THE LEAFLET

February 3, 2025 /
Christina Hester

Bringing Winter Tree ID to Action

Over the past few weeks, we’ve slowed down to appreciate the often-overlooked details of trees in winter—studying their bark, observing their buds and seeds, and recognizing their distinct forms. Even in the coldest months, trees have a story to tell, and by taking the time to notice these subtle characteristics, we gain a deeper appreciation for their resilience and beauty.

Now, it’s time to take what we’ve learned outside. We’ve created a printable Winter Tree Appreciation and ID guide to help you bring this knowledge into the field. Whether you’re on a solo walk, exploring with friends, or teaching others, this appreciation sheet will make identifying some of DC’s winter classics easy and enjoyable.

As always, these trees are all available for us to plant in your yard for FREE through our planting programs. Thank you for learning and observing with us and for looking more closely at the trees that line our streets, parks, and forests. The seasons will change, and leaves will return, but we hope this series has given you a new way to appreciate trees—no matter the time of year. Keep exploring, keep noticing, and we’ll see you next time.