The Leaflet — October 2013

leaflet

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October 2013

It’s Here

Fall has arrived.

How Will You Celebrate?

Casey Trees News in Brief

Casey Trees and partners participate in Clean Up the World Day The numbers are in and Clean Up the World Day was a huge success! Volunteers from The Embassy of Australia, Clean Currents and the National Geographic Society removed four truck and trailer loads full of invasive vines, including a significant amount of poison ivy — yikes! — from trees planted in 2011 behind Alice Deal Middle School. In the afternoon, 15 seventh- and eighth-grade students from the school joined the adult volunteers to mulch and water 40 of the newly freed trees. Our volunteers also left behind native plant species that we hope will fill in to curb the invasive plants future return.

This is Casey Trees’ second consecutive year working with The Embassy of Australia for Clean Up the World Day, which started 20 years ago as Clean Up Australia Day. Now officially recognized by the United Nations Environmental Programmes, more than 35 million people from 130 countries participate annually.

Casey Trees News CASEY TREES NEARS LAUNCH OF TREETRACKING Mobile APPLication | The mobile app produced by the Technical Services and Research Department will allow Casey Trees to follow the lifespan of a tree from its beginnings at the Casey Tree Farm to its eventual planted home in the D.C. area. Using QR codes, the app will host a database of our trees and include attributes such as species, tree health, measurements and location. With the app at their disposal, the Tree Planting team will be able to improve data accuracy in the field and more easily track the health of our trees while assessing maintenance needs. Tree tracking will be made simple by viewing trees on a map, scanning a tag or just searching an ID number. Initial beta version testing started last month, with a full release scheduled for the upcoming planting season.

FALL HARVEST BEGINS At Casey Tree Farm | The transition into autumn marks the beginning of a new planting season for Casey Trees. The changing seasons also mean the sart of the fall harvest at Casey Tree Farm. The first batch of trees made its way to D.C. on Oct. 1, as 34 trees were delivered in time for the first tree plantings of the season. This fall, the Farm will make 19 deliveries and provide up to 400 hundred trees for planting, most of which are red maple, eastern redbud, American yellowwood,

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and tuliptree. The harvested trees will be planted through the Community Tree Planting and RiverSmart Homes programs.

Second Lobby Day A Success | To encourage D.C. to invest in trees, Casey Trees staff and dedicated members of the new Tree Advocate program spent the day working to ensure a greener future for the District. They met with representatives of the D.C. Council and the Office of the Mayor in the morning, and the District Department of the Environment in the afternoon.

By connecting the elected and appointed officials with residents who care about trees, we are creating essential relationships that will not only hold our leaders accountable, but also help Casey Trees realize its mission to restore, enhance and protect the tree canopy of the nation’s capital.

NEW GRANT AWARDED FOR Residential planting PROGRAMS | On Sept. 1, Casey Trees transitioned into a new grant for two successful residential planting programs — Tree Rebate and RiverSmart Homes — funded by the District Department of the Environment since 2009. In the past, the two programs were separately funded, but now have combined into a single grant. The new grant agreement spans the next two years and will provide for the planting of at least 1,400 RiverSmart Homes shade trees and 700 through the Tree Rebate program.

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NEW CREW CHIEFS EMERGE IN TREE PLANTING DEPARTMENT | Casey Trees is excited to announce that two longtime members of the Tree Planting team, Neil Irvin and Jonathan Carney, have been promoted to Urban Forestry Crew Chiefs. Casey Trees congratulates them as they continue to lead our canopy restoration work with programs such as Community Tree Planting and RiverSmart Homes.

