by Marlene Berlin As DC heads into what’s typically the region’s snowiest and iciest time of year, home and business owners should consider carefully how they’ll keep our sidewalks free of ice. The National Academy of Sciences says our rivers and streams are becoming saltier, particularly in the densely populated East and Midwest. Casey Trees […]
Van Ness streetscape improvement project moves closer to design phase
by Marlene Berlin In July 2018, and after considerable effort by Van Ness Main Street, the DC Council allocated $1.5 million dollars in the FY 2019 budget for the design and public engagement phase of a Van Ness streetscape improvement project. It was a long time in coming. The DC Office of Planning and DDOT […]
Help wanted at Casey Trees: Urban forester and urban forester crew chief
Casey Trees, the DC nonprofit that works to build and maintain the District’s tree canopy, watered more than 24,000 trees this summer. It’s getting ready to plant 1,600 trees this fall. And because of the pandemic, it’s had to do it all without the hands-on help of volunteers. Casey Trees has kept its staff of […]
Is it safe to splash in Soapstone or Rock Creek? Volunteer scientists are collecting samples each week to find out
by William J. Sittig Is it safe to swim or engage in other water recreational activities in Rock Creek and its tributaries? First of all, it is important to know that swimming is currently illegal in DC waters and has been since the 1970s. But, to assist in answering the question of whether or not […]
Covid-19 is taking a toll on Rock Creek
by Jeanne Braha With COVID-19 limiting our indoor activities, Rock Creek Park has been a popular escape as many of us are enjoying and rediscovering the health benefits of time in nature. However, that increased visitation is taking its toll on Rock Creek’s nearly 3,000 acres of green space. We need your help to take […]
Meet Your Neighbors: The “Flower Lady” of Connecticut Avenue
My family knew her first as the “Flower Lady.” That’s what my son, then seven years old, called her. We soon got to know her by her real name, Kathy, as she and her husband Steve started transforming the tree boxes on the 4500 block of Connecticut Avenue into lush and colorful gardens. Before long, […]
Van Ness ‘warrior tree’ to be removed by month’s end
The tree was removed on Wednesday, July 15th. Pay your last respects to the Van Ness “warrior tree.” The oak tree has stood guard over Connecticut Avenue at Windom Place for decades. But the people who watch out for the District’s street trees believe it has become a threat to the many pedestrians and motorists […]
Practice “socially-distant stewardship” at Melvin C Hazen Park bamboo cleanups this month
Rock Creek Conservancy is in what it calls “socially-distant stewardship mode.” That doesn’t mean its work has stopped. This month, the group is inviting volunteers to help attack a stand of invasive bamboo in the western section of Melvin C Hazen Park. “Bamboo is an aggressive invasive plant that can overtake wildlife habitats and out-compete […]
Our young trees are hot and thirsty. Help them survive the summer by offering them a drink
by Marlene Berlin July 4th weekend was a scorcher. Forecast highs for the coming days are in the 90s. And young yard and street trees are desperate for a drink of water. The trees need to watered every week throughout the summer and into the fall. Downpours don’t count – only a good soaking rain […]
Neighbors Recommend: Learn to speak for the trees at Casey Trees advocacy training
by Pat Kasdan Casey Trees is a DC nonprofit founded by Betty Brown Casey on 2002, in memory of her husband, who had loved trees. Its mission is “To restore, enhance and protect the tree canopy of the nation’s capital.” The District’s tree canopy covered approximately 50 percent of the city in 1950, but had […]