THE LEAFLET

Here at Casey Trees our conservation easements are dedicated to restoring fragmented patches of urban forest, fostering vibrant urban ecosystems, promoting public health, and safeguarding green spaces for both tree growth and community engagement with nature. Collaborating closely with local landowners, we undertake stewardship efforts to enhance these sites’ natural conditions. Now, let’s delve into some of our easement sites and the ongoing projects aimed at their preservation.

We recently hosted our annual Earth Day cleanup event at our New Hampshire Ave conservation easement site, adjacent to the Hellbender Brewing Company. This property, colloquially referred to as “Hellbender Hill” is a hilly forested slope owned and managed by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). In partnership with DDOT’s Urban Forestry Division, Anacostia Watershed Society, Hellbender Beer, and the Crimsonbridge Foundation, this year we successfully removed several full bags of trash and recycling and cleared a large portion of the understory by removing invasive plants and vines. Young trees can now thrive with greater light access and will contribute to the natural regeneration and restoration of the site. Stay tuned for news on future events!

We were awarded a grant through the Crimsonbridge Foundation to fund stewardship activities on 4 of our conservation easement properties, including the one at Hellbender Hill. These activities will provide ecological uplift through cleanup efforts to remove trash and invasive plants, as well as the addition of green stormwater infrastructure, erosion control, and the installation of ecologically appropriate trees and understory plants.

Lastly, we’re in the final planning stages on improving another one of our conservation easement sites owned and managed by DHCD in the Buena Vista Terrace community of Ward 8. Nature Sacred has provided their design services to help reimagine the site and awarded us a grant to contribute toward construction funding. Alongside their team, we hosted two community design charrettes where we collected input on what features residents wanted to see in an improved pocket park. The initial answers we gathered resulted in the development of 3 concept sketches by Moody Graham’s design team which will be further refined into one cohesive design and a space truly representative of the community.

More exciting environmental news from around the District – in a move to celebrate and preserve biodiversity, Mayor Muriel Bowser officially declared April as Native Plant Month in Washington, DC, following a nationwide initiative led by the Garden Club of America (GCA) and its partners. The proclamation highlights the vital role of native plants in sustaining ecosystems, with over 2,100 native species in the District of Columbia alone. These plants provide crucial resources like food and shelter for local wildlife, including birds and insects. By increasing awareness of their importance, we can foster healthier ecosystems, support pollinators, and boost our city’s overall well-being and economy.

We encourage everyone to embrace the spirit of land conservation by getting involved in various ways. Whether through donating land, nominating a green space, or contributing to Casey Trees’ mission, each of us has the power to make a lasting impact.