Urban Forestry News URBAN TREE STUDY MEASURES PRICE OF REDUCING CARBON IN NYC | U.S Forest Service researchers have used computer modeling to estimate the cost effectiveness of reducing carbon by planting and caring for different street trees in New York City. The study concluded that shade trees, like the London planetree, with long life spans and large canopies are the most cost-effective species for the reduction of carbon and energy consumption. By measuring how much carbon can actually be stored, the researchers considered what it takes to offset the real costs

of caring for and developing urban trees. Location matters, as trees planted in boroughs like Staten Island and Queens produced the lowest average cost of carbon reduction due to buildings with greater residential use and fewer stories helping to capitalize on reduced energy consumption from tree placement.

EXPERIENCED COMMUNITY PLANTERS BENEFIT URBAN FOREST | The Arboriculture and Urban Forestry journal has published a study on how social and structural aspects of community groups involved in tree planting affect urban tree survival. Observing the Urban Resources Initiative’s Community Greenspace program in New Haven, Conn., the researchers found that trees planted by groups with more experience, a longer tenure, and more participants had the highest survival rates. Additionally, the highest tree survival rates were found when the community group was working in line with their mission.

In this issue...

From the Desk: Become a Tree Advocate Today........................................................................... 4 Spotlight: Citizen Forester Mark Rodeffer Stands Up for Trees..................................... 5 Announcing Brand New Casey Trees Membership program............................................. 6-7 Fall Tree-Color Maps Showcase beauty of D.C.’s Urban Forest.................................... 8-9 Treeathlon Sends Particpants on Five-Mile Tour of D.C.’s Trees.............................. 10-11 How to Achieve 40 Percent Tree Canopy on High-Density Lots.................................... 12-13 PARK(Ing) Day 2013 Sees Rise in Attendees, D.C.-Area Groups........................................ 14-15 Upcoming Classes and Events in October and November.............................................. 16-17 Arbor Kids: Fall Leaf Masks.............................................................................................................. 18

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From the Desk Tree Advocate program: Speaking for trees, strengthening our city As you may already know, this past month we launched our Tree Advocate program.

While there is a lot to celebrate about this initiative, to me the real advancement is that it represents an understanding within Casey Trees’ leadership that our city is changing and we must also change as an organization to address the new challenges that lie ahead.

And what are those challenges?

Simply put, we are still losing tree canopy.

Since 1950, our canopy has declined by more than 15 percent and from 2006 to 2011 an additional two percent was lost.

Mark Buscaino That two percent translates into nearly 600 Executive Director football fields’ worth of trees, and the Dakota Crossing development in Ward 5 showcased in our 2012 Tree Report Card was a stark example. Even with the thousands of trees planted by the city and its partners each year, we simply cannot keep pace with the loss of trees because of development.

advocates across the city to carry the message of tree-friendly development where it matters most — to their neighborhoods.

Why is this so important? The reasons are many, but don’t take my word for it. I encourage you to take a walk through a neighborhood with trees and one without and judge for yourself. And remember, new buildings, after about 40 years have passed, all start to look dated no matter how cutting edge they look today. But a tree never goes out of style and we can always use more of them.

So come out, join our team of Tree Advocates and speak for those structures that forever improve our lives — our city’s trees. You will meet new people, learn about D.C.’s tree history, the ins and outs of the development process and why tree-friendly development is so important to our lives.

Thanks for all your support!

Regards,

All this led us to ask — what can we do better?

How can we be more effective in encouraging more tree-friendly development? How can we ensure that tree canopy post-development is greater than it was pre-development? We know this is not a pipe dream — there are many examples of it — especially for urban infill lots, one of which is showcased in this edition of the Leaflet (page 12). Our strategy is to build a corps of dedicated

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Mark Buscaino Executive Director Become a Tree Advocate today and help be the voice of our city’s urban forest.

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Spotlight Citizen Forester Mark Rodeffer expands his community impact through advocacy

By Max Lopatnikov, Communications Associate, Casey Trees | Like many who discover Casey Trees, Mark Rodeffer’s introduction was serendipitous when a neighbor organized a tree planting and invited him along.

“I really didn’t know much about trees,” he said, “other than that I loved having them in my neighborhood and wanted more.”

