Volunteering with Casey Trees for over 6 years, Jack Camino is an involved member of his community dedicated to doing his part in restoring the Tree Canopy of Washington DC. Recently we met up with him to discuss all things’ trees and learn more about the role they play in his life.
Casey Trees (CT): How did you get involved in volunteering with Casey Trees?
Jack Camino (JC): I got introduced to Casey Trees when I was new to DC and looking for activities to do. I found one event that they organized, and I liked it so much I kept looking for similar events. I went to the classes and eventually I went to a planting and never looked back!
CT: Why is restoring the tree canopy important to you?
JC: Restoring the tree canopy in DC is important because I live here. Restoring the tree canopy everywhere is important because people belong everywhere. Trees are important in making a better environment.
CT: How are trees reflected in the Hispanic/Latinx culture?
JC: I am from the coastal region of Ecuador, there are some trees that are particular to that region and people identify with those species since they know them and grow up with them. For me, I always like and remember the Ceiba tree, we don’t have it here, but I miss it. There is a region in Ecuador known as Montubio, and in that part of the country there are Matapalo (Strangler Figs). These trees the people hold close to their heritage.
CT: What is your relationship like with the outdoors?
JC: For me, you need to be outdoors to go places. It’s where you find nature, and sometimes in nature you can find healing. If I go outside somewhere that’s green and natural, it resembles where I came from and reminds me of home. It also invites me to explore.
CT: What has been your favorite volunteer event that you’ve attended?
JC: I like the events when Shake Shack was there! They bring good food and good memories!
CT: You know we have to ask – What’s your favorite tree and why?
JC: There is a tree called an araucaria (Monkey Puzzle Tree), it identifies a group of people in Chile and other South American countries. I’ve seen pictures and videos of landscapes where the tree is represented, and I just love how they look.
