THE LEAFLET

If ever there was a year to fight for and support important issues we care about this new year, this is it— especially in D.C.! We are grateful to have such a devoted core of volunteers with diverse backgrounds and interests. Were you inspired by yesterday’s Day of Service on Martin Luther King Jr. holiday?

It’s never too early to start planning your calendar and getting new ideas on how to give back – depending on your interests, there’s a satisfying way for everyone to volunteer and get involved:

Certified Tree Advocate. You can become certified in tree advocacy in D.C. by attending our workshop, Advocacy in the District  typically held twice a year. After attending this workshop, you’ll be encouraged to watch a webinar that dives deeper into the ways you can affect change in your D.C. community. Then take just three advocacy actions — which can be anything from attending a community meeting or hearing to submitting public comments on a project — and you’ll become Casey Trees’ next Certified Tree Advocate! As a Certified Tree Advocate, you’ll continue your advocacy with Casey Trees by receiving exclusive invitations to advocacy classes and events, and gain access to tools and resources to help you ensure that D.C. continues to be the City of Trees.

Planting or Inventory Team Leaders. Team Leaders play a vital role in our community tree planting and inventory program by leading teams of 3-5 volunteers at our events. Naturally, you’ll gain a ton of tree knowledge along the way…however, you will also rack up skills in leadership, volunteer management and even public speaking – hello LinkedIn! Plus TL’s get to wear a snazzy red vest and bask in eternal urban forestry glory. Team Leaders must complete the Team Leader Training offered twice a year in March and October. Team Leaders also must work with a mentor at a minimum of two plantings in the same season in order to pass the training. No prior experience is necessary, and the rewards are immeasurable!

Opportunities for Groups sized 5 to 20. Are you looking for a way to serve your community with your friends, colleagues, and/or peers? If so, please fill out the Group Volunteer Request Form and we’ll be in touch about our upcoming opportunities. Groups will be able to sign up for select tree plantings, tree inventories and tree care events. See below for a general timeline of activities:

Tree Plantings– Start around March and end in June – typically every Saturday and occasionally during the week!

Tree Inventories– Start around April and end in August – typically on Saturdays and even some convenient Wednesday evenings!

Tree Care Events– Typically throughout the summer and winter when we can’t plant, our pruning and watering events happen as needed.

Whatever you do, know that when you volunteer along with us or support us virtually, you’re directly helping your urban forest. Feel free to email friends@caseytrees.org or reach out to us @CaseyTrees with any and all questions you have.