Tag Archives: urban forestry

Volunteer: Tree Care at Rock Creek Cemetery

Known for its mature native trees, monuments and sculptures, Rock Creek Cemetery functions as both a burial ground and public park. Help Casey Trees care for vulnerable young trees and give them a leg up in becoming an important part of our growing tree canopy at one of D.C.’s most beautiful and culturally significant cemeteries. We will be watering, weeding and mulching.

Requirements

  • All volunteers must sign a completed Volunteer Waiver Form before participating. Youth under 18 years of age must have their parent or legal guardian sign a Parental Consent Form and be supervised by an adult at all times. Please bring a completed form to the event to expedite the registration process. Forms will be available onsite in the event you forget.
  • Advance registration is required; space is limited. If your plans change prior to the event, please update your registration status so we can secure the necessary number of volunteers.
  • Be present for and actively listening to the tool safety demonstration at the start of the event. Registration opens a half hour before the indicated start time.
  • Closed-toe shoes are required. Wear long sleeves and pants. We will provide insect repellent, but feel free to bring your own if you have a preferred brand.

Group Registration

If you represent a group (5+ people), complete the Group Volunteer Information Form and we will contact you to discuss potential volunteer opportunities.

Meals

Volunteers are welcomed in the morning with granola bars for breakfast. Drinking water is available throughout the event. Bring your own refillable bottle or cup if you would like to reduce the number of single-use cups Casey Trees will provide.

Getting There

Public Transportation: The Fort Totten Metro station is a 1.0 mile walk to the site. The following bus lines stop at Rock Creek Church Rd NW & Webster St NW: 60, H8.

Parking: There is plenty of parking available in the cemetery parking lot next to St. Paul’s Church. Once entering the Rock Creek Church Rd and Webster Gate on to Allison St NW follow the Casey Trees signs to the meeting location at the St. Paul’s Center parking lot.

Volunteer: Tree Care at Mt. Olivet Cemetery

Help Casey Trees care for vulnerable young trees and give them a leg up in becoming an important part of our growing tree canopy at D.C.’s largest cemetery. We will be watering, weeding and mulching.

Requirements

  • All volunteers must sign a completed Volunteer Waiver Form before participating. Youth under 18 years of age must have their parent or legal guardian sign a Parental Consent Form and be supervised by an adult at all times. Please bring a completed form to the event to expedite the registration process. Forms will be available onsite in the event you forget.
  • Advance registration is required; space is limited. If your plans change prior to the event, please update your registration status so we can secure the necessary number of volunteers.
  • Be present for and actively listening to the tool safety demonstration at the start of the event. Registration opens a half hour before the indicated start time.
  • Closed-toe shoes are required. Wear long sleeves and pants. We will provide insect repellent, but feel free to bring your own if you have a preferred brand.

Group Registration

If you represent a group (5+ people), complete the Group Volunteer Information Form and we will contact you to discuss potential volunteer opportunities.

Meals

Volunteers are welcomed in the morning with granola bars for breakfast. Drinking water is available throughout the event. Bring your own refillable bottle or cup if you would like to reduce the number of single-use cups Casey Trees will provide.

Getting There

Parking: Parking is available at the cemetery entrance. Carpooling is encouraged to reduce the number of vehicles.

Public Transportation: The closest metro rail station (NoMa-Gallaudet University on the Red Line) is about 2 miles away from the cemetery. The B2 bus can be picked up from the Stadium Armory metro rail station (Blue, Orange, Silver Lines) and it drops off at Bladensburg Road and the 1600 block, which is just across the street from the cemetery.

Park Inventory: Lincoln Park

Casey Trees and DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration are joining forces to survey trees in the historic Lincoln Park and we would love for you to join us! As Capitol Hills largest park there is much work to be done to collect data on all the trees in the area.

Participants will receive a short, hands-on training in the park.  After learning the tools and techniques participants will split up into groups and begin measuring trees. We will be documenting tree species, height, diameter of the trunk, width of the crown and more.

Who Should Attend?

Open to the general public, you do not need any prior experience to join us.  Although, if you’ve participated in our Trees 101 or Trees 201 class, this will be a great way to put your knowledge into action!

Come Prepared

We will plan to conduct the inventory rain or shine so please wear appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes for walking short distances. Participants are welcome to bring water and a snack.

Meals

Light lunch will be provided.

Getting There

The closest metro station is Eastern Market Metro Station (Orange, Blue, and Silver lines). Exit the station and walk north on 7th Street, passing Eastern Market on the left. Turn right onto North Carolina Ave SE and continue straight until you reach Lincoln Park.

