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October 2012
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Casey Trees News in Brief
Casey Trees helps schools get healthy with fruit trees Growing Healthy Schools Week is Oct. 15 to 20. This is the first year that DC School Garden Week and DC Farm to School Week will be combined under the new name and will celebrate school gardens. In celebration, Casey Trees will be planting fruit trees in the garden at Anne Beers Elementary School during this week, as well as four other schools this fall. Festivities for the week also include workshops for teachers, field trips for students to local farms, chef demonstrations at schools and farm-fresh food in school cafeterias.
Casey Trees News Staff from Australian Embassy Join Casey Trees for tree care event | On Saturday, Sept. 15, Casey Trees partnered with the Embassy of Australia for a tree care event at the Takoma Recreation Center and Calvin Coolidge High School. Thirteen employees from the Embassy came out to participate in the global “Clean Up the World” campaign. Staff from both groups watered more than 50 trees that were planted this past spring through the Community Tree Planting (CTP) program. Casey Trees director successfully defends Dissertation | Jessica Sanders, Director of Technical Services and Research, has successfully defended her dissertation titled Defining and Measuring Success in the Urban Forest. Sanders now holds a Ph.D. from the Rutgers University Department of Ecology and Evolution, with a concentration in Urban Forestry. Visit casey Trees at October community festivals | Casey Trees will round out its fall community events this month with two events. Casey Trees staff will be on hand
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at at Columbia Heights Day on Oct. 6 and the NoMa Fall Festival & Market on Oct. 17. At both events, interested individuals can stop by Casey Trees booths to discuss educational, volunteer and tree planting programs, and check out available items for purchase from Casey Trees’ shop, The ColleCTion.
Urban Forestry News New urban tree study contrasts natural forest regeneration and tree planting | The U.S. Forest Service released findings from a study that contrasted tree regeneration and tree planting in 12 different urban areas in the U.S. and Canada. The study found that, on average, one in three trees are planted in cities. Of note, the results showed that without urban planting and management, quickgrowing, short-lived pioneer and invasive species will dominate the urban forest, derailing the ability to have a sustained, stable urban canopy. More studies and data are needed in order to better understand changes in urban tree populations and how this will affect the long-term sustainability of an urban forest.
October 2012 | theleaflet
City of Annapolis selling trees at reduced rates to help achiceve tree canopy goal | To help achieve its goal, the City of Annapolis has purchased certain types of trees and is selling them at reduced rates until Nov. 1. The city’s urban tree canopy goal of 50 percent by 2036 was implemented in 2006 and the tree sale is part of the greater initiative of getting trees on private property in the city. The money for the trees comes from a fee paid to the city by developers and homeowners whenever a tree is removed for construction.
urban heat islands have come front and center. Cities have been known to be warmer than their rural counterparts, but with increasing impervious surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, there has been an even greater temperature rise in urban areas. Many cities are combatting climate change using natural means, such as adding trees and other vegetation to promote green space. Planting trees in areas with high amounts of impervious surface has been shown to decrease surfaces temperatures by up to 30 degrees.
U.S. Cities combat climate change by increasing tree canopy | In Washington, D.C. and other cities in the U.S., the issue of
In this issue... Spotlight: New Board members corbin Harwood & lindsay hardesty............................ 4 Giving: Casey Trees unveils New donor benefits program................................................... 5 Registration is still open for the tree canopy symposium................................................ 6 Fall 2012 Community Tree PLanting schedule............................................................................. 8 Upcoming Casey Trees events............................................................................................................ 9 Branch Out at casey trees’ new happy hours........................................................................... 10 New adult education courses open for fall............................................................................ 11 Trees and Power Lines: Casey Trees Analyzes the current situation..................... 12-13 Planting event at Fort myer highlights emotional value of trees................................ 14 Casey Trees’ PARK(ing) Day installation turns heads............................................................ 15 Arbor Kids: The science of leaves changing color................................................................ 16
theleaflet | October 2012
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Spotlight Casey Trees welcomes two new Board of Directors members This summer, Casey Trees welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors. We recently got the chance to talk with Lindsay Hardesty (LH) and Corbin Harwood (CH) and see what brings them to Casey Trees.
departments are such benefits for the citizens of D.C. The research and data collection also ensure the long term success of the organization and its efforts to restore the tree canopy in the District.
