theleafletMarch 2013

SpringAwakeningThe season’s warming up for tree planting.

Casey Trees News iN Brief

2 March 2013 | theleaflet

casey Trees News

Casey Trees LaunChes updaTed newsroom | The revamped Casey Trees Newsroom is now available. The redesigned news pages feature biography and expertise pages for Casey Trees’ programmatic directors. The new layout also creates an easier viewing experience for readers in addition to easier access to press and an RSS feed for Casey Trees’ media releases.

dr. JessiCa sanders pubLished in arboriCuLTure JournaL | Dr. Jessica Sanders, Director of Technical Services and Research, has been published in the March 2013 edition of Arboriculture & Urban Forestry. A PDF of the article is available to International Society of Arboriculture members. The article focuses on linking available soil for urban trees to their potential maximum size.

FareweLL To voLunTeer CoordinaTor Liz baLL | March 29 will mark the last day for Casey Trees’ Volunteer Coordinator, Liz Ball. For almost two years, Ball has overseen all volunteer programs, such as tree plantings tree care events

Casey Trees’ Planning and Design Department has re-started Lunch & Learn presentations this spring.

The presentations allow organizations and universities to enjoy a meal while learning about popular tree design and policy. The one-hour sessions are hosted outside of Casey Trees and address best practices for sustaining a healthy urban tree canopy and contemporary urban design challenges. Interested groups are encouraged to request a session online.

The “Lunch and Learn” program is available once a month (twice in May and October) on a first come, first serve basis. There are currently two available session topics, “Streetscape Design - How Trees in Low Impact Development Are Transforming D.C.’s Streets” and “Protecting D.C.’s Trees through Policy.” Registration information and detailed presentation descriptions are available on the Planning and Design page. “Lunch and Learns” are free of charge for presentations in Washington, D.C. There is a small fee for presentations outside the District.

Casey Trees comes to your office with Lunch & Learn presentations

and the Citizen Forester program. Ball will be participating an a rickshaw race in India, where proceeds benefit an international conservation nonprofit.

Tree pLanTing Crew ChieF parTiCipaTes in muniCipaL ForesTry Training | Urban Forestry Crew Chief Mike Ferguson joined other urban foresters and arborists for a week-long career training held at the Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, Neb. The 2013 Municipal Forestry Institute (MFI) was a professional development opportunity for arborists to increase their awareness on growing successful tree programs from a leadership and managerial perspective.

six sTaTes CeLebraTe arbor day in marCh | Established in 1872 by J. Sterling Morton, Arbor Day serves to observe and appreciate trees, forestry and ecological themes. Although National Arbor Day is recognized in April, most states celebrate when their climates are appropriate for tree planting. Awards are often presented to outstanding organizations and

UrbaN ForesTry News

theleaflet | March 2013 3

individuals that plan memorable and interesting events. Six states will be celebrating during the month of March: Arkansas – March 18 (State Tree: Loblolly Pine)California – March 7-14 (State Tree: California Redwood) North Carolina – March 22 (State Tree: Longleaf Pine) New Mexico – March 8 (State Tree: Pinyon Pine) Oklahoma – March 25-29 (State Tree: Eastern Redbud) Tennessee – March 1 (State Tree: Yellow Poplar)

mayor gray inTroduCes FinaL susTainabiLiTy pLan For d.C. | On Feb. 20, Mayor Vincent Gray released a final version of his 20-year plan to make D.C. the healthiest,

greenest and most livable city in the nation. Many of the plan’s environmental components cite the city’s tree canopy goal and the need for more green space. To reach these goals, the city, including government agencies, nonprofit groups, universities and other entities, must plant at least 8,600 trees annually. The plan also seeks to require trees and green space on all new development sites.

ameriCan ForesTs puTs d.C. on LisT oF besT CiTies For urban Trees | The group’s 2013 list features 10 of the 50 most populous cities in the United States. Washington, D.C.’s current tree planting and conservation initiatives helped it make the cut, as did its 7,000 acres of parkland.

IN ThIs IssUe...

