The Leaflet — September 2011 by Casey Trees

Casey Trees News

leaflet

the

September 2011

BACK TO

SCHOOL LEARN MORE ON PAGE 6

In this issue...

2 Tree Damage Tips for Homeowners 3 Letter from the Executive Director 4 District Curb Alternative Program

Casey Trees working with city on new designs.

5 Fall CTP Schedule 6 The Back to School Issue

District school grounds lack tree canopy coverage.

7 Casey Trees’ ROOTS Curriculum 8 Continuing Education Courses

Learn something new in a Casey Trees class.

9 Fall Programs and Classes 10 Kids Corner

EAB Quarantine in D.C.

Projects illustrate perils facing D.C.'s trees

his summer, the Geographic Resources (GR) department at Casey Trees was busy with projects and data collection aimed at advancing understanding of the composition, structure, and function of the District’s urban forest. The GR team continued the study of young urban tree mortality, worked on a survey of power lines and wires and acquired satellite and aerial imagery for a continuing analysis of changes in the D.C.’s tree canopy.

TREE MORTALITY STUDY For the first study, students in statistics and plant biology from the University of Maryland, College Park and Georgetown University have worked to analyze the relationship between various environmental factors and tree mortality under the direction of their advisors. They will use Casey Trees’ detailed planting

records as a basis for their analysis.

TREES AND WIRES The second project focused on how the ecosystem services and aesthetic benefits of trees are affected by power lines and wires.

UPDATED IMAGERY The new data will help the GR team develop a more advanced understanding of the temporal and spatial changes in the District’s tree canopy as seen from the sky. Results and summaries of both studies will be available online in the coming months. The GR department is responsible for Casey Trees’ online tree tools, such as the Casey Trees Map, D.C. Street Tree Map and the Tree Benefits Calculator.

Last month The Leaflet featured an article about the Emerald ash borer (EAB) quarantine in Maryland and how it could affect the District’s ash trees. On Aug. 10, the USDA issued an EAB quarantine for D.C. The USDA has created a website with information on how to identify and control EAB on your property.

Casey Trees in the News Read these August news stories that feature Casey Trees. “Why Do Our Trees Fall?” - NBC Washington, August 29, 2011 Casey Trees staff discussed tree benefits and anatomy as they related to Hurricane Irene. “D.C.’s trees suffer from summer’s record heat” - The Current Newspapers, August 24, 2011 Casey Trees’ Jim Woodworth talked about our watering efforts.

New Staff Members Liz Ball Volunteer Coordinator lball@caseytrees.org 202.349.1907

Liz graduated from the University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Plant Sciences. She has engaged volunteers across the U.S. at organizations such as Student Conservation Association, Bike & Build, AmeriCorps VISTA and American Forests. She is thrilled to take on the role of Volunteer Coordinator and interact with Casey Trees’ dedicated volunteer corps!

Lisa Morris Planning Associate lmorris@caseytrees.org 202.349.1892

After completing her Master’s in Urban Planning at the University of Michigan in 2008, Lisa advised communities on development projects and neighborhood plans as a community planner for the City of Baltimore. Lisa is looking forward to working on tree canopy and sustainability issues in the nation’s capital.

Casey Trees offers tree-care advice for homeowners in wake of Hurricane Irene

urricane Irene caused damage along the East Coast. The storm system’s high winds fell trees and brought down branches across Washington, D.C. It is important to assess and treat trees on and near your property to ensure your safety and tree health. First, survey for tree damage. For street tree-related issues, call 311 or go to 311 online and make a request for the Urban Forestry Administration to prune branches or remove fallen trees. If the damaged tree is on private property, hire a certified arborist to determine its structural stability, prevent or treat infection and/ or provide restoration pruning as needed. Do not tend to trees or fallen branches that are on or near power lines. Go online for information on how to select a certified arborist and find those that service our area. Although residents may be weary to replace fallen trees, especially if they have caused property damage, The rule of thumb is to replace trees that must be removed to maintain a healthy tree canopy. Casey Trees offers D.C. residents rebates of up to $100 per tree planted on private property through

