THE LEAFLET
Underserved Areas have Less Tree Canopy – Calling for Volunteers to Help Us Change That
The above photo is from a Community Tree Planting at an apartment complex in the Arbor View neighborhood – we were delighted to help them add shade, benefits, and beauty to their area.
It’s no secret that number and quality of trees in a city, including D.C., has a socio-economic aspect. Last year WAMU found that D.C.’s poorer neighborhoods on the eastern side of the city have far fewer trees then wealthier western ones. Just this past month the Washington Post reported on certain residents’ concerns over the increased risk of heat-related health problems that are exacerbated by vegetation variability – homes, sidewalks, schools and parks in lower-income areas often don’t benefit from the shade of large mature trees. While there are many ways in which tree canopy is measured, inventoried and reported on – there is always going to be room for more improvement.
Help us make changes across the whole city this fall and register to inventory trees in Langdon Park (a hilly, bustling park in NE, and home to the Chuck Brown Memorial) or plant trees at Dakota Crossing and provide local residents with the shade and beauty only trees can provide! By inventorying and planting trees in D.C. we’re not only able to get trees in the ground and on their way to becoming large, beneficial shade trees, but we can also collect data on trees size, species, and health to assess community needs and plan for future plantings.
While those events are coming up quickly, we have a number of other events that need additional volunteer support. Do the most with your time!
Dakota Crossing Planting — Saturday, October 13
Ohev and Elesavetgrad Cemetery Planting — Friday, Oct 19
Langdon Park Inventory — Saturday, October 20
Dakota Playground Inventory — Saturday, October 27
Walter Reed Planting — Friday, November 2
Mt. Olivet Cemetery Planting — Saturday, November 3
RFK Stadium Inventory — Saturday, November 3
Mt. Olivet Cemetery II Planting — Saturday, November 17
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Planting — Saturday, December 1
Adas Israel Cemetery Planting — Friday, Dec 14