This summer, our TreeWise program connected 312 youth, ages six to 16, to the great outdoors, sparking curiosity and love for trees across DC. Through hands-on adventures, nature walks, crafts, science experiments, and good old-fashioned play, we helped cultivate a new generation of tree stewards and made tons of new friends along the way!
Take a look at some of the highlights below.
Nature Seekers in Ward 7
We kicked off summer with School of Harvest’s Nature Seekers Camp at the Greening Center, a vibrant farm managed by Washington Parks and People in Ward 7. Campers explored Marvin Gaye Park, crafted using recycled materials, and harvested produce from the gardens. The highlight was their field trip to the US National Arboretum, where they connected their week of learning to a local green space right in their watershed.
Continuing Partnerships to Increase Impact
Next, we teamed up with FH Faunteroy Community Enrichment Center to bring TreeWise to their STEM campers. We toured Lederer Gardens, a space maintained by DC’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), where youth discovered the urban forest right in their backyard.
At St. Luke’s Catholic Church, our Extreme STEAM campers—some of whom were returning TreeWise pros—built upon their experiences from past Casey Trees programming. From rolling up their sleeves for trash cleanups to watering young trees around their campsite, these campers took a deeper dive into learning about tree stewardship.
We also brought TreeWise to DPR Discovery Campers at Hillcrest and Harry Thomas recreation centers, adding fun, tree-focused enhancements to their summer programming.
New Faces, New Places
We were thrilled to begin a new partnership with Acorn Outdoor Learning, where campers in Capitol Hill played nature-themed games, learned how to identify trees, and even serenaded a Red Oak on the Capitol Grounds with a cheerful acorn song. It’s as cute as it sounds!
Urban Adventure Squad Joins the Forest Fun
A special shout-out to our partners at Urban Adventure Squad, who received training from our educators and brought TreeWise content into three of their summer programs! With their help, we expanded our reach and inspired even more youth to explore DC’s urban canopy.
Wrapping Up with Crafty Creativity
We closed the season with our very own “Get Creative with Nature” camp at Casey Trees HQ in Brookland.
Each day featured a new nature-meets-art theme: from tree exploration and sustainable art to pollinators and flower power. Campers capped off the week with a family nature art show and ice cream celebration, a sweet ending to a summer full of green memories.
We’re so grateful to our campers, partners, and families for making this summer unforgettable. As we embark on this school year, we’re excited to grow TreeWise even further.
Stay tuned for more school break and camp opportunities, and make sure to keep an eye on The Leaflet!