Q: How did you come about getting involved with Casey Trees?
CH: Because I joined the Board only in July, I have a steep learning curve ahead. But I already know I love the energy of the staff, the enthusiasm of the board, the dedication of the volunteers and the commitment of all to greening D.C.
CH: It was through the Garden Club of America (GCA) that I first became exposed to Casey Trees. As you know, Mrs. Casey originally asked GCA to take on this incredible project in memory of her husband. I loved being among the first teams of Citizen Foresters. LH: I have also been involved with the GCA and was previously on the Casey Trees Board when I was the GCA Director for the D.C./Maryland area. As you know, Casey Trees is a supporting organization of the GCA. Q: What’s been your favorite part about working with Casey Trees in your brief time with us as a board member?
Q: What’s been your favorite part about working with Casey Trees in your brief time with us as a board member? CH: I hope Casey Trees will continue to serve as a cutting-edge model for communities throughout the U.S. — and the world. I also hope that through the organization, citizens will gain a greater appreciation of the importance of trees for both our physical environment and mental well-being. LH: I am looking forward to see how best to use the Casey Tree Farm!
LH: I really like the different aspects of the organization. It does so much more than plant trees. The community outreach and education
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October 2012 | theleaflet
Giving New benefits program brings exclusive offers to Casey Trees donors Notice anything different recently at Casey Trees? Well, donors certainly have. That is because this fall, Casey Trees started unveiling the first phase of the donor benefit program, which awards supporters and contributors with a variety of perks and special offers as a thank you for their help in adding trees to the District’s neighborhoods and communities. From advanced registration to complimentary tickets, Casey Trees is offering a wide range of opportunities to the financial contributors who continue to help achieve and surpass the incredible goals Casey Trees sets for itself and its work in D.C. In just the last few weeks alone, Casey Trees donors have received (among other things):
while some of these exciting opportunities have already passed, there is still time for you to get in on these great deals by becoming a Casey Trees donor today! As always, making a donation is easy and can be done online, by mail or even over the phone. We offer a wide array of giving options to suit your philanthropic goals and giving ability. Don’t miss out on these great benefits and become a donor today. Your gift will make a lasting and tangible impact on our city, its communities, and our friends and neighbors across the District. Donations are accepted securely online or via mail. Make your donation today.
• Complimentary tickets to our upcoming Fall Fête event at the Hillyer Art Space on Oct.18; • Priority and advanced registration for the fall Community Tree Planting volunteer events and classes; • Reduced ticket price for the Andrea Wulf book signing event at Dumbarton House on Oct. 25, including a complimentary copy of her newest book, Founding Gardeners: The Revolutionary Generation, Nature, and the Shaping of the American Nation — read more about the event on page 9. This are just a small taste of some of the great offerings we’ll be unveiling this year and next. And
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Technology & Research Tree Canopy Symposium features line-up of experts and dignitaries By Dr. Jessica Sanders, Director of Technical Services and Research, Casey Trees | The much anticipated Tree Canopy Symposium is only a few short weeks away and Casey Trees is ready to unveil some great things. Casey Trees has spent a good deal of time preparing for the event and offering a taste of what is in store for the day-long conference on Oct. 18. Dr. Joe Sullivan of University of Maryland, College Park was a guest contributor for September’s Tree Talk Thursday session, which provided participants a general understanding of urban tree canopy (UTC). Guest speakers will discuss the benefits, assessments and regional horizons for the District’s UTC. Not only will you be able to learn more about D.C.’s tree canopy goal, but also the metrics used to determine, evaluate, and measure tree canopy. Mayor Vincent C. Gray, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and former Mayor Anthony A. Williams will provide opening remarks at the Symposium. After the welcome, keynote speaker Dr. William Sullivan, a professor of landscape architecture at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign who conducts research on the built environment (urban areas) and its relation to human health, will be discussing trees and human health. Casey Trees will announce the results of the updated five-year D.C. canopy analysis and provide
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Casey Trees staff will present on satellite imagery from 1951.
background on what the results are and what they mean for D.C. residents. With additional experts presenting topics that cover tree issues in the D.C. area, this symposium is one not to be missed. Registration for the Tree Canopy Symposium is only $55. Register today.
