THE LEAFLET

Don’t miss your final chances to join us in making a positive impact on the environment this season!

*New Planting Event this weekend!* Join us for an extraordinary community tree planting event at Takoma Community Center, this Saturday December 2nd, where we’re teaming up with the Washington Spirit, DC’s Professional Women’s Soccer Team! This special collaboration underscores the shared commitment of both our community and the Washington Spirit to environmental stewardship. As avid supporters of sustainability, the Spirit team brings their passion for the environment to the forefront, making this tree planting experience even more impactful. Having partnered with them before, we’re excited to unite once again for a day of collective action in enhancing our local ecosystem.

Our last community tree planting event of the year will take place at Catholic University on Saturday, December 9th. Whether you’re a seasoned tree-planting enthusiast or a first-timer eager to get involved, this event promises a meaningful and enjoyable experience for everyone. Mark your calendars and join us for a day of environmental stewardship, community bonding, and the joy of planting trees that will benefit generations to come.

Or, join us on Hellbender Hill, one of our protected conservation easements, to take down some invasive species on Saturday, December 16th! Over the past few years we have been working towards restoring the greenspace on this protected conservation easement site by pulling and controlling invasive species. Join us to fight the invasive pressure and contribute to this project. Plus – hang around after at Hellbender Brewing for some beers to cheers to your hard work!

A Look back at Our Fall Plantings

November was a month of growth and community engagement for Casey Trees as we continued our mission to restore, enhance, and protect the tree canopy in Washington, DC. Through a wide array of community tree plantings, we were able to bring together volunteers, partners, and local residents to help make a positive impact on the environment and foster a sense of community stewardship.

Our first planting of the month was held at the historic Mount Olivet Cemetery. Here, we worked to add even more trees to the 1,000+ that we have already planted! Volunteers worked together to plant a variety of native tree species, contributing not only to the beautification of the cemetery but also to the overall health of the urban environment.

In a collaborative effort with the residents of Royal Courts Apartments, Casey Trees turned a housing community into a greener and more sustainable space. Volunteers joined forces with apartment residents to plant trees in designated areas, fostering a stronger connection between the community and the environment. The addition of new trees will enhance the quality of life for residents, reduce urban heat island effects, and promote a healthier living environment.

Elesavetgrad Cemetery, another location for one of our November plantings, saw volunteers come together to plant trees and honor the memory of those laid to rest. The cemetery now serves as a peaceful sanctuary adorned with new greenery, symbolizing the cycle of life and the enduring connection between nature and the human spirit.

The grounds of the DC Water Brentwood Reservoir are undergoing a massive environmental transformation. Over the last year, DC Water and their partners have developed a community solar project atop this capped drinking water reservoir. The solar energy created here will be provided 100% free to more than 500 low to moderate income households of the District through the DOEE Solar for All program. In addition to the solar panels, DC Water partnered up with us here at Casey Trees to plant nearly 150 trees along the sides of the property. Thanks to the efforts of our dedicated volunteers, we planted 47 trees last year, 47 more just last weekend, and we have 53 more planned for next spring!

In closing, thank you to everyone who contributed their time and energy to make this season a success. We appreciate your dedication to creating a greener and more sustainable DC. Stay tuned for updates on future plantings, and let’s come together again in the spring to nurture our community and our environment.