Bus lines 96 and 97 (East Capitol St. – Cardozo Line) have stops that service Lincoln Park.

Where to Meet

Meet us by the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial in the middle of the park.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user O. Bendorf

Volunteer: Tree Care at Armed Forces Retirement Home

Help Casey Trees care for vulnerable young trees and give them a leg up in becoming an important part of our growing tree canopy at the retirement home that specifically provides services to veterans in Washington, D.C. We will be removing invasive plants as well as watering, weeding and mulching.

Requirements

  • All volunteers must sign a completed Volunteer Waiver Form before participating. Youth under 18 years of age must have their parent or legal guardian sign a Parental Consent Form and be supervised by an adult at all times. Please bring a completed form to the event to expedite the registration process. Forms will be available onsite in the event you forget.
  • Advance registration is required; space is limited. If your plans change prior to the event, please update your registration status so we can secure the necessary number of volunteers.
  • Be present for and actively listening to the tool safety demonstration at the start of the event. Registration opens a half hour before the indicated start time.
  • Closed-toe shoes are required. Wear long sleeves and pants. We will provide insect repellent, but feel free to bring your own if you have a preferred brand.

Group Registration

If you represent a group (5+ people), complete the Group Volunteer Information Form and we will contact you to discuss potential volunteer opportunities.

Meals

Volunteers are welcomed in the morning with granola bars for breakfast. Drinking water is available throughout the event. Bring your own refillable bottle or cup if you would like to reduce the number of single-use cups Casey Trees will provide.

Getting There

Public Transportation: The closest Metro Station is Georgia Ave/Petworth Metro Station. There are also several Metrobus lines in the area, including the H8.

Parking: You are welcome to park in lots 3 and 5. These will be marked.

Please enter the facility using the Eagle Gate at 140 Rock Creek Church Road NW. Please note that the North Capitol Street entrance is not valid as the gate is not open to the public. 

Park Inventory: Chevy Chase Recreation Center

Casey Trees and DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration are surveying trees in this community space to gain information on how to best increase tree canopy- and you are an essential part of this! Join us in our efforts at the Chevy Chase Recreation Center to create a record of trees in D.C. parks.

Participants will receive a short, hands-on training in the park.  After learning the tools and techniques participants will split up into groups and begin measuring trees. We will be documenting tree species, height, diameter of the trunk, width of the crown and more.

Who Should Attend?

Open to the general public, you do not need any prior experience to join us.  Although, if you’ve participated in our Trees 101 or Trees 201 class, this will be a great way to put your knowledge into action!

Come Prepared

We will plan to conduct the inventory rain or shine so please wear appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes for walking short distances. Participants are welcome to bring water and a snack.

Meals

Light refreshments will be provided.

Getting There

It’s a short walk from the Friendship Heights Metro Station (Red Line) to the Recreation Center. Exit the station and turn left onto Western Avenue NW. You will see Chevy Chase Recreation Center on your right after .2 miles.

Bus routes E4, E6, and L8 service stops close to the Recreation Center.

Where to Meet

Meet us outside the entrance of the Chevy Chase Recreation Center.

Tree Tour: Paddling Tour around Theodore Roosevelt Island

Join Casey Trees and author/naturalist Melanie Choukas-Bradley for a mid-summer paddle around Theodore Roosevelt Island. We will tour the trees of the Theodore Roosevelt Island shoreline from our kayaks and canoes, pausing to admire and learn about the sycamores, maples, basswoods, cottonwoods, river birches, musclewood trees and many other woody plant species growing along the Potomac. There is a special magic to paddling right up under magnificent trees and drifting quietly beneath their branches! The views of the Lincoln Memorial, Kennedy Center and Georgetown waterfront are magnificent from the water and we may catch the soaring action of a bald eagle or osprey!

Instructor


Melanie Choukas-Bradley— naturalist and author of City of Trees and A Year in Rock Creek Park

Who Should Attend?

Open to the general public for anyone interested in learning about the wetland and forest ecology surrounding Theodore Roosevelt Island. No previous paddling experience required.

Registration

$30 per person. The registration fee covers the kayak, life jacket, and paddle rentals.

Advance registration is required; space is limited.

Please note refunds will not be issued. If you are unable to attend, please let us know prior to the day of and your registration fee will be processed as a donation to Casey Trees.

Come Prepared

This event will take place rain or shine. To ensure you enjoy your experience with us:

  • Dress for the event and weather. Be prepared for rain if forcasted.
  • Wear layers and comfortable walking shoes.
  • Consider bringing binoculars, hand lenses, field guides, and notebooks.