October 2012 | theleaflet
Casey Trees’
Tr e r bate
e
Plant a tree
Save some Green! Complete guidelines, rebate coupons, area nurseries and tree planting tips are available at
caseytrees.org
theleaflet | October 2012
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Volunteer Registration open for fall 2012 Community Tree Planting events Volunteer opportunities are in blue. Citizen Forester-only plantings or trainings are in green. Schools and special planting events are not open to outside volunteers. Advanced registration is required.
October Date
Day
Time
Location/Group
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Thursday
9:00 a.m.
Maury Elementary School
6
Saturday
9:00 a.m.
National Zoo - Smithsonian Institution
10 11
Wednesday Thursday
9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.
National Child Research Center Capital Area Food Bank
13 17
Saturday Wednesday
9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.
Oxon Run Citizens Association Drew Freeman Middle School
17
Wednesday
12:30 p.m.
Anne Beers Elementary School
20 23
Saturday Tuesday
9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.
Metropolitan Branch Trail Stoddert Elementary School
24
Wednesday
9:00 a.m.
Friends of Takoma Park Recreation Center
25 27 27 31
Thursday Saturday Saturday Wednesday
9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.
Imagine Southeast PCS Friends of Dakota Park Emerson Park HOA Art & Tech PCS
31
Wednesday
12:30 p.m.
Washington Jesuit School
November
1
Thursday
9:30 a.m.
Grace Episcopal Day School
3 3 10 16 17
Saturday Saturday Saturday Friday Saturday
9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.
Blair Apartments (Md.) with Clean Currents LLC Conservation Montgomery McLean Gardens Fort Myer Crestwood Citizens Association
Saturday Saturday
9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.
St. Paul’s Parish at Rock Creek Cemetery Wangari Gardens
December
1 8
sponsors
Collegiate PCS, Sept. 29
Metropolitan Branch Trail, Oct. 20
Friends of Takoma Park Recreation Center, Oct. 24
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Friends of Dakota Park, Oct. 27 8
All sites in pink, will receive cherry trees sponsored by NCBF. October 2012 | theleaflet
Events Upcoming events in October and November From classes to tree tours to book readings, Casey Trees has a variety of event offerings this fall, with more educational opportunities to come. Advanced registration is required; space is limited.
Saturday, October 6 Class: Tree Planting Workshop 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. National Zoo - Smithsonian Institution 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW
Learn to select and prepare a tree planting site and properly plant trees to ensure survival. Practice your skills by planting 30 trees by the zoo’s lion and gorilla exhibits. Cost: Free *This is a Citizen Forester-qualifying course.
Thursday, October 11 Tree Talk Thursdays 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Online
American Forests’ Sheri Shannon will discuss notable treescapes and the most interesting trees in the greater Washington area. Cost: Free
Thursday, October 18 Tree Canopy Symposium 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. FHI 360 Conference Center, 8th Floor 1825 Connecticut Avenue NW
The Tree Canopy Symposium convenes scientists, practitioners, local and national leaders to discuss the importance of our urban tree canopy; how it improves our lives; how we can estimate its value; and how much an area contains. Cost: $55 per person
Thursday, October 25 A Conversation with Author Andrea Wulf 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dumbarton House 2715 Q Street NW
Spend an evening with acclaimed author Andrea Wulf, whose latest book, Founding Gardeners, discusses how America and wider political, social and cultural issues were shaped by the founding fathers. Cost: $50 per person with copy of the book; $35 per person without
Sunday, October 28 Tree Tour by Foot: Fall Color 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens 1550 Anacostia Avenue NE
This fall tree walk will focus on lowland/wetland species that are rare finds in many locations around the District. Cost: Free
Sunday, November 4 Tree Tour by Bike: U.S. National Arboretum 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. U.S. National Arboretum 3501 New York Avenue NE
Loop around the U.S. National Arboretum and learn the distinguishing features of several trees found on premises.
