Here’s Dr. John Ohab, reporting for Science Cheerleader.com as part of an original series of first-person citizen science reports!
Trees are good. They provide shade, recycled paper, wood, and probably other things. In fact, trees are the only living organisms on earth that cannot possibly do anything bad. In Medieval times, trees could talk, walk, and transport miniature people to different places. However, global warming, industrialization, and other human factors have contributed to a more vulnerable and quite stationary tree population.
Enter Casey Trees, a DC-based non-profit organization dedicated to restoring, enhancing, and protecting the tree canopy of our Nation’s Capital. Casey Trees leverages community volunteers known as “Citizen Foresters”, who employ basic forestry skills, lead teams of volunteers during weekend events, and advocate for a green, sustainable city.
Last weekend, I took part in a Casey Trees tree and shrub inventory. I talked with Casey Trees employees and Citizen Foresters and learned what motivated citizens are doing to improve our environment. Check out the above Science Cheerleader report!
Casey Trees offers many opportunities for citizen scientists interested in the environment, including their Trees 101 course, design and planting workshops, and urban forestry inventory training. For more information, visit the Casey Trees website.
- Topics: Environment, Nature and Outdoors
- Location: close to home
- Duration: several hours per event
- Cost: free
- Gear: provided on site
- Level of Difficulty: easy – moderate