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gIvINg: celebraTe sprINgTIMe wITh casey Trees ........................................................................ 5

large caNopy Trees provIde greaTer beNeFITs To properTy owNers .............................. 6

sprINg cTp seasoN wIll brINg Trees across The MeTro area ............................................. 7

FIve ways For yoUr Trees To FloUrIsh ThIs sprINg ................................................................... 8

sprINg edUcaTIoN serIes hIghlIghTs ThreaTs To UrbaN Trees ............................................. 9

New Map IMagery oFFers dIFFereNT perspecTIve oF casey Tree FarM ..................... 10-11

d.c. park reNovaTIoNs coUld aFFecT pasT casey Trees plaNTINg sITes .................... 12-13

casey Trees’ sprINg 2013 eveNT schedUle.............................................................................. 14-15

sprINg’s Tree plaNTINg aNd Tree care volUNTeer opporTUNITIes ..................................... 16

arbor kIds: Tree parTs Make greaT Tree arT ............................................................................ 17

4 March 2013 | theleaflet

Citizen Forester Abbie Steiner has a green thumbBy Danielle Lomax, Communications Intern, Casey Trees | Lighting up Twitter as @RedHeadGardener, Citizen Forester (CF) Abbie Steiner is as active in the digital world as she is in the community.

As a healthful eating educator and community activist, she is very familiar with encouraging her neighbors to take on sustainable tasks. Often tweeting about maintaining gardens and affordable organic food, the urban Master Gardener is just as passionate about trees as she is about healthful food.

“I love trees and planting,” Steiner said. “It’s so exciting to know that you’re tying your community back to the environment.”

She was first introduced to Casey Trees while training to become a Master Gardener. She even proposed the Community Tree Planting site at the Capital Area Food Bank campus, where she works, and served as the planting’s Project Organizer. Now as a CF, getting her hands dirty at Community Tree Planting events has become a part of Abbie’s routine.

“Every week, people would ask me, ‘What are you doing this weekend?’ and I always replied planting trees,” she said. “It got to the point where people automatically associated me with trees.”

The Denver native’s interest in horticulture and arboriculture piqued while attending college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While most college co-eds spent their spare time sleeping,

eating and socializing, Steiner spent her time hiking, biking and visiting arboretums.

“I really enjoyed being in spaces surrounded by beautiful and strong tree canopies,” she said.

Steiner is using her expertise to help ensure environmental sustainability. She takes a great deal of pride in being a CF and working with Casey Trees.

“I keep coming back to Casey Trees because of their ability to create a great atmosphere of engagement,” she said.

Steiner appreciates the relationships she has formed through tree planting and sees it as a way to get involved and directly help restore the District’s urban tree canopy. Despite being a new CF, she has left a lasting and significant impact as a volunteer and Project Organizer, and she will add RiverSmart Homes Shade Tree participant to that résumé later this spring.

Spotlight

Learn about the many ways you can get involved with Casey Trees as a Citizen Forester.

theleaflet | March 2013 5

Giving

Get a head start on your springtime celebrations with Casey Trees

Casey Trees offers a variety of ways to directly contribute financially to its tree planting and education programs.

By Mark DeSantis, Development Associate, Casey Trees | It is still a few weeks away, but even the thought of spring’s impending arrival is cause for celebration here at Casey Trees and among all fellow tree lovers. With celebrations such as Arbor Day and Earth Week, not to mention the start of our own planting season, spring marks the ultimate time to celebrate D.C.’s trees.

With so much going on in the months ahead, make sure you have a head start on all your tree-centric celebrations this year. In fact, some forward thinking individuals and local businesses are already well underway as they prepare to give back to the city’s canopy in 2013.

Check out some of the best ways people around town are helping out Casey Trees this year and how you can also be a part of the fun this spring:

• Spring Community Tree Planting Sponsor: Want to transform a neighborhood in 2013? Consider sponsoring one of the Community Tree Planting (CTP) events in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. For seven years, Casey Trees has helped communities add trees to their parks, schools and recreation centers — all free of charge. Consider joining sponsors such as CoStar Group and Macy’s this spring and sponsor one of our planting events. For a list of this season’s planting events, visit our online calendar.