As someone who grew up in Fairfax County, Va., Rodeffer has fond memories of the benefits of a vibrant tree canopy, none more vivid than climbing trees and making bed-sheet hammocks among the branches during his childhood.

Rodeffer moved back to the area after college, settling in the District and realizing his neighborhood and the city as a whole could benefit from more trees. Since his first planting with his neighbors, Rodeffer’s journey has progressed from attending classes and plantings to becoming a seasoned Citizen Forester of four years.

“What really drew me in was the feeling of satisfaction after planting a tree and knowing it will be there for generations to come,” he said.

The more one learns about the District’s tree canopy through Casey Trees, the more concern grows for the future of D.C. health and the sustainability of tree canopy goals amongst

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the rush of development.

A valuable member of Casey Trees remarkable group of volunteers, Rodeffer has come full circle in balancing his contributions to Casey Trees through grassroots planting efforts while also recently attending his second Lobby Day as an official Tree Advocate.

“While planting trees is vital,” he said, “it is only sustainable in the long term if there’s a plan to make sure everyone — Casey Trees, the city government, business owners, D.C. residents — has a stake in making sure we have an environment friendly to protecting and expanding the District’s tree canopy.”

After four years of planting trees as a Citizen Forester, Mark Rodeffer, pictured here at Lobby Day on Sept. 25, has added Tree Advocate to his Casey Trees resumé.

Despite his growth with the organization and interest in the policy behind Casey Trees’ mission, Rodeffer remains committed to community planting events, because he means it when he says “I love planting trees.”

Take action for trees today and join our advocacy efforts.

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Giving Introducing the Casey Trees Membership program

By Mark DeSantis, Development Associate, Casey Trees | Here at Casey Trees, we truly appreciate all of our loyal friends, volunteers and supporters. As we continue to grow as an organization, we want to ensure you are able to grow along with us.

We are making that a little easier by introducing our brand new Casey Trees Membership program — the best way for you to stay involved and remain in-the-know on all Casey Trees happenings.

By becoming an official Member, you are eligible to receive incredible benefits throughout the year, including advance registration for classes, priority sign-ups for volunteer opportunities and invitations to special events.

You might have some questions, so here is a quick rundown of this exciting new offering:

What do I receive from becoming a Casey Trees Member?

In addition to joining a network of concerned citizens dedicated to making a difference in their communities, our Members receive some incredible benefits year round. From advance registration for our in-demand volunteer events to premier event invitations, Casey Trees Members are always in-theknow with our upcoming programming. See a list of benefits on the opposite page.

When do I receive my member benefits?

Starting the day you make your gift, you receive Member benefits that last for one (1) full year.

How long does my membership last?

Your official membership expires one (1) year from the date of your last gift. We will notify you regarding membership renewal beforehand so you don’t miss out on any benefits.

What is it?

The Casey Trees Membership program is a new option for giving to Casey Trees and supporting our work. Starting at the $50 level, it gives our supporters the opportunity to better manage their annual philanthropic giving while offering them great benefits and perks throughout the year.

Is my gift 100 percent tax-deductible?

Your gift is tax-deductible minus any goods and services received at a given Membership level.

How do I become a Casey Trees Member?

Sign up online today or give us a call at 202.833.9125. We’d be happy to help you!

What if I prefer to give monthly?

You still can! You’ll receive benefits (and your

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If you’d like to make your gift 100 percent taxdeductible and by forgoing Membership benefits, simply indicate that on the online giving form.

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membership card) 6 months after your first installment up to the membership level you have reached at that point. After a full 12 months (1 year) of installments, you’ll receive all benefits available for a given level for another calendar year.

Can I still give throughout the year?

Of course! Contributions are welcome throughout the year and go directly to our planting and

educational programs. As always, non-membership donations are 100 percent tax-deductible.

When can I join the Membership program?

