THE LEAFLET

We have planted hundreds of trees at schools this past year. However, one of our favorites was Anacostia High School this past spring.

Teachers are often known for their creativity and resourcefulness, especially in urban areas. 2022 Canopy Award Honoree, Jeria Carter is no exception; when the former Art Teacher (now Literary Media Specialist) saw an unused courtyard on campus, she looked past the trash and tools and saw an opportunity. Showing her students the power, pride, and magic of caring for a space, Jeria spearheaded a mission to bring plants, trees, art, and contemplation to the courtyard and create a therapeutic space for students.

This project turned out to be more than taking a rundown courtyard and caring for it, it was caring for the kids. Showing investment in these kids that are too often overlooked. Not only was it a project where the kids helped plant but since they were older, we asked them what they wanted and they got to be a part of the process and take ownership in design and caring for the space. On winning the award, Jeria noted, “Casey Trees coming here has sparked something… I’m just eager to see what in the future we can do with everyone else.”

Jeria got to the heart of why we do what we do – when we work together, great things happen to our urban green spaces. Donate today to support programs like this! Help us work with community collaborators throughout the District by providing them with the resources to create their own urban green spaces, ones that with trees as their foundation, that will be cherished places and leave a legacy for generations to come.