Site Information

We will meet at the Key Bridge Boathouse and kayak for approximately 2 hours covering a moderate distance around Theodore Roosevelt Island.

Restrooms and changing rooms will be available before and after the paddling tour at the boathouse.

Getting There

Parking: Key Bridge Boathouse is located at the very end of K Street, which turns into Water street. From Georgetown, follow Wisconsin Ave down toward the waterfront, taking a right onto K St/Water St.

Parking is extremely limited, but there is free 3-hour parking across the street, and a parking garage up by the Lowes Movie Theater.

Public Transportation:

From Rosslyn Metro (¾ mile): walk across Key Bridge and take the stairs on either side down to the canal. There are footbridges across the canal that lead to stairs on Water St. Walk back toward the bridge and we are located directly below Key Bridge!

From Foggy Bottom Metro (1 mile): From the rotary, walk West on K street toward the waterfront. If you follow the waterfront park, it is located just on the other side of Key Bridge.

Park Inventory: Landsburgh Park

Widely known for its impressive community garden, Landsburgh Park also boasts a sizeable tree canopy that we need your help adding to our inventory! Come join Casey Trees and DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration in a first of its kind collaboration as we survey the trees in Landsburgh Park.

Participants will receive a short, hands-on training in the park.  After learning the tools and techniques participants will split up into groups and begin measuring trees. We will be documenting tree species, height, diameter of the trunk, width of the crown and more.

Who Should Attend?

Open to the general public, you do not need any prior experience to join us.  Although, if you’ve participated in our Trees 101 or Trees 201 class, this will be a great way to put your knowledge into action!

Come Prepared

We will plan to conduct the inventory rain or shine so please wear appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes for walking short distances. Participants are welcome to bring water and a snack.

Meals

Light lunch will be provided.

Getting There

By Metro: The closest metro is Navy Yard/Ballpark Metro (Green line). Head west on M St SW and continue until you see the park entrance on your right, in between Half St and Delaware St.

By Bus: Several bus lines serve stops near the park incluidng: 74, P6, A9, W9, P17, P19, W13.

Where to Meet

Meet us just inside the park where the First Street turns into the park from M Street.

Volunteer: Tree Care at Washington D.C. VA Medical Center

Help Casey Trees care for vulnerable young trees and give them a leg up in becoming an important part of our growing tree canopy at the health care facility that specifically provides care to veterans in Washington, D.C. We will be removing invasive plants as well as watering, weeding and mulching.

Requirements

  • All volunteers must sign a completed Volunteer Waiver Form before participating. Youth under 18 years of age must have their parent or legal guardian sign a Parental Consent Form and be supervised by an adult at all times. Please bring a completed form to the event to expedite the registration process. Forms will be available onsite in the event you forget.
  • Advance registration is required; space is limited. If your plans change prior to the event, please update your registration status so we can secure the necessary number of volunteers.
  • Be present for and actively listening to the tool safety demonstration at the start of the event. Registration opens a half hour before the indicated start time.
  • Closed-toe shoes are required. Wear long sleeves and pants. We will provide insect repellent, but feel free to bring your own if you have a preferred brand.

Group Registration

If you represent a group (5+ people), complete the Group Volunteer Information Form and we will contact you to discuss potential volunteer opportunities.

Meals

Volunteers are welcomed in the morning with granola bars for breakfast. Drinking water is available throughout the event. Bring your own refillable bottle or cup if you would like to reduce the number of single-use cups Casey Trees will provide.

Getting There

Public Transportation: The Columbia Heights (Green/Yellow) Metro station and the Brookland-CUA (Red) Metro station are both about 1.2 miles from the VA Medical Center. In addition, the H2,H3 and H4 buses drop off at the VA Medical Center.

Parking: Parking will be available at specific lots on the VA Medical Center premises. Casey Trees signs will be used to direct vehicles to the parking lots.

Bike Parking: There is bike parking available on the premises.

Park Inventory: Hillcrest Recreation Center

You can help create a record of trees in D.C. parks! Come join Casey Trees and DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration in a collaborative effort to survey trees in community spaces, such as the Hillcrest Recreation Center.

Participants will receive a short, hands-on training in the park.  After learning the tools and techniques participants will split up into groups and begin measuring trees. We will be documenting tree species, height, diameter of the trunk, width of the crown and more.

Who Should Attend?

Open to the general public, you do not need any prior experience to join us.  Although, if you’ve participated in our Trees 101 or Trees 201 class, this will be a great way to put your knowledge into action!

Come Prepared

We will plan to conduct the inventory rain or shine so please wear appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes for walking short distances. Participants are welcome to bring water and a snack.