Anytime. Now is an especially great time!

Join the Casey Trees Membership program today and become eligible for some of the great benefits outlined below!

Member benefits Friend: [$50] • Casey Trees Member Card • Complimentary subscription to The Leaflet • Recognition in Year-end Review publication • Acknowledgment letter and tax receipt Ally: [$100] • All benefits provided at the Friend level • Advance registration to select classes, workshops and volunteer opportunities • Invitation for you and a guest to annual fall event • Advance copy of the annual Tree Report Card Steward: [$500] • All benefits provided at the Ally level • Ten (10) percent discount on any purchase from the Casey Trees store, The ColleCTion • Exclusive Casey Trees annual calendar

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Protector: [$1,000] • All benefits provided at the Steward level • Two (2) complimentary tickets to the Casey Trees annual awards ceremony • Unique opportunity to be part of the voting committee for the awards ceremony Visionary: [$2,500] • All benefits provided at the Protector level • Four (4) complimentary tickets to the Casey Trees annual awards ceremony • Personal guided tour of Casey Tree Farm in Berryville, Va. Boss Shepherd Society [$5,000+] If you’d like to make a gift of $5,000 or more, please contact the Development department directly at 202.833.9125.

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Technology & Research Plan strolls, rides or drives around D.C.’s fall-color corridors

By Michael K. Potts, GIS Analyst, Casey Trees | As the start of October often marks the rapid onset of fall, we have decided to celebrate the changing seasons by highlighting some of D.C.’s most colorful corridors in a new fall color map.

As a visual guide, the map provides suggested viewing routes of three vibrant species — red maple, pin oak and sugar maple. For a more indepth listing, including two additional tree species, read our blog, Tree Speak.

Red maple Widespread across North America, red maples (Acer rubrum) are a very common species in D.C. The trees tend to be medium to large in size with leaves that are easy to distinguish as they are palmate, typically with three to five lobes radiating from one point. Look for their leaves to turn a brilliant deep scarlet, making the trees an attractive choice for fall color viewing.

To find red maples, start at Garrison and 39th Streets NW for a route that snakes its way down Ellicott, Brandywine and 47th Streets in Ward 3. Additional routes go through Cleveland Park, Brightwood/Petworth, Columbia Heights and Capitol Hill.

propagate. Many major streets are planted with monocultures of pin oaks, which tend to grow upright and strong. The leaves usually have five to nine bristle-tipped lobes, with deep sinuses or spaces between the lobes. Look for their leaves to show striking bronze and dark-red hues.

To find pin oaks, start in Crestwood and head east on Varnum Street NW though Petworth and back around to Shepherd Street NW from the Soldiers’ Home or head down 3rd Street NW and wind around to Hamilton and Jefferson Streets. See more pin oaks in Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill and Anacostia.

Sugar maple Sugar maples (Acer saccharum) are found across many hardwood forests of the northeastern U.S. and the Great Lakes region. The tree was commonly planted in cities throughout the 19th century because it is fast-growing and has brilliant red-orange leaves.

Pin oak

Sugar maples can be found along many of the quieter streets in D.C., especially in Georgetown.

Two notable routes begin in Upper Northwest, hitting Rittenhouse, Legation and Kanawha Streets NW. Find alternative routes going through Capitol Hill and Brookland, among others in the city.

Pin oak (Quercus palustris) is also a common tree in D.C. because they are easy to plant and

Keep up with Casey Trees’ blog, Tree Speak, and our Facebook and Twitter for updates on the color changes happening across the District and how you can see them in action!

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Multiple corridors across D.C. are lined with tree species particularly known for their fall leaf colors. Casey Trees prepared a map highlighting five species — red maple, ginkgo, pin oak, sugar maple and American elm — that are accessible by foot, bicycle and car.