Last month’s episode of Casey Trees’ free online chat forum, Tree Talk Thursdays, covered storm damage and tree assessment, removal and replacement. Read the transcript here. its Tree Rebate program. There is no maximum number for rebate submissions. Residents can also have shade trees planted through Casey Trees’ RiverSmart Homes program, which includes an arborist consultation and tree planting for $50 per tree. If large numbers of trees were lost or sustained tree damage, apply to participate in Casey Trees’ Community Tree Planting program, which provides trees on D.C. private property at no cost.

PLANT A TREE THIS FALL! CASEY TREES’

TR E R BATE

IT PAYS TO GO GREEN

DISTRICT RESIDENTS: Whether you want to replace damaged or fallen trees or simply beautify your yard, Casey Trees and the District Department of the Environment can help you offset the cost of purchasing and planting a tree with a rebate of up to $100. Complete guidelines, a list of eligible trees and participating nurseries and tree planting advice are available online. September 2011 | theleaflet

Making a Difference with Casey Trees Mark Buscaino Executive Director

early 10 years and 10,000 trees since our founding, Casey Trees continues to search for ways to increase our efforts to connect people to trees. Our new development department, launched this summer, strives to create a base of committed donors who believe as we do — that neighborhoods with a healthy canopy of trees are strong, connected and environmentally and socially sustainable communities. Why do we need your support? Some things to consider: •

•

This fall, 383 new trees will take root in neighborhoods across the city through our Community Tree Planting program, costing Casey Trees nearly $100,000. Our High School Summer Crew, which provides a quality, eight-week environmental jobs experience for Washington, D.C.area high school students and just completed its record-breaking 10th year, costs $40,000 each season.

•

Casey Trees’ Water By-Cycle program, consisting of two bicycle crews that travel across the District to water trees, requires $12,000 per team each summer to operate. In 2006, Casey Trees’ had 14 staff, 400 trained Citizen Forester volunteers and planted 300 trees. Last year, we had 27 staff, 20 interns and more than 1,000 Citizen Foresters; planted more than 2,000 trees; held more than 100 tree walks, classes and other events; built our office headquarters and field office in Brookland; and planted more than 1,500 trees at our new tree production facility in Virginia.

Because of the generosity of our donors, Casey Trees has been able to stay true to its mission of restoring, enhancing and protecting the tree canopy of D.C. We have planted more than 10,000 trees in all eight Wards, educated thousands of youth and adults alike on the benefits of urban forests and worked with

theleaflet | September 2011

professionals and elected officials to protect existing trees and add new ones. By financially supporting Casey Trees, you are solidifying your commitment to making the nation’s capital a greener place to live, work, and play. Donations of any amount are welcomed. We thank you for your continued and future support of our mission, our programs and our passion. And with your support, it is our privilege to put your passion for the environment and trees into action. Yours in trees,

Mark Buscaino Executive Director

SUPPO

CASEY

CLICK H

TREES

ERE

Planning & Design department works with city on curb designs

hat would happen to the 1.2 billion gallons of stormwater that enter D.C.’s rivers and streams annually if we did not have curbs along the street?

Because curbs help direct stormwater runoff from the streets into the sewer system, a “curb-less” city could mean greener streets and cleaner streams. Sustainable urban design directs stormwater from streets, buildings and sidewalks to trees and vegetation instead of sewers. Casey Trees, with funding from the District Department of the Environment (DDOE), is working with the Wheeler Terrace neighborhood in Southeast to design greener streets by merging trees and stormwater. This program, called the District Curb Alternative, is geared to get communities to consider sustainable alternatives to the traditional urban curb and gutter design that lines most streets. Though the designs won’t be used

Bioretention planters line both sides of the street, with Wheeler Terrace on the left and Oxon Run Park on the right. Trees have access to stormwater from Silva Cells and structural soils.

for construction any time soon, they will serve as great examples of sustainable design and that, with the support of an entire community, future road and sidewalk projects can successfully incorporate bioretention planters and large canopy trees. Casey Trees engaged Wheeler Terrace residents in a discussion about greener streets, touring the city to see examples of smart designs for inspiration. After learning what was possible, community members helped to redesign their own block.