• Jeans for Trees: For three years, Casey Trees friends at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan

Law Offices have held an annual “Jeans for Trees” day in which employees can donate at least $5 to rock their favorite denim around the office for a day. All proceeds from the event go to Casey Trees and our reforestation efforts across the city.

• Tree Dedication: Every Arbor Day, more and more individuals and offices look to make a lasting gift to the city and its residents. A popular way to do this is through Casey Trees’ Tree Dedication program. Groups or individuals can sponsor or dedicate the planting of a tree at one of our many CTP events. All Tree Dedications are included on an interactive map and recipients receive a formal acknowledgment and a commemorative certificate with a photo of the tree.

• Donate: As always, donations of any amount are a great way to celebrate Arbor Day, Earth Week or any springtime celebration. Donations can be made online, over the phone or via mail. Our donors are also privy to some fantastic year-round perks that include advanced registration, discounted tickets and exclusive event invitations.

This spring, do not wait until the last minute to celebrate — join your fellow Washingtonians now and get a head start on helping to make the nation’s capital a greener place for all.

6 March 2013 | theleaflet

Benefits from large canopy trees outweigh those of smaller tree species

Tree Planting

By Katie Heffernan, Arborist-Auditor, Casey Trees | Whether from a neighbor or friend, D.C. residents are becoming more familiar with Casey Trees’ Tree Rebate program.

It is simple: purchase and plant a tree — non-invasive and a species that reaches a minimum height of 15 feet at maturity — on private residential and commercial property in D.C., submit Casey Trees an itemized receipt and completed rebate form and receive up to $100 back per tree!

Despite having space on their property, most people do not consider incorporating medium to large canopy species in their landscapes. It is now routine to plant small ornamental trees. In some cases — limited rooting space, conflicts with overhead wires, or proximity to buildings — those trees are the appropriate choice.

Studies show that trees in general make us happier and provide significant environmental benefits, it goes to reason that the greater the canopy size, the greater the benefits. As the climate continues to change, cities need all the benefits they can get. Trees provide us with cleaner air, better water and

greater energy efficiency.

When considering a large tree, it is important to assess your property to see if one is appropriate. Planting a tree’s mature size in mind and using the Right Tree, Right Place is critical, as it can help you determine what size canopy tree — and subsequently tree species — is appropriate for your

space.

Large canopy trees that qualify for the $100 rebate and are readily available at local nurseries and home improvement stores. Overall, 27 species are eligible for the $100 rebate. Medium canopy trees — river birch, black gum and honeylocust do well in the DMV — qualify for up to a $50 rebate, as do many small ornamental and fruit and nut trees.

As the saying goes, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, but

the second best time is now! Welcome spring by dusting off your shovel and planting a large canopy tree today, and receive a Tree Rebate while you are at it.

Learn how to plant balled-and-burlapped and containerized trees with Casey Trees’ video tutorials on YouTube.

theleaflet | March 2013 7

On March 2, future and current Citizen Foresters gathered at Catholic University of America to kick off the spring 2013 Community Tree Planting (CTP) season, during which roughly 450 trees will be added to 23 planting sites — including 11 schools — across D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

Because of the financial and human resources required to maintain grounds, many schools lack a robust tree canopy that otherwise would provide outdoor educational opportunities, food sources and scenic campuses. Additionally, schools constantly undergo renovation and rebuilding, furthering the loss of tree canopy on school property. To mitigate this, Casey Trees is partnering with public, public charter and private schools this spring to green their grounds with 60 trees in total, teach children about the benefits of trees and get them outdoors to help plant and water trees.

More than a quarter of all plantings will occur in Wards 7 and 8, areas of the District where tree canopy percentages are below average, yet filled with ample available space that can accommodate more trees. This spring will also be the second consecutive season of planting outside the District, with three school plantings in Maryland and two plantings — one school, one regular — in Northern Virginia.

Casey Trees will celebrate National Volunteer Week with a week’s worth of tree care events at

former CTP planting sites around the city, including Tregaron Conservancy (Ward 3), Oxon Run (Ward 8) and Michigan Park (Ward 5).