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Education Casey Trees scores big in first-ever Treeathlon

By Stephanie Juchs, Community Education Coordinator, Casey Trees | On Sept. 22, a few brave souls gathered on the U.S. Capitol grounds to join author and naturalist Melanie Choukas-Bradley on our first-ever Treeathlon, a tree tour across D.C. conducted via bicycle, on foot and by kayak!

area and transitions into a native upland forest that includes various tree species like hickories, sumacs and American hornbeam.

Enjoying the brisk morning on the first day of fall, the group set out on the hiking portion of the tour by walking around and discussing Frederick Law Olmsted’s original plans for the surrounding areas and examining some of the unique tree species found on the grounds. These early stops included memorial trees honoring various historical figures and a magnificent old bur oak that possibly dates back to Olmsted’s time.

Next, we biked alongside the National Mall, where we enjoyed the magnificent canopy of a mature overcup oak outside the National Gallery of Art and investigated the noticeable seedpods of some female Kentucky coffeetrees hanging over the fence of the gallery’s sculpture garden. Our group then rode across the Mall to discuss the distinguished Jefferson American elm, a specimen resistant to Dutch elm disease that demonstrates exceptional horticultural characteristics. After talking about the threat of Dutch elm disease in Washington D.C., we cycled to the U.S. Department of Agriculture grounds to look at an American chestnut, another species ravaged by an invasive fungus.

After leaving the manicured landscape of the Capitol grounds, we switched gears and entered the grounds surrounding the National Museum of the American Indian, a space designed to reflect the natural landscape found in the District prior to European contact. The museum grounds are planted with species native to the Piedmont and Coastal Plains region and begin with a wetland

An opening at the east end of the Washington Monument grounds offered a good opportunity for a snack and a chance to talk about the future of D.C.’s urban forest. Sitting under a large white ash tree, we discussed the challenges that the city’s tree canopy currently faces, including pests such as emerald ash borer — recently found in the District — development and tree mortality, and how Casey Trees, our volunteers and the city are trying to meet these challenges.

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Then we biked along the shade-covered paths passing Constitution Gardens, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial, making our way onto the Rock Creek Park trail.

At the Georgetown waterfront we launched our kayaks to paddle around Theodore Roosevelt Island.

The kayaking involved examining some of the tree species found along the Potomac’s riparian areas.

While leisurely paddling, we took in sycamores, green ash, silver maples and basswood trees and caught glimpses of local fauna, including turtles, cormorant seabirds and even an osprey. With the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument on the horizon, we got to focus on the natural beauty that abounds in D.C. After finishing the trio of events, we gathered to celebrate everyone’s achievements with the awarding of medals for all of the treeathletes! When the group beamed and broke into a rendition of “For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow” to celebrate Melanie’s realized vision for the Treeathlon, we knew it had been a great day to learn about and enjoy our City of Trees.

Join the Casey Trees Membership program today and get advance registration access to classes, workshops, volunteer opportunities and events such as the Treeathlon.

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Planning & Design How to achieve 40 percent canopy at higher residential densities

By Emily Oaksford, Planning Associate, Casey Trees | By the year 2032, Mayor Gray aims to reach 40 percent tree canopy coverage as part of the District’s larger push for a greener, more sustainable city. So where should we start? Our 2012 Tree Report Card revealed that private lots hold the highest potential for tree canopy expansion.

This May in The Leaflet, we looked at how to achieve 40 percent canopy on a single-family house in Ward 5’s Brookland neighborhood. But what does 40 percent tree canopy look like on denser lots in the city?

This month, we have an example from Ward 1 in the Columbia Heights neighborhood, predominantly made up of rowhomes, mid-rise apartments and mixed-use buildings. The building and lot we assessed is about to

undergo renovation and currently has no trees on site, but there is potential for the space to achieve more than 40 percent canopy with the addition of five thoughtfully placed trees.

