THE LEAFLET

April 11, 2022 /
Jona Elwell

Notes from the Field: Langdon Park

Langdon Park is a fan favorite here at Casey Trees. With volunteer help, we’ve planted over 384 trees, and it’s one of our favorite spots in the city. Between Community Tree Plantings, Community Tree Care events, a Pop Up Arboreta, Urban Tree Summit field events, and more, Casey Trees is always up to something at Langdon Park. 

But this year, we’re expanding our work even more with an exciting new initiative. Through a District of Columbia Community Stormwater Solutions Grant, we’re conducting a year-long climate resiliency program at Langdon Park. Therefore, we wanted to check in to see what’s happening in this large green parcel in Ward 5. 

Since we last checked in we held two Tree Care events where we made great progress on two of our goals: creating a forested walking path and forest regeneration. We were able to mulch the whole trail and cleared a bunch of the invasives from the trail area. Naturalized forest areas are rare within the urban environment, so this walking trail will help increase public access and awareness. While Langdon has no shortage of activities, we’re excited that the walking trail will bring a new activity to the park for improved community health, environmental education opportunities, and enjoyment of nature. To further increase awareness and education, we will be installing trailhead signs and tree identification labels attached to selected trees for self-guided tour. Knowledge is power!

 

For a refresher, our efforts at Langdon Park will provide environmental benefits and community ones. The work in Langdon Park is instrumental to the health of the park and our local ecosystem. Care for this urban forest will lead to reduced surrounding temperatures, increased air quality, and increased shaded area. Langdon Park is in one of our priority zones – wards with high average temperatures and a census tract with more significant than average population risk factors. Working here directly supports our mission to restore, enhance, and protect the nation’s capital while prioritizing environmental justice.

Join us during volunteer week as we tour the forest patch at Langdon Park with neighborhood champions Mary Pat Rowan and Delores Bushong! Sign up here!

All of this is thanks to our partners at The Chesapeake Bay Trust (CBT) and the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) through the District of Columbia Community Stormwater Solutions Grant. The goals of this grant are to protect and enhance, directly or indirectly, the District’s water bodies or watersheds, create new community partners, and strengthen existing relationships with community-based organizations.

Chesapeake Bay Trust DOEE Muriel Bowser Casey Trees Logos