Land Conservation
Our Conservation Easement program aims to conserve land for existing and future trees to thrive, for the benefit of all for generations to come.
Casey Trees protects land to:
Conserve forest patches & wildlife habitat
Preserve ecosystem services
Strengthen communities
Mitigate climate change
Conserving remaining green spaces so we can plan for future residents and for future trees.
Washington, DC is developing at a rapid pace with a growing population expected to close in on 1 million people by the year 2045. Our changing urban landscape means accommodating for developments, but often comes at the cost of mature trees and open green space. Sustainable development not only requires creative energy and material use, but also creative design to incorporate existing green infrastructure. For more information, read our FAQ.
For the first time since 2006, DC saw a net 1% canopy cover decline 1. This decline is equal to 565 acres, an area roughly the size of the National Mall, and is a setback to reaching the City’s goal of 40% tree canopy by 2032.
Geographically, the greatest declines happened in Wards 5, 7, and 8 – DC’s most vulnerable areas.
Canopy Change by Ward 2015-2020
Canopy Change
Increase
Decrease
Current Canopy
Least
Most
| Ward | Canopy Change 2015-2020 (%) | Current Canopy 2020 (%) | Potential Canopy (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | +1.1 | 24.4 | 31.4 |
| 2 | -1.0 | 27.3 | 36.9 |
| 3 | -1.2 | 59.0 | 70.8 |
| 4 | +0.2 | 49.5 | 62.9 |
| 5 | -2.6 | 29.4 | 49.4 |
| 6 | -1.8 | 18.8 | 27.2 |
| 7 | -2.1 | 38.5 | 58.9 |
| 8 | -2.2 | 29.9 | 52.0 |
Green spaces work as protective buffers to slow down and retain stormwater runoff, reduce ambient air temperatures, improve air quality, provide habitat for wildlife and reduce heating and cooling costs. In addition, they provide gathering places for communities to recreate and connect with one another.
Casey Trees’ land conservation program aims to restore fragmented patches of urban forest, enhance urban ecosystems and public health, and protect green space for trees to grow and neighbors to connect with nature. We work with local landowners to steward natural areas and improve the conditions of those sites.
How You Can Help:
Green spaces work as protective buffers to slow down and retain stormwater runoff, reduce ambient air temperatures, improve air quality, provide habitat for wildlife and reduce heating and cooling costs. In addition, they provide gathering places for communities to recreate and connect with one another.
Casey Trees’ land conservation program aims to restore fragmented patches of urban forest, enhance urban ecosystems and public health, and protect green space for trees to grow and neighbors to connect with nature. We work with local landowners to steward natural areas and improve the conditions of those sites.