THE LEAFLET

Last Saturday, we returned to the Brentwood Reservoir to give some well-deserved care to nearly 200 trees we’ve planted there over the years. Tree care days like these are just as important as planting itself—by mulching, weeding, and checking in on each tree’s health, we ensure that these young trees have the support they need to thrive for generations to come.

Our history with the Brentwood Reservoir goes back several years, with our first plantings marking a significant step in transforming this space into a green asset for the community. What began as a collaboration to introduce trees to the area has since evolved into a long-term commitment to nurturing and expanding this urban forest. Each season, we have returned to check on the trees, adding new plantings and ensuring that every tree has the best chance to grow into a mature canopy that will shade and beautify this space for decades.

What makes this site so special is its transformation. Once just a DC Water reservoir, the space has evolved into a solar farm—and now, increasingly, a forest! This multi-purpose landscape is a model of how we can integrate sustainable infrastructure with green spaces to benefit both people and the environment. The combination of clean energy and tree cover makes Brentwood Reservoir a symbol of forward-thinking urban planning, proving that progress and nature can thrive side by side.

It was inspiring to see our volunteers in action, ensuring these trees continue to grow strong, providing shade and cleaner air for the nearby community. Many of the trees we planted here are native species chosen specifically for their ability to adapt to the site’s conditions and contribute to the local ecosystem. Watching them grow and change over the seasons has been a rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Missed this event? Stay tuned for more opportunities to get your hands in the dirt and help care for our city’s trees.