U.S. National Arboretum and visit Casey Trees’ headquarters for lunch and tours of the site’s bioretention planters and green roofs. The tour concludes at The American University WoodsBrown Amphitheater at 2:00 p.m. with closing ceremonies immediately following. Chuck Leavell, keyboardist for the Rolling Stones, will serve as keynote speaker and join The Tom Principato Band to entertain the crowds.

theleaflet | October 2011

3

What does it cost Casey Trees to plant one tree?

When putting a price tag on the value of a tree, we often talk in the abstract: things like improved air quality, cleaner water and higher property values are among the many benefits that we list when “calculating” the return on investment trees can offer us. But unless you have visited a nursery recently, the costs associated with planting a tree may not be evident.

$250

$106

non-fruit tree avg.

At Casey Trees, we plant 2- to 2.5inch caliper trees — an industry standard for street trees that we have adopted because of their ability to better withstand urban conditions.

The cost to Casey Trees to purchase, transport and plant such trees is $250 per tree (see illustration).

The cost to Casey Trees to plant one tree.

$5

$5

stakes

arbor tie

He who plants a Tree loves others besides himself.

$4

$5

mulch

soil

English proverb

We understand that the environmental benefits of trees far outweigh their monetary cost which is why we offer our trees — and related tree care materials — at no cost to groups.

However, after 10 years and more than 10,000 trees planted across our nation’s capital, we are now asking for your help.

Donations of any amount make a difference; however, we hope you will consider sponsoring the planting of one tree this fall with a gift of $250.

Donate today.

4

Additional items:

$103

$1

trunk guard

$11

slow-release watering bag

$25

$10 deer fencing

transportation, equipment and labor

provides one newly planted tree with a slowrelease watering bag, mulch and trunk guard.

$100

covers the cost to purchase (1) 2- to 2.5-inch caliper tree.

$250

allows us to purchase, transport and plant one tree.

October 2011 | theleaflet

Fall in D.C. District's trees to peacock in October Fall is upon us and the District’s trees never disappoint. Starting in midOctober, trees in our area will begin to explode into brilliant reds, oranges and yellows before falling dormant for winter.

Three pigments are responsible for this impressive show - chlorophyll, carotenoids and anthocyanins. Chlorophyll gives leaves their familiar green color; carotenoids produce yellow, orange and brown colors; and Anthocyanins add color to red apples, blueberries, cherries, strawberries, and plums. They are water soluble and appear in the watery liquid of leaf cells.

Both chlorophyll and carotenoids are present in the chloroplasts of leaf cells throughout the growing season. During this time, chlorophyll is produced and broken down and leaves appear green. As days get shorter, chlorophyll production slows down until it stops. The green color is no longer visible, and other pigments present (carotenoids) with the chlorophyll are then revealed.

During autumn, bright light and excess plant sugars produce anthocyanins within leaf cells.

Observe the city’s transforming treescape on one of our docent led tree tours by foot or bike, by volunteering at an upcoming Community Tree Planting event or when visiting a nursery to select a tree to plant at home.

theleaflet | October 2011

5

Best time to plant trees is now Spring prompts most to think about making major improvements to their yards, but fall — October through December — is actually the ideal time to plant trees as they enter dormancy during this period.

When selecting a tree from a nursery

or garden store, look for the following:

• Healthy foliage. The tree’s •

crown, or canopy, should make up two-thirds of the tree.

Tree stem and branch condition.

There should be a strong central leader and branches should be

• •

nicely formed and no larger than two-thirds the diameter of the trunk.

Tree damage. Make sure the tree is free of pests and the trunk has no injuries.

Trunk form. Tapered trunks withstand more stress.

Tree Rebate now offers up to $100 per tree for select large canopy trees, $50 for most others Casey Trees now offers rebates up to $100 per tree to individuals who plant large canopy trees on private property in the District. Seven genera and 27 species — mostly native hickories and oaks — qualify for the increased rebate. Rebates of up to $50 per tree will continue to be available for small and medium canopy trees.

