Here at Casey Trees, it is an integral part of our mission to connect people to trees, through trees – and one of the ways we have expanded our reach is through our Tree Ambassador Program. Tree Ambassadors are residents of Wards 7 or 8, that engage with neighbors and residents about getting free trees planted – not just at homes, but at schools, parks, places of worship, and other areas that are in need of trees!
Tree Ambassadors start the conversation and Casey Trees schedules a time to talk with interested community members about all the details. We train Tree Ambassadors and provide all the materials needed, so that they can learn new skills and gain valuable experience while out in the community.
Recently we spoke to one of our Tree Ambassadors to learn more about him and his experience with the program. Watch below to hear from Mohamed himself or scroll down to read our interview. If you live in Wards 7 or 8 (or would like to plant at an address in those wards), you can support Casey Trees and our Tree Ambassador program by getting free trees through Mohamed right here!
Casey Trees (CT): Who are you and how were you introduced to Casey Trees?
My name is Mohamed Azab. I’ve lived up north. I’ve lived down south. I’ve lived in DC for about eight years now, and I lived about a month in Monterey, California. I have been working with an after-school program called Afterschool Allstars and we had a Chesapeake Bay grant. We had a grant with the city to teach children, especially the middle school students that we worked with about the watershed. So, we had a lot of different things lined up – and someone introduced us to Casey Trees, and they came down to Oxon Run Park and we planted trees with the students. It was one of our most favorite events.
(CT): What made you interested in the Tree Ambassador Program?
I really like Casey Trees and I’ve always wanted to work for jobs and stuff. I thought it would be a really great place to work. I like the organization a lot and I thought this would be fun. I’m a new person down in Anacostia, I’ve lived in Anacostia now five years, close to five years. It’s kind of cool to be a part of the community living in the community and then being involved a little bit. I tried to run for the ANC, and I’ve been going to meetings like that and other things community wise.
(CT): What’s your relationship with trees and the outdoors?
I always played outside. But it wasn’t really until recently being on a few camping trips in the last 5-6 years and being outdoors. Specifically working this last year with the Chesapeake Bay Trust – and being outdoors with the kids to really, really appreciate what their watershed is and how to treat the river. One of the big things I realized, it seems very basic but, anything that you see on the ground in your neighborhood or town is eventually going to make it to the river that’s down the street from your house and is also your drinking water.
(CT): What do you hope to achieve as a Tree Ambassador, for yourself and/or your community?
I thought it’d be cool to be able to walk around DC maybe 5-10 years from now and be like “Maybe I helped plant that tree!”
(CT): What’s your favorite tree?
I’ve walked this park over 100 times now, this trail. And my favorite part about this park are these two oak trees. They just change while you’re walking past here through the seasons. When it rains a lot there are two little ponds [that form] down here, making a little ecosystem with birds and all kinds of things swimming around. They also look beautiful when they’re bright and green!
