Happy Arbor Day! In commemoration of dendrophiles' favorite day of the year, the District received a report card on how it measures up as a steward of the local tree canopy, and the results are a little disappointing. more ›

I was taken aback while reading this short interview with Mark Buscaino, the executive director of Casey Trees, a nonprofit that plants and protects trees around the District. When asked if Washington needed more trees, Buscaino said that "by 2035, we need to be planting about 8,600 trees per year." more ›

The Post had a brief story about it this morning, but it's worth reiterating that the District Department of the Environment and outstanding local non-profit Casey Trees have announced a new program that offers D.C. residents $50 if they'll plant a tree on their property. Autumn is the best time to plant trees, so follow this link to learn more about the program and download the rebate form. Participants must pledge to water and care for the tree for at least two years, and you can also request a free “Ooze Tube” watering bag to make watering the tree that much easier. The rebates are available up until May 31, 2009. Casey Trees is also offering tons of info on where, when and how to plant your tree. Contact them at 202.833.4010 or friends(at)caseytrees.org. more ›

With springtime comes anticipation of blooming gardens and leafy green trees. The federal government doesn't have quite the same excitement, we would guess, based on their recent slashing of the U.S. National Arboretum's budget, as the Washington Post reported this weekend. The $2 million eliminated from next year's budget could drastically cut public programming, research on rare and new species of plants, and permanently stall much needed expansion projects. more ›