“Our Tree Rebate program has been tremendously successful in helping us advance D.C.’s 40 percent by 2035 Urban Tree Canopy Goal,” said Jim Woodworth, Director of Tree Planting. “By offering an increased rebate amount, we hope to incentivize residents and business owners to plant more large canopy trees because they provide greater environmental benefits than ornamental and smaller-growing trees.”

The program, funded by the District Department of the Environment, provides rebates to individuals who purchase and plant a tree on private property in D.C. Rebate requests must be accompanied by a completed form pledging to water and care for the tree for a minimum of two years and a purchase receipt for each tree.

“While rebate forms may be submitted year-round, the best time to plant trees is in the fall and spring months,” Woodworth added. “Trees planted in the summer may not be able to withstand the heat stress experienced in this region.”

6

Invasive tree species, including Norway maple, Tree of Heaven, mimosa, Bradford pear, Sawtooth oak and Siberian elm and the Ash tree should not be planted and do not qualify for the rebate. Dwarf trees and shrubs are also ineligible.

By offering an increased rebate amount, we hope to incentivize residents and business owners to plant more large canopy trees because they provide greater environmental benefits than ornamental and smaller-growing trees.

Jim Woodworth Director of Tree Planting Additional program revisions allow for the rebate to be submitted for trees planted on nonresidential property in D.C. and the elimination of the three trees per property maximum.

Trees must continue to be planted on private property and not on public property such as in street tree boxes, triangle parks or traffic circles.

Downloadable rebate forms, instructions and a complete list of trees eligible for the increased rebate are available at www.caseytrees.org/ rebate. Participating area nurseries are also listed.

What trees qualify for $100 rebates?

OAKS Basket Oak/Chestnut Oak Black Oak Bur Oak Chinkapin Oak Live Oak Northern Red Oak Nuttall Oak Overcup Oak Pin Oak Scarlet Oak Shingle Oak Shumard Oak Southern Red Oak Swamp White Oak Turkey Oak Water Oak White Oak Willow Oak

HICKORIES Butternut Hickory Mockernut Hickory Pignut Hickory Shagbark Hickory

OTHER American Beech American Linden/Basswood American Sweetgum Sycamore/American Planetree Tuliptree

October 2011 | theleaflet

Fall programs and classes Visit Casey Trees' Calendar of Events webpage to sign up for the following events. All programs and classes are free unless otherwise noted. Advance registration is required for all events and space is limited.

Citizen Forester-Qualifying Class Tree Planting Workshop

Casey Trees Staff Sat., Oct. 1, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

The Catholic University of America Aquinas Hall, Room 102

ALL CLASSES ARE FREE!

Learn how to select and prepare a tree planting site, choose appropriate species and properly plant a tree to ensure its survival.

A field component follows.

Tree Walks Fort Dupont Park

Jorge Bogantes Montero, Anacostia Watershed Society and Casey Trees Staff Sat., Oct. 15, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Fort Dupont Park Activity Center Fort Dupont Dr. SE

This tree walk will take us through the wooded parkland, where we will witness the fall colors that grace our area native forests.

National Mall Bike Tour

Melanie Choukas-Bradley, Author of City of Trees Sun., Oct. 23, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Massachusetts Ave. & 1st St. NE

Loop around the National Mall, observing the trees and grounds from the Smithsonian Museums to the U.S. Capitol Building.

Evergreens, Winter ID and Bird Habitats

Casey Trees Staff Sat., Dec. 3, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

U.S. National Arboretum 3501 New York Ave. NE

Learn how to identify deciduous trees by their winter characteristics as well as understanding the finer points of identifying various evergreen species.

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

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.

theleaflet | October 2011

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

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 lead an open discussion on the community garden movement.

7

GREENING COMMUNITIES THIS FALL Fall Community Tree Planting season kicks off at Catholic University.

Oct. 1 marked the first day of the fall Community Tree Planting (CTP) season. Casey Trees, with the help of hundreds of volunteers, will plant more than 380 trees at 28 sites across the District.

