THE LEAFLET

Science is our most reliable system for gaining new knowledge. And, citizen science lets us ask new questions, collect data, and discover scientific advancements with your help. April is Citizen Science Month and we are welcoming it with wide-open arms. Citizen science is an opportunity for you to turn your curiosity into impact. Why is that? Let’s start with what on earth citizen science is.

Citizen science is the collection and analysis of data relating to the natural world. At Casey Trees we traverse the city collecting and documenting tree data that is used to advance the field of urban forestry. Taking tangible actions to help local scientific organizations (like us!) is an easy and satisfying way to contribute.

We use all this gathered information to manage our community forest and prioritize tree maintenance needs. We can’t protect our current trees and plan for new ones if we don’t know the health and makeup of our current urban forest – all the data also influences how our advocates fight for change. 

Did you take advantage of our Cherry Blossoms of DC Map while staying away from the Tidal Basin and crowds for this year’s #PeakBloom? We ventured on foot into the city’s parks to identify and measure each and every tree they come across (in addition to including data points from DDOT’s Urban Forestry Division and our own plantings).

Want to up your tree ID game? We encourage you to learn more about urban trees throughout our city at one of our many spring events which include tree ID or diving deep with our very own Species Guide tailored to trees you’ll see in DC. Plus you can always make a change right in your backyard – consider a Free Tree Planting through the RiverSmart Homes Program!