Casey Trees updated its CTP program application process earlier this year by creating two online forms — one for regular CTP events and one for school plantings — and incorporated new eligibility requirements for interested groups, such as increasing watering commitments to three years instead of two. Regular CTP sites still must include 60 percent shade tree totals and have room for 10 or more trees, while schools can have room for at least five trees.

Community Tree Planting program spring season now underway

volunteers will return to ward 8’s oxon run park for a tree planting

event on May 11.

The spring 2013 Community Tree Planting season is set, but if your neighborhood, religious center, school or community garden has space, consider applying by May 1 for the fall 2013 season.

8 March 2013 | theleaflet

Spring Almanac preview: Five simple ways to help your trees this seasonThere may still be a chill in the air, but buds are on the trees and blossoms will bloom soon. Spring is at D.C.’s doorstep and March is the perfect time to ensure your trees are ready for good growth in the warmer months.

Over the course of the next few weeks, be sure to:

Inspect for dead or crossing branches. Damaged or branches should be pruned carefully. Dead branches should be removed.

Remove winter weeds and emerging grasses from around the trunk base.

Mulch your trees to keep soil moist, discourage weed growth and deter pests and diseases. Apply mulch using the 3-3-3 Rule — three inches of mulch in a three-foot ring with a three-inch space around the tree trunk. Avoid volcano mulching.

Add trunk guards if lawn mowers or weed whackers will come near your trees. If you live near locations with active deer populations, install deer guards.

Install slow-release watering bags around young trees. Practice 25 to Stay Alive by giving trees that have been in the ground less than three years 25 gallons of water, equal to 1.5 inches of rain, a week. Watering bags may also be purchased on Casey Trees’ store, The ColleCTion.

Casey Trees provides step-by-step instruction online for how to properly plant and care for trees

and information on programs available to D.C. residents to help offset the cost of purchasing trees, such as Tree Rebate.

Casey Trees offers a collection of print and video tutorials on how to plant and care for trees.

pruning is instrumental to a tree’s development and is best done when leaves are not present, so early spring is still a good time to prune.

Tree Care

theleaflet | March 2013 9

Education

Upcoming invasive species classes shed light on threats to urban forestBy Stephanie Juchs, Community Education Coordinator, Casey Trees | While anyone that has volunteered at a Casey Trees planting can attest that planting a tree is no easy endeavor, the true challenge is maintaining the existing canopy in the face of numerous threats to the urban forest.

Development, pests, invasive plant species, storms, aging trees, and numerous other factors remain a challenge to achieving the District’s tree canopy goal of 40 percent by 2032.

April’s continuing education classes will focus on some of these threats and how harmful insects and invasive plants can be successfully managed.

Starting on April 3, a two-part non-native, invasive plant class will cover how species like garlic

mustard, mile-a-minute and bush honeysuckle are threatening the native landscape of the Washington, D.C. area. The classroom session will teach participants how to identify non-native, invasive plants commonly found in the region and removal method options.

Class attendees then get to test their newly acquired skills in a field session on April 6 at Rock Creek Park, where they will remove invasive plants threatening new and mature trees. Volunteers will see the immediate impact of removing invasives and how individuals can contribute to creating a healthier urban forest.

A returning class is “CSI for Bugs: Honing your Diagnostic Skills” on April 18, taught by Dr. Michael Raupp, extension specialist and Professor of Entomology at the University of Maryland-College Park. Participants will learn how to use clues left behind by insects to identify what pests are present and design the right strategy to manage them. As part of the course, students will participate in a field activity in the bioretention rain garden at the Casey Trees headquarters.

Casey Trees continues to offer quality classes for professionals and tree enthusiasts alike. Check out pages 14 and 15 for classes in March and April.

10 March 2013 | theleaflet

Three-dimensional imagery gives new look to Casey Tree Farm

Technology & Research

By Michael Potts, GIS Specialist, Casey Trees | Lidar is a versatile tool for recording the shape and size of 3-D objects. Lidar uses lasers reflected by rotating mirrors to measure distance (by multiplying the return time by the speed of light) and direction from the instrument to the object of interest. In a computer, the locations of millions of points are collected and processed, thereby building up a model of any light-reflecting object point by point. To obtain high-resolution elevational data for the

area, Lidar data were collected for the northern Shenandoah Valley, which includes Casey Tree Farm, as part of a U.S. Geological Survey effort in early March 2011.