The lot measures close to 60 feet in width and 140 feet in depth, and because the building spans the entire width of the lot — roughly the size of two to three traditional rowhomes — opportunities for planting are restricted to the front and back yards. Following a neighborhood presentation of the renovation plan, we provided the developer with a proposed tree planting guide.

Our plan recommends: • Front yard: One large canopy tree with two smaller understory or flowering trees to add visual interest.

• Back yard: Two large canopy trees, maintaining the five desired parking spaces.

• Pavement should be pitched to slope towards the tree box areas and at least 500 square feet of soil volume should be provided for each tree.

For more ideas on where to add trees on your property, consult Casey Trees’ Tree Space Design report.

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Roadway

Roadway

Roadway

15 ft spread

C B

Proposed 16-unit conversion.

30 ft spread

A

A

Alley

40 ft spread

A

Alley

Proposed 16-unit conversion with five additional trees: A: Large canopy tree (i.e. London planetree, honeylocust or scarlet oak) B: Medium-sized understory tree (i.e. American yellowwood, hawthorn, river birch) C: Small, flowering or fruit tree (i.e. cherry, Allegheny serviceberry)

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40 ft spread

40 ft spread

Alley

Proposed 16-unit conversion with 43 percent tree canopy.

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Events PARK(ing) Day furthers interest in tree-filled green space in D.C.

By Max Lopatnikov, Communications Associate, Casey Trees | Casey Trees recently transformed metered parking in Downtown D.C. into a temporary park for PARK(ing) Day 2013.

Through collaboration between several Casey Trees departments and a partnership with sweetgreen, Casey Trees delivered the most expressive and welcoming park installation we have created in the three years the organization has participated in the event.

Featuring a festive green lawn adorned with Ginkgo Plinko, picnic tables, recycled-cardboard trees and a watermelon tasting stand, the park drew attention from many passersby along the busy K Street corridor near Farragut Square.

This year Casey Trees incidentally played a leadership role in PARK(ing) Day by creating an informational map of all the parklets that popped up in the District, Maryland and Virginia — there were 20 official parks in D.C. alone! The map, which had nearly 8,000 views, generated the interest of many groups and people,

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some of whom even printed copies to guide them from park to park.

Exposure to Casey Trees’ creativity and mission could not have been greater as the prominent location, warm design and friendly atmosphere of our park would garner the attention of media such as NBC4 Washington, The Washington Post, DCist and other local outlets.

The pleasant change of scenery that Casey Trees’ park provided was such a success that it made visitors consider not only the value of D.C.’s urban forest, but also the real possibility of implementing initiatives to keep green “parklets” around the District for good.

David Edmondson, a former San Franciscoarea resident and Greater Greater Washington contributor, thinks that “the precedent is there from other U.S. cities for parklets to be more than a novelty in D.C.” Edmonson also praised the work Casey Trees is already doing by suggesting that “the canopy is better in D.C. than San Francisco…

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due in part to Casey Trees preserving the urban forest better.�

The legitimate application of programs such as Pavement to Parks in San Francisco raises the question of whether the beauty of PARK(ing) Day parks can survive in the District beyond a one-day shelf life. A new group, ParkletDC, is in the beginning stages of advocating for the replication of such a program in the District, which would allow local businesses and community groups to sponsor parklets and actively revitalize their environments.

PARK(ing) Day 2013 was a success because many individuals were engaged about not only the benefits cities receive from a thriving tree canopy, but the critical concepts of how urban space is allocated.

Our city still has a ways to go towards achieving its tree canopy goal of 40 percent — and park areas represent a good amount of available space to plant trees. Events such as PARK(ing) Day create interactive and interesting ways for people to connect with the environment and help Casey Trees and our partners express the need for more green space in Washington, D.C.

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Events September and October events Fall features a great slate of classes and events, from workshops to canoe tree tours. Most events require advance registration; space is limited and waitlists are available.