Meals

Light lunch will be provided.

Getting There

The closest metro is Naylor Road Metro Station (Green line). Exit the station and head northeast toward Branch Ave. Turn left onto Branch Ave, then turn left onto Denver St. SE. The Recreation Center will be on the right.

Bus lines 34, 36, and W2 serve stops near Hillcrest Park.

Where to Meet

Meet us beside the recreation center within Hillcrest Park.

Tree Tour: Summer Trees in Rock Creek Park / Arboles de Verano en el Parque Rock Creek

Join Casey Trees and Latino Outdoors as we explore the tree species that make up the tree canopy of Rock Creek Park with a tree tour in English and Spanish! We will start with a short indoor presentation at the Nature Center then head out to explore the park. The tour will highlight the benefits of trees and the importance of the tree canopy in a city like D.C. Some of the tree species that we will identify include Northern Red Oak, Chestnut Oak, American Beech and Tuliptree. Rock Creek Park provides an unmatched “green lung” to America’s capital city and a reservoir to some unique urban biodiversity.

Únete a Casey Trees y Latino Outdoors para explorar las especies de árboles del Rock Creek Park. Empezaremos con una corta presentación en el Nature Center del parque y luego exploraremos el parque en una caminata. Durante la caminata haremos énfasis en los beneficios de los árboles y la importancia del dosel arbóreo en ciudades como Washington, DC. Algunas de las especies de árboles que identificaremos incluirán el Roble Rojo Norteño, el Roble Castaño, el Haya Americano y el árbol de tulipán. El Rock Creek Park provee un “pulmón verde” sin par en la ciudad capital de América y un reservorio de biodiversidad único.

Instructor

Jorge Bogantes Montero, natural resources specialist focused on arboriculture, environmental education, ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation in Costa Rica and the DC region.

Instructor

Jorge Bogantes Montero, es un especialista en manejo de recursos naturales enfocado en las disciplinas de la arboricultura, educación ambiental, restauración ecológica, y conservación de la biodiversidad, con experiencia en Costa Rica y en la región de Washington, DC.

Who Should Attend?

The tour will be given in English and Spanish so Spanish speakers are encouraged to attend but the tour is open to the general public for anyone interested in learning about the city’s natural forests, native tree species and the importance of the urban tree canopy. You can also practice your Spanish skills!

¿Quienes deberían participar? 

La caminata será impartida en inglés y español. Se recomienda para hispanohablantes, pero estará abierta para el público en general, para cualquier persona interesada en aprender acerca de los bosques naturales de la ciudad, las especies de árboles nativos y la importancia del dosel arbóreo urbano. ¡También puede aprovechar la oportunidad para practicar su español!

Come Prepared

This event will take place rain or shine. To ensure you enjoy your experience with us:

  • Dress for the event and weather. Be prepared for rain if forcasted.
  • Wear layers and comfortable walking shoes.
  • Bring water and snacks.
  • Consider bringing binoculars, hand lenses, field guides, and notebooks.
  • Welcome to bring picnic lunch to enjoy after tree tour.

Venga Preparado

Este evento se llevará a cabo aunque llueva o haga calor. Para asegurarse de disfrutar su experiencia durante la caminata recomendamos:

  • Vestir ropa adecuada para las condiciones climáticas. Prepárese para la lluvia en caso de que sea pronosticada para el día del evento.
  • Vestir en capas y use zapatos confortables.
  • Traiga agua y merienda.
  • Considere traer binoculares, lupa, guías de campo para la identificación de especies, y un cuaderno para tomar notas.
  • Recomendamos traer almuerzo para un picnic en el parque después de la caminata.

 

Site Information

The walk will cover about 2 miles at a steady pace. Restrooms are available in the nature center before and after the tour.

Información del Sitio
La caminata tendrá una distancia de más o menos 2 millas a un paso constante. Hay servicios sanitarios disponibles en el Nature Center del parque antes y después de la caminata.

Getting There

The tour will begin with a short presentation at Rock Creek Park’s Nature Center.

Parking: Free parking is available onsite.

Public Transportation: Take the E-2, E-3 bus from Friendship Heights or Fort Totten metro stations to the intersection of Glover & Military Rd. Get off, look to your left and follow the trail up to the Nature Center.

¿Cómo llegar al sitio?

El evento iniciará con una corta presentación en el Nature Center del Rock Creek Park.

Parqueo: hay parqueo gratis disponible en el sitio.