Casey Trees started the spring 2011 season at The Catholic University of America and will do so again this fall.

Individuals enrolled in the Tree Planting Workshop, a qualifying course for Casey Trees’ Citizen Forester program, planted the first trees of the season on the grounds of The Catholic University of America as part of their field training.

Every tree we plant strengthens neighborhoods, adds beauty and greens our city.

Mark Buscaino Executive Director Citizen Foresters serve as volunteer tree ambassadors to the community on behalf of Casey Trees and teach new volunteers how to properly plant and care for trees. The Tree Planting Workshop is a free continuing education course offered to the public.

Scheduled sites include a military base, community garden, marina, atrisk youth housing and eight schools.

Of note, the Charitable Foundation of the Energy Bar Association will sponsor the planting of 10 trees at Capitol Quarter, a new park in Southeast along the riverfront.

“We look forward to working with volunteers of all ages and abilities this fall to restore the District’s tree canopy,” Executive Director Mark 8

Buscaino said. “Every tree we plant strengthens neighborhoods, adds beauty and greens our city.”

Casey Trees has planted more than 4,000 trees through the CTP program since its inception in 2005.

Casey Trees welcomes volunteer support at its CTP events, with the exception of school plantings.

Advance registration is required; space is limited. Check out the schedule on the next page to find out more about registration.

October 2011 | theleaflet

Fall 2011 CTP Schedule OCTOBER DATE

TIME

GROUP

REGISTRATION LOCATION

WARD

TREES

1 8 8 13 15 15 18 19 19 20 22 26 26 27 29

9A - 4P 9A - 1P 9A - 1P 9A - 1P 9A - 1P 9A - 1P 9A - 1P 9A - 1P 12:30P - 3:30P 9A - 1P 9A - 1P 9A - 1P 12:30P - 3:30P 9A - 1P 9A - 1P

The Catholic University of America THC Affordable Housing, Inc. Developing Families Center Boys Town Capitol Quarter Seafarers Yacht Club Friends of National Arboretum HD Cooke Elementary School Church of Christ British School of Washington Dupont Circle Citizens Association Woodridge Public Charter School John Burroughs Education Campus Chamberlain Public Charter School Greenseed Community Garden

620 Michigan Avenue NE 6000 13th Place NW 801 17th Street NE 4801 Sargent Road NE Virginia Avenue at 4th & I Streets SE 1950 M Street SE 3501 New York Avenue NE 2525 17th Street NW 3100 13th Street NW 2001 Wisconsin Avenue NW 15th & P Streets NW 2959 Carlton Avenue NE 1820 Monroe Street NE 1345 Potomac Avenue SE 17th & D Streets SE

5 4 5 5 6 6 5 1 1 2 2 5 5 6 6

30 14 10 17 12 12 16 5 7 5 23 5 5 5 13

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

NOVEMBER 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

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.

SPONSORS The Charitable Foundation of the Energy Bar Association will sponsor the planting of 12 trees at Capitol Quarter on Oct. 15.

Coffee and hot water provided by the Starbucks Coffee Company.

Learn how you can sponsor a CTP event at www.caseytrees.org/donate.

theleaflet | October 2011

9

Kids Corner

ARBOR ANIMALS! Do you have a pile of fall-colored leaves in your yard? Collect some with your favorite colors and use them to make Arbor Animals — leaf creatures you can hang on your wall, give to your parents or put on the refrigerator!

MATERIALS •

Fallen autumn leaves from your yard or neighborhood

•

Paper

•

Glue

•

Pencils, pens, crayons and/or glitter

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Go outside and explore the treasure trove of shapes and colors provided by our fallen autumn leaves.

2. Find the most interestingly shaped leaves or the most familiar.

Whatever leaves you like!

3. Use your imagination and create animals out the leaf shapes you found. Make animals you know or create your own animals.

4. Glue leaves to paper and decorate to make them complete. (Take a look at the example below).

5. To preserve your creature creations, press them between two books.

10

October 2011 | theleaflet