Thursday, November 8 Tree Talk Thursdays 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Online
Guest speakers will talk about medicinal tree species and the the social, emotional, and physiological impacts that treeshave on human health. Cost: Free
Thursday, November 15 Class: Medicinal Trees 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Casey Trees Headquarters 3030 12th Street NE
Learn about trees found in the District that have medicinal and health uses and how our ancestors used these trees’ leaves, bark and roots for remedies. The class will be led by botanist Holly Poole-Kavana, who studied at the Pacific School of Botanical Medicine. Cost: Free
Sunday, November 18 Tree Tour by Foot: Medicinal Trees 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. U.S. National Arboretum 3501 New York Avenue NE
Botanist Holly Poole-Kavana will lead a tour through the Arboretum to look at species that have medicinal and health uses. Cost: Free
Cost: Free theleaflet | October 2012
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Citizen Forester Update
Next Branch Out: Tuesday, October 9, 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Saint Ex, 14th and T Streets NW. See You there! 10
October 2012 | theleaflet
Education Adult educational opportunities offer chance to understand D.C.’s trees By Stephanie Juchs, Community Education Coordinator, Casey Trees | With children back in school, the upcoming holidays, and stresses of everyday life, it is easy to feel a little disconnected from one’s surroundings during the fall season. Sometimes just knowing the name of a tree species on your block or remembering the value of some of your local natural and cultural landmarks can help you have a greater sense of place and feel a more connected to the city where you work and live. There’s no better place to learn more about the District’s natural environment than Casey Trees. This fall’s continuing education schedule will feature a series of guest lectures with topics such as medicinal trees found in the District and a lowland/wetland species tree tour. An event of note this month is a special discussion and book signing by author Andrea Wulf at the historic Dumbarton House. Wulf will discuss her recent book, Founding Gardeners: The Revolutionary Generation, Nature, and the Shaping of the American Nation. In it, Wulf offers a fascinating look at how the founding fathers’ interests in gardening and farming influenced their personal and political lives. The night will also feature a book signing, light refreshments and a self-guided house tour.
Our fall tree tours will highlight interesting species found at some of the city’s lesser known historical and natural sites, from the historic Brooks Mansion in Brookland to Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens along the Anacostia River in Ward 7.
Participants of a tree tour by foot at the U.S. National Arboretum in spring 2011.
Through Casey Trees’ adult educational programming, the more you come to understand the District’s urban forest, the more you can realize your role in helping Casey Trees restore, enhance and protect it. Flip to page 9 in this month’s Leaflet to find descriptions and registration information on this fall’s course offerings.
theleaflet | October 2012
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Advocacy Overhead wires present canopy conflicts for street trees By Maisie Hughes, Director of Planning and Design, Casey Trees | Street trees account for only nine percent of total tree canopy, but their location in between the road and the sidewalk makes a big impact in urban sustainability. Street trees help make neighborhoods beautiful, coos the city by shading roadways, improve the pedestrian and biker experience, and intercept rainwater that would otherwise flow off the streets and sidewalks directly into storm sewers. The life of a street tree is not easy. Street trees have to share space with utilities, sidewalks, roadways, street signs, street lights, underground tunnels, and sometimes benches, fences, and other landscape amenities. When trees grow tall enough to conflict with power lines, they must be pruned to preserve the electrical, phone and cable distribution. Some people suggest that planting only small trees under wires is the solution. However, small trees will quickly conflict with utility lines, too. A small urban tree matures at 25 to 30 feet, and many wires hang lower than 20 feet from the ground. Large canopy street trees are essential to multifunctional streets. Where trees conflict with overhead wires, especially on Great Streets, boulevards and major arteries, streetscape projects and new developments should include undergrounded utilities. In the short term the city will lose some trees, but the long-term effects will ensure a mature tree canopy for future generations.
