THE LEAFLET

From February 20th to March 3, 2024, the Kennedy Center is home to “The Wonders of DC Trees,” an educational installation presented by Casey Trees and Zenith Community Arts Foundation (ZCAF) as part of the two-week international REACH to FOREST event at the Kennedy Center. In collaboration with IMPROVS for TREES, this initiative features international instrumentalists creating 60-second improvised works inspired by endangered tree species from six continents.

The heart of the installation is comprised young native trees, to be planted in a low canopy region of Washington, DC by Casey Trees after the festival. Visitors will engage with these young trees while perusing informational panels entitled “The Wonders of DC Trees.” These educational displays illuminated the critical role of the urban canopy in the District of Columbia and emphasized the multifaceted contributions of trees to building a greener, more climate-resilient city for future generations.

During the event, we actively interacted with numerous visitors, addressing their inquiries about trees and the state of the urban canopy. Conversations centered around the significance of street beautification, park greenspace, and the government’s ambitious target of planting 10,500 new trees annually. The selection of tree species to complement distinctive settings, flood and erosion control, and wildlife support were also key topics.

The educational panels, including “What is DC’s Urban Forest?” and “What DC Trees Do for Us,” delved into the various aspects of the city’s green infrastructure. The panel on the future of DC’s Urban Forest outlined strategies employed by the city to enhance city blocks and incorporate green planning solutions in response to the changing climate.

As part of the festivities, children enthusiastically participated in “Winter Tree Bingo,” a delightful activity where they explored everything from tree bark to birds and buds. The engagement with the younger audience aimed to instill a love for trees and foster environmental awareness.

The festival highlighted multiple organizations and agencies that work with our urban forest, as well as artists whose work centers around tree themes or use recycled wood. For example, the indoor exhibit featured an artwork depicting a large tree constructed from cardboard, paper, and other recycled materials. One of the exhibitionists was “Carving Colin.” He captivated audiences at the festival with his remarkable craftsmanship and dedication to transforming nature’s legacy into timeless art. The focal point of his exhibition was a meticulously carved bench, a stunning creation hewn from the wood of a venerable 300+ year old Linden Oak.

Once the installation concludes, these young trees, nurtured and appreciated by visitors, will find a new home. The destination for these trees is Banneker Recreation Center, an important contribution to enhancing our green spaces in the city. The successful collaboration between Casey Trees, ZCAF, and the Kennedy Center underscores the importance of community engagement and education in fostering a harmonious relationship between urban life and nature. For more information, click here.