After two community design meetings and several redesigns, the final designs for the project will re-green the streets and the adjacent Oxon Run Park with beautiful trees, shrubs, grasses. But unlike traditional parks, these designs will create a sustainable irrigation cycle for vegetation. With the help of Greening Urban, a local engineering firm specializing in stormwater engineering, Casey Trees has created a new vision for Oxon Run Park and the community.

New Tudor Place tree walk available online

asey Trees released its third downloadable tree walk in August, highlighting trees on the grounds of Tudor Place. The historic mansion built by Martha Washington’s granddaughter, Martha Custis Peter, and her husband, Thomas Peter was completed in 1816. There are more than 400 trees at Tudor Place. This guide will direct you to a small sampling of those that merit special attention. Admission for the self-guided garden tour is $3 per person. Tree walks for the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden and the Franciscan Monastery are also available online at no cost. 4

Preparing your trees for the fall season It may still feel like summer, but the first day of fall — Sept. 23 — is rapidly approaching. Fall is a wonderful time to enjoy seasonal color, plant new trees (purchase a tree and receive up to $100 per tree trough our Tree Rebate program) and prepare existing ones for the cooler months. •

Remove slow-release watering bags. Tree trunks and the tree flare need to be exposed to air.

•

Check the mulch. Freshen mulch by adding two to three inches in a ring around the trunk. Pull the mulch ring three to six inches away from the trunk.

•

Water on occasional hot days. We recommend you practice 25 to Stay Alive — 25 gallons of water per tree per week in times of little or no rainfall. Do not water after the ground freezes. September 2011 | theleaflet

Fall 2011 CTP Schedule

Are you interested in getting your hands dirty this fall at a Community Tree Planting event? Visit Casey Trees' Calendar of Events webpage to register to volunteer. Interested groups of five or more should contact Liz Ball, Volunteer Coordinator, by email or at 202.349.1907. Advanced registration required; space is limited. School plantings are not open to volunteers.

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 Congress Park Plaza William C. Smith & Co. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Oxon Run Park Fort McNair Rock Creek Cemetery 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 1345 Savannah Street SE Valley Avenue & Wheeler Road SE 4th & P Streets SW Webster Street & Rock Creek Road NW 2611 O Street NW 3460 39th Street NW 901 4th Street NW 801 Taylor Street NW

7 6 7 8 8 6 4 2 3 6 4

5 5 5 10 40 27 22 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 5 5 9 10 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

SPONSORSHIPS & DONATIONS The Charitable Foundation of the Energy Bar Association will sponsor the planting of 12 trees at Capitol Quarter on Oct. 15. Starbucks Coffee Company will provide in-kind donations of coffee at all non-school events. Thank you to both for your support of Casey Trees and our Community Tree Planting program! Sponsorship opportunities are still available for other planting events.

SEASON SNAPSHOT

383

TOTAL TREES

theleaflet | September 2011

PLANTING SITES

REPEAT SITES 5

Back to school

at casey trees September 2011

D.C. SCHOOLS FACE TREE CANOPY SHORTFALLS W

School tree plantings aid the District’s canopy and teach students about the environment

ith more than 4,000 trees planted through the Community Tree Planting (CTP) program since 2005, Casey Trees is helping the District reach its Urban Tree Canopy Goal of 40 percent by 2035. While the city has 35 percent tree canopy coverage, educational campuses lag behind. The average canopy coverage for school property in D.C. is just 20 percent. Parking lots, playgrounds and open fields take up substantial area on school grounds. All are important features for schools, but strategically-planted trees can benefit a school’s student body and its landscape. To help address this shortfall, Casey Trees will host CTP events at eight schools across the District. Chris Horton, project organizer for the British School of Washington CTP, is excited about how the new trees will benefit the school and its students. “Trees will provide shade and much needed interest in places to play,” said Horton, who applied for a CTP at the request of a nine-year old student. In addition to shade and beauty, new trees are a great source of education for young students. By participating in school CTP events, children learn 6