Transporte Público: Puede tomar los buses E-2 y E-3 desde las estaciones de Metro de Friendship Heights y Fort Totten hasta la intersección entre las calles Glover y Military Rd. Bájese del bus mire a su izquierda y siga el sendero hacia el Nature Center.

Volunteer: Tree Care at The Kreeger Museum

Help Casey Trees care for vulnerable young trees and give them a leg up in becoming an important part of our growing tree canopy. We will be removing invasive plants as well as watering, weeding and mulching.

Requirements

  • All volunteers must sign a completed Volunteer Waiver Form before participating. Youth under 18 years of age must have their parent or legal guardian sign a Parental Consent Form and be supervised by an adult at all times. Please bring a completed form to the event to expedite the registration process. Forms will be available onsite in the event you forget.
  • Advance registration is required; space is limited. If your plans change prior to the event, please update your registration status so we can secure the necessary number of volunteers.
  • Be present for and actively listening to the tool safety demonstration at the start of the event. Registration opens a half hour before the indicated start time.
  • Closed-toe shoes are required. Wear long sleeves and pants. We will provide insect repellent, but feel free to bring your own if you have a preferred brand.

Group Registration

If you represent a group (5+ people), complete the Group Volunteer Information Form and we will contact you to discuss potential volunteer opportunities.

Meals

Volunteers are welcomed in the morning with granola bars for breakfast. Drinking water is available throughout the event. Bring your own refillable bottle or cup if you would like to reduce the number of single-use cups Casey Trees will provide.

Getting There

Public Transportation: The D6 bus stops about half a mile from the museum at the corner of Reservoir Road and Foxhall Road. The closest Metro stop is Tenleytown on the Red line. Please be advised that this is a 45 minute walk away. Visit the museum’s website for detailed directions

Parking: There is limited free parking on museum grounds.

Park Inventory: Benning Stoddert Recreation Center

It might surprise you to know there is no current record of the trees in our parks.  But you can help change that!  Come join Casey Trees and DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration in a first of its kind collaboration, as we survey the trees at the Benning Stoddert Recreation Center.

Participants will receive a short, hands-on training in the park.  After learning the tools and techniques participants will split up into groups and begin measuring trees. We will be documenting tree species, height, diameter of the trunk, width of the crown and more.

Who Should Attend?

Open to the general public, you do not need any prior experience to join us.  Although, if you’ve participated in our Trees 101 or Trees 201 class, this will be a great way to put your knowledge into action!

Come Prepared

We will plan to conduct the inventory rain or shine so please wear appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes for walking short distances. Participants are welcome to bring water and a snack.

Getting There

Benning Road Metro station (Blue and Silver lines) is the closest metro stop to the Recreation Center. Exit the station on Benning Road and head south until you get to East Capitol Street. Turn right onto East Capitol and walk .6 miles, after which the Benning Stoddert Recreation Center will be on the left.

There is a bus stop right outside the Recreation Center on East Capitol St NE & 40th St NE. Bus routes 96 and 97 service this stop.

Where to Meet

Meet us in front of the Recreation Center building.

Meals

Light refreshments will be provided.

Park Inventory: Yards Park

Registration required: http://caseytrees.org/event/park-inventory-yards-park/

Help Casey Trees and DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration in creating a record of the trees in the Yards Park in SE. This open urban space has been gaining much popularity in the past year with its modern installations, but what really makes it a special place is its growing tree canopy.

Participants will receive a short, hands-on training in the park.  After learning the tools and techniques participants will split up into groups and begin measuring trees. We will be documenting tree species, height, diameter of the trunk, width of the crown and more.

Who Should Attend?

Open to the general public, you do not need any prior experience to join us.  Although, if you’ve participated in our Trees 101 or Trees 201 class, this will be a great way to put your knowledge into action!

Come Prepared

We will plan to conduct the inventory rain or shine so please wear appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes for walking short distances. Participants are welcome to bring water and a snack.

Meals

Light lunch will be provided.

Getting There

By Metro: The closest metro is Navy Yard/Ballpark Metro (Green line). From the New Jersey Avenue Exit, turn right to cross M Street SE and continue on New Jersey Avenue SE, passing the US Department of Transportation on your left. Turn left onto Tingey Street, walk one block, then turn right onto 3rd Street SE. Continue straight, and the dancing fountains will mark The Yards Park entrance, near the corner of 3rd Street and Water Street SE.

By Bus: Several bus lines serve stops at the intersection of M Street SE/New Jersey Avenue SE: A42, A46, A48, P6, V7, V8, V9. The Circulator’s Union Station – Navy Yard Line serves this location as well.

Where to Meet

Meet us on the Great Lawn, located in between the dog park and the canal basin.