Saturday, October 5 Class: Tree Planting Workshop 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

This workshop is the first step to becoming a CF Team Leader and helping Casey Trees at future plantings by instructing other volunteers! Team Leader candidates will learn how to select and prepare a tree planting site and properly plant the tree to ensure its survival.

Cost: Free, CLASS IS CANCELED This is a CF-qualifying course. **Because of the government shutdown, this class has been canceled.

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

Stetsons Famour Bar and Grill 1610 U Street NW

Casey Trees’ monthly happy hours are a great opportunity to meet fellow volunteers and Casey Trees supporters. Open to all!

Cost: Free

Wednesday, October 9

sUNDAY, oCTOBER 27

Tree Tour: Unique Species at Smithsonian Gardens

Tree Tour: Fall Color at the Casey Tree Farm

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Enid A. Haupt Garden

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Casey Tree Farm 2498 Briggs Road Berryville, Va.

Tour participants will learn from garden staff about some of the unique specimens present — some of which are rarely found in D.C. — and how these species were chosen.

Cost: Free; CLASS IS FULL

tHURSDAY, oCTOBER 17 Tree Tour: Fall Riparian Forests Paddling Outing 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Meeting location TBD

Learn about the ecology and surrounding wetlands of the Anacostia River on a paddle night with Casey Trees and Anacostia Watershed Society.

Cost: Free; CLASS IS FULL

Join us for a fall color tree tour at Casey Tree Farm in Berryville, VA where participants will discover the beauty of the surrounding forests nestled in the Shenandoah River valley.

Cost: Free; CLASS IS FULL

Sunday, November 3 Tree Tour: Fort Bunker Hill 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Fort Bunker Hill 14th and Perry Streets NE

Come discover the diversity of native species found in Brookland’s historic Fort Bunker Hill on this fall tree tour.

Cost: Free; CLASS IS FULL

Tuesday, November 12 Social: Branch Out Happy Hour 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Brixton 901 U Street NW

Join us at Brixton for our monthly social happy hour for friends and volunteers! Free and open to all.

Cost: Free

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Saturday, November 16

Saturday, November 23

Family Program: Lacey Woods Park

Event: ‘Seeing Trees’ with Nancy Ross Hugo

10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Lacey Woods Park Arlington, Va.

1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

U.S. National Arboretum Administration Building 24th Street NE

Tree Detectives is a series of family-focused tree tours styled as scavenger hunts, best for families with children in grades 1 to 6.

Cost: Free

Sunday, November 17 Tree Tour: Rock Creek Park 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Rock Creek Park Wyndale Road and Beach Drive Chevy Chase, Md.

Immerse yourself in fall color on this very special tree tour led by famed author Melanie Choukas-Bradley.

This 2.5-mile walk, starting and ending at Boundary Bridge, will loop you along perhaps the most beautiful part of Rock Creek Park and where you are certain to be treated to stunning sycamores, ash, maples and more.

Join Nancy Ross Hugo for a special afternoon to discuss the behind the scenes work and research that inspired her acclaimed nature book Seeing Trees: Discover the Extraordinary Secret Lives of Everyday Trees. This event is cosponsored by the Friends of the National Arboretum.

Cost: Free **Registration available through co-sponsor Friends of the National Arboretum.

Cost: Free **Early access to this event is only available to current donors who have made a gift in the last year. Receive benefits like advanced registration, invitations to special events, and discounted tickets by making a donation today!

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Arbor Kids Fall tree-leaf masks Fall is here! While the leaves may not be changing color quite yet, it’s a great time to collect some fallen leaves (green, brown or multi color) and make a fun fall leaf mask! (Perhaps for Halloween?)

There are so many ways to make a leaf mask, here are a few:

Design by 5 Orange Potatoes. Instructions here.

Supplies: • Pressed leaves • Glue solution • Card-stock mask • Crayons • Scissors • Hole punch • Yarn Design by Momtastic. Instructions here.

Supplies: • Leaves • Plastic mask • Glue • Scissors

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