An oak tree along a Northeast neighborhood street is missing 30 to 50 percent of its canopy because of utility pruning. Once a tree losses more than 30 percent of its canopy, it does not have enough leaves to produce the energy it needs to grow.
The photos to the right demonstrate issues street trees encounter when planted under overhead power lines.
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October 2012 | theleaflet
D.C.’s Bladensburg Road NE needs more trees, but power lines prevent tree canopy from maturing.
A small tree planted two years ago is already starting to have a conflict with overhead wires.
theleaflet | October 2012
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Tree Planting Casey Trees puts down new roots on hallowed ground in Virginia By Jim Woodworth, Director of Tree Planting, Casey Trees | Twenty-one new trees will be planted in November on the grounds surrounding the Old Post Chapel on Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hal (JBM-HH), just outside the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. The Old Post Chapel serves as the memorial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery and is the setting for important national ceremonies, making this building the most significant chapel within the Department of Defense. JBM-HH approached Casey trees to develop a landscape plan to plant trees that would create an appropriate backdrop for formal military ceremonies at the Chapel. The planting project presents a special opportunity for Casey Trees and JBM-HH to reinstate the landscaping around this important site. The planting project follows a massive tree survey conducted at JBM-HHl in fall 2010, when volunteers from the Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria counted approximately 4,000 trees. As a result of the survey, several dead and dying trees
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were identified around the Old Post Chapel and were recently removed. New trees include a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, and several historic Japanese cherry trees, for year-round interest. The trees are being provided by Casey Trees with funds from the National Cherry Blossom festival, the Army Officers Wives Club of the Greater Washington Area and the Fort Myer Thrift Shop, and other partners. Trees provide many benefits, and nowhere is this more striking than the setting outside the Old Post Chapel. Well-placed trees provide shade over hot asphalt parking lots, where trees play a significant role in providing shelter and shade to the soldiers and military band members who on a daily basis, year-round, assemble here in full-dress uniforms with horsedrawn caissons to conduct military funerals. More importantly, trees are also essential to the fabric and spirit of the landscape, bringing comfort and dignity to special, solemn places. Applications for the spring Community Tree Planting season are still being accepted. If your community, school or organization has space for 10 or more trees, apply by Nov. 30.
October 2012 | theleaflet
Events Casey Trees’ PARK(ing) Day installation receives rave reviews On Sept. 21, Casey Trees transformed three metered parking spaces in Downtown Washington, D.C., into a temporary park to raise awareness of the environmental, social and economic benefits of the District’s trees as part of PARK(ing) Day 2012.
theleaflet | October 2012
That 660-square-foot parklet at 12th and G Streets NW garnered much attention, from curious passersby to The Washington Post. Visitors sat in the park to eat lunch or finish reading their papers and some joined Casey Trees staff in games of cornhole.
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Arbor Kids The science of fall’s changing colors Where do the beautiful fall leaf colors come from? Perform this easy science experiment to learn why trees’ leaves change from green to yellow, orange red and brown. 1. Collect four green tree leaves and four colored tree leaves that have fallen off the tree. 2. Take two green leaves and tear them up into little pieces and place them in a glass jar. 3. Have an adult pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol into the jar to cover the leaf pieces. Repeat this step for the remaining 2 green leaves and the colored leaves. 4. Cut four, 1-inch wide strips from a white coffee filter. Tape one end of each strip to a pencil or skewer so that the other end of the strip touches the rubbing alcohol in the jar. 5. Place one pencil, with strip, on top of each of the jars. (You can place the jars in a bath of hot water to help the leaf pigments release.) Leave the jars for about an hour or until you see the pigments have traveled at least halfway up the coffeefilter-strips. 6. Remove the strips form the jar and examine the colors. Do you notice the yellow & orange colors are in the green leaves? The green in leaves comes from chlorophyll, the yellow and orange colors come from xanthophylls and carotenes, respectively. During the spring and summer the there is a lot of chlorophyll in the leaves and the green color is so strong it hides the yellow and orange colors of the leaves. During the fall when the chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down, the green color fades and they yellow and orange colors show through!! Which strips have more green? The ones from the green leaves or the colored leaves?
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October 2012 | theleaflet