More than 1,000 mature trees. Over 12 acres of forest floor and open green space. One chance to protect them forever.

In one weekend, more than 400 trees were suddenly removed this past October at East Potomac Park, without public input or explanation. It was a sobering reminder that over 90% of DC parkland is federally owned or managed, often giving residents little voice in what happens to their neighborhood green spaces.

But in Southeast DC, we have an opportunity to save more than 1,000 mature trees in what is likely the last large, privately-held parcel of forest patch east of the Anacostia River.

In partnership with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, Trust for Public Land, and KIPP DC, Casey Trees is working to purchase and permanently protect the Hillcrest Community Forest, a 12.57-acre woodland located in the Hillcrest neighborhood on the border of Wards 7 and 8.

This forest is still standing. With your help, it will be protected forever, owned by the District, and open to and shaped by the neighbors who live beside it.

Save the Forest

Casey Trees is DC’s only nationally accredited land trust. We work to permanently protect green spaces for nature and people.

Click to enlarge map.
A zoomed-in map showing the boundaries of the forested area.
Click to enlarge map.

Roughly 90% of DC parkland is federally owned or managed, meaning the majority of our public green space falls outside of DC’s control. By protecting this forest, we ensure the surrounding neighborhoods and the Southeast community have green space they can call their own — forever.

Save This Forest

Whether you can give $5 or $500, every donation helps us protect this woodland, restore native habitat, and keep these trees standing for years to come.

Join the campaign today.

Donate

A new tree planted today needs decades to provide the same health and ecosystem benefits that the 1,000+ trees standing here already do. We must plant the trees of tomorrow while protecting the existing forests we can’t afford to lose today.

Why Your Support Matters

A clear sky.
CLEAN AIR

Wards 7 & 8 have the highest rates of air pollution and asthma. Trees clean the air.

A flooded sidewalk.
REDUCED FLOODING

Ward 7 experiences more flooding than any other DC ward. Preserving this forest helps reduce stormwater runoff.

Looking up at the canopy of a shade tree.
COOLER NEIGHBORHOODS

Mature forest canopy naturally cools the air, lowering neighborhood temperatures.

An example of a trailhead.
NATURAL OASIS FOR RECREATION

Being in nature improves health and wellbeing. This forest will give the community more opportunities to exercise and relax.

THE PROJECT’S IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS

12.57 acres of forest and green space.

1,000+ mature trees including Heritage Trees.

12M gallons of stormwater filtered each year.

5,000+ neighbors gaining a place to walk and breathe.

See the Forest

Protecting green spaces like this is a core goal in our five-year strategic plan.

Several trees of different sizes inside the forest.
The forest contains many mature heritage trees, which Casey Trees is surveying to protect.
A native fern inside the forest.
In addition to trees, the forest is home to ferns and a wide variety of other plants.
A tree trunk with invasive English ivy growing up its side.
Invasive vines threaten the health of some trees and need to be removed.
Forest restoration efforts will include cleaning up trash from dumping that’s built up over the years.
The native plant white snakeroot as seen at the Hillcrest Community Forest.
The property supports countless pollinators through both trees and plants, like this native goldenrod.

Will you help save this forest?

We’ve raised 80% of the purchase price, and we’re closing the gap with gifts large and small. Every gift will help:

  • Purchase the property for permanent conservation
  • Clear trash and invasive vines, and begin restoration efforts
  • Create safe trails so neighbors can enjoy it

Your gift saves this forest — forever.

Save This Forest
A native maple tree in the fall.

Other Ways to Give

Prefer not to give online?

  • Donate by mail: Make your check payable to Casey Trees, with “Hillcrest” in the memo line, and mail it to Casey Trees, Attn: Development, 3030 12th Street NE, Washington, DC 20017.
  • Tax-smart gifts: Give from your IRA (age 70 and a half or older), a donor-advised fund, or cryptocurrency: caseytrees.mygiftlegacy.org
  • Bank transfer or workplace giving: Contact us to give by ACH or wire, and ask your employer whether it matches gifts.

Your gift to Casey Trees, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Casey Trees’ tax ID is 31-1766444.

About Casey Trees

A nationally accredited land trust, Casey Trees has permanently conserved 11 green spaces, planted over 70,000 trees, engaged thousands of volunteers, and educated thousands of students. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to planting and protecting trees in the National Capital Region — ensuring every person, in every community, lives among thriving trees and green spaces.

QUICK ANSWERS

Questions? Take a look at the answers below, or call 202-349-1896 or email development@caseytrees.org

How will the forest be protected forever?

A federal grant legally requires the land to stay in conservation and recreation use forever. The DC Department of Parks & Recreation will own it, and Casey Trees will care for it. Its conservation will be written into the land deed.

When can people visit?

We currently expect to purchase the land in December, implement restoration efforts in 2027, and open it for public access in 2028.

Who owns the land right now?

KIPP DC currently owns the land. The DC Department of Parks and Recreation is in the process of purchasing it to make it a public community forest.

Is my gift tax-deductible?

Yes. Casey Trees is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Casey Trees’ Tax ID is 31-1766444.