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EnglishWhat Is Casey Trees and What Does the Organization Do?
Updated
Casey Trees is a nonprofit organization that plants, cares for, and protects trees in the national capital region, with its work centered on Washington, DC. Its stated mission is to cultivate a thriving urban forest: the organization reports that in 2001, DC's tree canopy covered just 35% of the city, and it has since planted more than 60,000 trees while setting a goal of 40% canopy coverage by 2032. If you live, work, or own property in DC and want more trees or shade in your area, Casey Trees is a relevant organization to know.
What Casey Trees does
The organization describes its work through five program areas:
| Program | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Plant | Tree planting for local homes, schools, parks, businesses, and more, done in partnership with certified arborists to support tree health, growth, and longevity |
| Educate | School programs, tree-planting events, and outdoor exploration aimed at teaching children about the benefits trees provide |
| Advocate | More than 20 years of work on policies that support, protect, and expand DC's urban forest |
| Conserve | A land conservation program that restores fragmented forests, improves ecosystems, and preserves green spaces through work with landowners |
| Care | Ongoing maintenance of trees (the site's program description continues beyond the excerpt available) |
How to get involved
The site lists several entry points for residents:
- Plant Trees — learn about planting options and partnerships
- Volunteer — join planting and care efforts
- Advocate — support policies that protect the urban forest
- Join Our Team — employment or staffing opportunities
- Nominate a Space — suggest a location in DC that could use more trees, such as schools, houses of worship, apartment complexes, or businesses
Why the canopy goal matters
The organization frames trees as infrastructure that absorbs pollution, provides shade and cooling, releases oxygen, and helps combat climate change. Its 40%-by-2032 target is a measurable way to track whether DC is gaining or losing those benefits over time.
What the page does not specify
The available site information does not list program costs, eligibility requirements, or whether services are free, and it does not detail how nominations are reviewed or how quickly planting requests are handled. If cost or timing affects your decision, check the individual program pages or contact the organization directly before relying on an assumption.