THE LEAFLET

As we celebrate Black History Month, Casey Trees is proud to highlight Benjamin Banneker—a brilliant mathematician, astronomer, surveyor, and naturalist whose legacy is deeply rooted in Washington, DC.

Banneker, a free African American born in 1731, was largely self-taught and had a profound appreciation for the natural world. His meticulous observations of the stars and changing seasons enabled him to publish almanacs filled with astronomical data, weather predictions, and agricultural advice. His work helped farmers plan their crops and contributed to the broader scientific community’s understanding of natural cycles.

Beyond his contributions to science, Banneker played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s capital. In 1791, he was recruited by Andrew Ellicott to assist in surveying the land that would become Washington, DC. Using his deep knowledge of astronomy and mathematics, Banneker helped map out the city’s boundaries, ensuring that Pierre L’Enfant’s grand vision for the capital could take shape.

Banneker’s legacy extends beyond his scientific achievements. He used his voice to challenge the injustices of his time, writing directly to Thomas Jefferson to call for the abolition of slavery and equality for Black Americans. His life serves as a reminder of the power of intellect, resilience, and advocacy in shaping both the natural and civic landscapes of our country.

At Casey Trees, we are inspired by Banneker’s keen observations of the natural world and his role in shaping the land we call home. His legacy reminds us of the deep connections between history, nature, and civic engagement—values we carry forward in our mission to restore, enhance, and protect DC’s tree canopy.

This Black History Month, we encourage you to visit Benjamin Banneker Park in DC or Banneker Recreation Center to reflect on his impact. Through trees and green spaces, we honor Banneker’s spirit of discovery and dedication to a better future. Casey Trees has a long-standing relationship with Banneker Recreation Center, where we’ve planted nearly 200 trees over the past decade, strengthening the tree canopy in this historic space. This spring, we’ll be returning for another Community Tree Planting at Banneker Place Apartments—stay tuned for more details on how you can get involved!