By filtering different points out of the dataset, you can get two different surfaces — bare earth and all returns — to model. The bare earth model is made by removing all points not on the ground. Trees can be taken out because when a Lidar system scans a tree, some of the light bounces off the very top of the tree (first return), while other bits of light reflect

off branches and leaves (intermediate returns), and some light shines all the way to the ground and reflects back to the sensor (last return). In the computer, you filter out the first and intermediate returns because they’re all higher than the last returns. Modeling a surface of all returns increases the visibility of vegetation and all other objects on the ground, which is useful for knowing what the area looks like with these variables.

Because humans are used to seeing objects with light and shadows accentuating the shape, visualization of Lidar data is often enhanced by applying hillshading. Hillshading produces a model of how light and shadow will play along a 3-D surface by shining a fake light source (or sun) on that surface. The resulting surface looks reminiscent of pictures of the moon as

everything is in shades of grey.

a surface model comparison of the same tract of land shows bare earth on the left and all return — buildings, vegetation, roads, etc. — on the right.

theleaflet | March 2013 11

Follow Casey Trees’ blog, Tree Speak, for additional mapping and GIS-related features by Technical Services & Research staff.

Buildings are typically easy to view in Lidar datasets as they will literally “pop out” of the ground when viewing the all returns hillshade model. However, sometimes tree canopy will overlap a building. When viewing the barn, you can see the general boxy shape of the building and its slanted roof. A few trees are very close by, muddling the outline of the barn in places. Trees are easily visible in Lidar. This dataset was taken in early March, before leaves started to grow on trees after winter, which helped get ground returns for use in creating a bare earth model. The trees then appear as a dense network of points floating over the ground. Interestingly, you can see a field of agricultural ridges, which is actually covered by tree cover. By using the bare earth model, the trees disappear, leaving only the ground behind. Also visible are fence lines around the field. It is likely the ridges were established for an orchard, but as the forest overtook the fields, the ridges stood. The spacing between rows is about 30 feet, which is the ideal spacing for apples. On the ground, the ridges are barely perceptible. It is amazing that from a moving airplane, these features are easier to spot than when you are on the ground.

Lidar is an excellent tool for mapping vegetation and landforms over large areas. This project uses

the only known Lidar dataset collected for the northern Shenandoah Valley, and it has revealed some surprises about Casey Tree Farm, such as the old orchard and several fence lines. It is likely other features are waiting to be discovered.

Provided future Lidar missions are undertaken, Casey Trees will be able to compare the state of Casey Tree Farm in 2011 with future versions, including changes in vegetation and landforms, helping paint a narrative for this piece of land.

by filtering different points from the data, two different surfaces — bare earth and all returns — can be modeled. The lidar imagery revealed that under the large forested area on the left were crop

ridges, most likely the site of a fruit orchard that had become overgrown.

12 March 2013 | theleaflet

D.C. park renovations could impact Casey Trees planting sites

Advocacy

By Emily Oaksford, Planning Associate, Casey Trees | Last year, D.C.’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and Department of General Services (DGS) began a multi-year effort known as Play DC to improve D.C.’s 78 playgrounds, 32 of which are to be renovated by the end of 2013.

Twelve of 32 parks slated for improvements in 2013 contain Casey Trees-planted trees; designs for seven parks will disturb or threaten these trees, let alone the other trees in the parks. The loss of trees in these parks means a loss in associated benefits, such as cleaner air, greener playgrounds and safer neighborhoods. It is up to us as citizens and urban forest advocates to follow the development of all of these park improvement projects to ensure that one our favorite park amenities — trees — are not forgotten. Stand up for these trees and ask that:

1. removal of Casey Trees-planted trees and other healthy, well-established, canopy trees is kept to a minimum;

2. for any tree removed, replacement trees should be planted in the same park;

3. during park construction efforts, care should be taken, such as construction fencing, around healthy, well-established trees.

Visit Casey Trees online to find out more on how to get involved in tree protection in the District.