With the help of volunteers, Casey Trees added 66 trees to the grounds at Alice Deal Middle School in Ward 3

how to plant a tree and work together to accomplish a goal. And learning doesn’t end with the CTP. Classes can utilize the trees to teach science lessons in an engaging, outdoor setting. “It is important to plant trees at schools,” said Sue Erhardt, Director of Education for Casey Trees. “This practical experience helps support the environmental curriculum taught to students.” New trees can also help students appreciate the workings of our environment.

value them, their environment and nature,” Erhardt said. The deadline to apply for the spring 2012 CTP season is Nov. 30. Find all the schools Casey Trees has planted online using the Casey Trees Map. Horton looks forward to the “sense of ownership and care” his students will feel for the new trees. “Hopefully pupils will be able to return in many years time and say ‘I helped plant that!’”

“Children exposed to trees learn to September 2011 | theleaflet

Help us plant more trees on D.C. school campuses

he last week of August marked the beginning of the D.C. school year and we at Casey Trees could not be more excited to begin working with the area’s students and faculty again. This fall, Casey Trees is lucky enough to be working with eight District schools to plant trees on their campuses through our Community Tree Planting (CTP) program. Casey Trees will plant 45 trees on and around school campuses this season — an investment totaling more than $10,000 for our city’s schools and their students. But we can’t reach these goals without your support. In giving to Casey Trees, you help teachers take the classroom outside and provide students with both a sense

of accomplishment and a closer relationship with their environment. That is why Casey Trees encourages you to sponsor a school CTP event. Since 2002, Casey Trees has planted more than 1,100 trees on school grounds across the city, at an estimated value of almost $300,000. But the monetary worth is only a small part of what these trees bring to the schoolyard atmosphere. Whether these students will be enjoying a long recess or an impromptu outdoor science class, our beautification efforts stand to greatly increase the quality of the time they spend at school. At Casey Trees, we believe that a child who appreciates his environment stands a better chance to flourish in it. Any donation from you marks the first

step in cultivating this relationship and establishing a green legacy for D.C.’s future generations. For a complete list of school tree plantings in your area, visit page 5 of the newsletter. To learn how you can become a sponsor for our school tree plantings, visit our website or contact the Development Department at 202.349.3470.

Schoolyard equals classroom for youth education initiative

hough educational campuses across the city may lack broad canopy coverage (see page 6), trees on school grounds provide a visual and physical component to many subjects and encourage teachers and students to use their backyard forest as their outdoor classroom.

Several area schools participate in the Restoring Our Own Trees

Through Service (ROOTS) program, a Casey Trees education initiative that connects educators and students to their schoolyard environment. ROOTS is comprised of ten lessons, all about trees, each using a specific approach for every subject. While most lessons are tailored for students up to eighth grade, they can certainly be adapted to challenge older students. The lessons cover tree biology and

its life cycle, focusing on various topics such as leaves and leaf shape, photosynthesis, tree benefits and animal habitats in trees. Most lessons involve both an indoor and outdoor component and can take anywhere from 45 minutes to three hours. For additional information on Casey Trees’ school programs and plantings, lesson plans or children’s activities, contact Education Coordinator Priscilla Bocskor by email or at 202.349.1896.