DPR cites the Mayor’s Vision for a Sustainable DC as one of the impetuses for the parkland renovation effort. While Play DC is certainly helping to carry out one of the Sustainable DC Plan action items — to “provide parkland or natural space within a 10-minute walk of all residents” by 2032 (Goal 3 Target) (Action 3.3) — it falls short of making the connection that District-owned parkland remains a viable location to increase tree canopy and Play DC could be a catalyst for the District’s target goal to “cover 40% of the District with a healthy tree canopy” by 2032 (Goal 2 Target), by planting 8,600 new trees per year (Action 2.1).

theleaflet | March 2013 13

Planning & Design

coNgress heIghTs parkward 8’ congress heights park has 38 percent existing tree canopy. casey Trees staff and volunteers have planted 13 trees within the park (green dots). The proposed improvements to the playgrounds will most likely impact 11 of these trees (outlined in pink). The remaining two casey Trees-planted trees may be impacted as well (outlined in blue).

14 March 2013 | theleaflet

Events

Spring tree tours featured in March and April event schedule

Tree Tour: Carderock with Melanie Choukas-Bradley9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.Carderock Recreation AreaChesapeake & Ohio National Historic Park, Potomac, Md.

Join “City of Trees” author Melanie Choukas-Bradley for a tree walk at Carderock, one of the most botanically

diverse areas near Washington, D.C.

Cost: $15; Class is full

Branch Out: Citizen Forester Happy Hour6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.Local 161602 U Street NW

Casey Trees’ monthly happy hour on the rooftop terrace at U Street’s Local 16 bar.

Cost: Free

This winter features a variety of continuing education courses and social events, most of which require advanced registration; space is limited and waitlists are available.

Tree Talk Online Chat: A Blossoming City12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.Online

Discuss the many species that blossom in early spring — dogwood, serviceberry, redbud and cherry — and where to witness their beauty.

Cost: Free

Tree Tour: Cherry Blossom Tree Walk with Casey Trees11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.Meeting location determined upon registration

Join Washington Walks and Casey Trees for a walking tour along the National Mall recounting the history of D.C.’s cherry trees.

Cost: $20In partnership with Washington Walks. Register for this event on the Washington Walks website. Proceeds benefit Casey Trees.

sUNday, March 10

Tree Talk Online Chat: Repurposing Urban Wood12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.Online

As beautiful as a healthy living tree is, sometimes wonderful things can come out of the limbs that have fallen. Join the discussion about the full spectrum of wood repurposing, including harvesting, woodworking, artistry, and more.

Cost: Free

Tree Tour: Cherry Blossom Tree Walk with Casey Trees11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.Meeting location determined upon registration

Join Washington Walks and Casey Trees for a walking tour along the National Mall recounting the history of D.C.’s cherry trees.

Cost: $20In partnership with Washington Walks. Register for this event on the Washington Walks website. Proceeds benefit Casey Trees.

TUesday, March 12

saTUrday, March 23

ThUrsday, March 28

saTUrday, March 30

ThUrsday, March 14

theleaflet | March 2013 15

Class: Non-Native, Invasive Plant Removal - Classroom6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Casey Trees Headquarters3030 12th Street NE

This course looks at non-native, invasive plants and how they threaten native landscapes. Participants will learn how to identify and control invasives found in the D.C. area.

Cost: Free, 25 slots openThe course consists of two parts on two different days: a 2.5 hour classroom session at the Casey Trees headquarters (April 3rd) followed by a 3 hour field session (April 6th) in Rock Creek Park.

Tree Tour: Cherry Blossom Tree Walk with Casey Trees11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.Meeting location determined upon registration

Join Washington Walks and Casey Trees for a walking tour along the National Mall recounting the history of D.C.’s cherry trees.

Cost: $20In partnership with Washington Walks. Register for this event on the Washington Walks website. Proceeds benefit Casey Trees.

Class: Non-Native, Invasive Plant Removal - Classroom1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.Rock Creek Park

Field session for “Non-Native, Invasive

Cost: Free, 25 slots openThe course consists of two parts on two different days: a 2.5 hour classroom session at the Casey Trees headquarters (April 3rd) followed by a 3 hour field session (April 6th) in Rock Creek Park.

Branch Out: Citizen Forester Happy Hour6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.Location TBD

Casey Trees’ monthly happy hour.

Cost: Free

Tree Talk Online Chat: Trees and the New World12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.Online

Trees have a storied place in more than just modern American culture. Revered by Native Americans, trees have for centuries played a dynamic role and this discussion will focus on their place in American history.

Cost: Free

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Tree Tour: Cherry Hill Park2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.300 Park AvenueFalls Church, Va.

This spring tree walk will focus on native trees that are rare finds in the landscape including hackberry, yellowwood and cucumber magnolia in Falls Church’s Cherry Hill Park.

Cost: Free

Class: CSI for Bugs: Honing Your Diagnostic Skills6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Casey Trees Headquarters3030 12th Street NE

Sometimes only symptoms or signs remain after insects injure plants. Like a crime scene investigator you can use these clues to identify the perpetrator. Put your skills to the test during the field activity at the end of the evening.

Cost: Free

Tree Talk Online Chat: Tree Report Card12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.Online

Go behind the scenes of Casey Trees’ annual Tree Report Card and see where the city’s urban tree canopy stands.

Cost: Free

sUNday, aprIl 14saTUrday, aprIl 6

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16 March 2013 | theleaflet

Volunteer

Open volunteer events are in blue. Citizen Forester-only events are in green. Schools and special events are not open to outside volunteers. Advance registration is required; space is limited.

DATe DAy TiMe GroUP WArD / LoCATion

March

3 Wednesday 9:30 a.m. Montessori of Northern Virginia Va. 6 Saturday 9:00 a.m. Congressional Cemetery 6 13 Saturday 9:00 a.m. Glenncrest with Groundwork Anacostia 7 13 Saturday 9:00 a.m. Langdon Park 5 14 Sunday 9:00 a.m. Four Mile Run Park with Tree Stewards of Arlington Va. 20 Saturday 9:00 a.m. Garfield Park 6 24 Wednesday 9:30 a.m. Grace Episcopal Day School Md. 24 Wednesday 1:00 p.m. Melvin Berman Hebrew Academy Md. 27 Saturday 9:00 a.m. Lafayette Park (Sponsored by CoStar Group) 4

4 Saturday 9:00 a.m. Dakota Crossing 5 11 Saturday 9:00 a.m. Oxon Run 8

9 Saturday 9:00 a.m. Tregaron Conservancy 3 13 Wednesday 9:00 a.m. Anacostia High School 8 13 Wednesday 12:30 p.m. Jefferson Middle School 6 14 Thursday 9:00 a.m. Capital City Public Charter School 4 14 Thursday 12:30 p.m. Kingsbury Center 4 15 Friday 9:00 a.m. Drew Freeman Middle School Md. 20 Wednesday 9:00 a.m. Stoddert Elementary School 3 22 Friday 9:00 a.m. Excel Public Charter School 8 23 Saturday 9:00 a.m. Green Scheme w/ Lincoln Heights 7 23 Saturday 9:00 a.m. Penn Branch Neighborhood 7 28 Thursday 9:00 a.m. Bethune Day Academy Public Charter School 5

aprIl

May

Tree plaNTINg

DATe DAy TiMe LoCATion WArD

aprIl

22 Monday TBD Fort Dupont Park 7 23 Tuesday TBD Congressional Cemetery 6 24 Wednesday TBD Tregaron Conservancy 3 25 Thursday TBD Michigan Park 5 26 Friday TBD Oxon Run 8 27 Saturday TBD Takoma Recreation Center 4

Tree care

registration opens for spring volunteer opportunities

theleaflet | March 2013 17

Arbor Kids

Twig art projectGo on a walk to collect some tree parts and use them as tools for making art! This time of year, the forest floor is covered with twigs, leaves, needles and cones. You can even find these in your yard, at your school or in a neighborhood park.

Collect twigs from the yard, your school or neighborhood park and paint them in vibrant colors. Use electrical wire to string your nicely painted twigs together. Try this project with other tree parts! What other shapes can you make with the tree parts you used?

Project concept and photo courtesy of artist Ellen Petti.