September 8

Growing Arbor Kids:

Educating youth on the importance of trees in and out of the classroom. What are some ways to engage children in learning about trees and the benefits they provide? Find out in this month’s episode of Tree Talk Thursdays, featuring James McGirt, Manager of Education at the American Forest Foundation, and Priscilla Bocskor, Education Coordinator at Casey Trees. Time: 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Pre-register and receive a reminder for the session. Email questions in advance to treedc@caseytrees.org or submit them during the chat session. theleaflet | September 2011

LEARNING AT EVERY AGE As children get back into the swing of school, consider continuing your education by participating in one of Casey Trees’ fall classes and events.

“T

he more you learn, the more you realize how little you know.” Some say it was Socrates that introduced that familiar saying. Regardless of its origins, this truism highlights the feeling of apathy we may have towards learning, especially among adults. We at Casey Trees have the good fortune of working with individuals who have chosen to enlighten themselves. Our class participants share a desire to get better acquainted with the District’s trees and learn the role they can play in protecting and restoring this ecosystem. As our community youth head back to school, we encourage everyone to rekindle their desire to learn and take some time to explore D.C.’s urban forest through Casey Trees’ educational offerings.

This fall’s class lineup includes topics such as the effect of climate change on D.C.’s urban forest, community gardens and urban fruit orchards.

For those interested in becoming active tree volunteers in the community, we encourage you to become a Citizen Forester (CF) by attending one of three qualifying classes: Trees 101, Tree Planting Workshop or Stand Up for Trees (the next class will be in February 2012). All three CF-qualifying courses are a core part of the Casey Trees

curriculum and are offered throughout the year. This fall also includes a series of classes hosted by guest lecturers, with topics such as urban fruit tree management and the implications of climate change for D.C.’s tree canopy. We will also be hosting a screening of A Community of Gardeners, a documentary that highlights seven local community gardens and the role they have played in their neighborhoods. Cintia Cabib, the director of the film, will join garden activists in discussing the film and the issues it raises. Lastly, we invite you to explore historic and vibrant parts of the city on one of our tree walks. This fall features a walk at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site and a bicycle tour of the National Malls’ trees, both led by City of Trees author Melanie Choukas-Bradley. It is our hope that the more you understand our urban forest, the more you will realize how you can help Casey Trees restore, enhance and protect it. September 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.

ALL CLASSES ARE

FREE

Citizen Forester-Qualifying Classes

Trees 101*

Casey Trees Staff Sat., Sept. 10, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Casey Trees Headquarters 3030 12th St. NE

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

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.

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.

Pruning Events Massachusetts Avenue Memorial Garden

Casey Trees Staff Sat., Sept. 17, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Fulton St. & 35th St. NW Meet at park by the intersection

NOTE: Pruning events are for Citizen Foresters only and online registration is not available. If interested, email Shawn Walker or call 202.828.4132.

theleaflet | September 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.

Tree Walks Frederick Douglass House

Melanie Choukas-Bradley, Author of City of Trees Sat., Sept. 24, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Visitor Center at 15th & W Sts. SE

Tour the historic Anacostia home of abolitionist and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rights advocate Frederick Douglass. The scenic property has several species of oaks, hickories, white ash and hackberry.

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. 9

Kids Corner CASEY TREESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; BACK TO SCHOOL

photo coNteSt Students get your cameras out! Check out the trees in your yard, on your block or at your school or favorite park. Take a photo of your favorite or ones you find interesting and send it to Casey Trees. Here's what to do:

1 2 3 4

Snap a photo of your favorite tree.

When submitting your photo please include your name, age, address and a brief description about the tree highlighted in your photo. The deadline for photos is Friday, Oct. 7.

Submit your photo to our Education Coordinator, Priscilla Bocskor via email (pbocskor@caseytrees.org) or mail to Priscilla Bocskor, 3030 12th St. NE, Washington, DC 20017.

The winner will be picked by the end of October. The winning photo will be published in The Leaflet and displayed in the lobby of Casey Treesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; headquarters. The winner will be presented his/her prize at the Community Tree Planting event at Rose Park in Georgetown on Saturday, Nov. 12.

September 2011 | theleaflet

theleaflet | September 2011