Spring is here in the DMV. It brings with it warmer weather and longer days. Blooming flowers and high pollen counts. Spring is a season of renewal and a great time to plant trees.
Trees add beauty and promote both mental and physical health. And that’s why we at WHC love trees.
Last weekend, with our partners Casey Trees and the American Institute of Architects, we had over 70 volunteers and planted more than 60 trees at Hamilton Manor in Prince George’s County. It was a wonderful day to be outdoors planting Bald Cypress, River Birch, and Sweet Bay Magnolia trees, and bring together our residents, staff, partners, and other volunteers to strengthen our community.
Trees enhance our apartment communities in so many ways. They filter our air. They provide shade in the summer months that offers a cool respite from the effects of rising temperatures and heatwaves that are becoming more extreme due to changing climate. According to The Nature Conservancy, urban areas with large amounts of pavement absorb more heat, which can make them five to eight degrees hotter than surrounding areas and keep them hotter later in the evening. And lastly, numerous studies have shown that access to green space encourages walking and other physical activity that contribute to better mental and physical health.
For us there is another benefit: social connection. Trees invite people into the courtyards, playgrounds and open spaces at our properties that are gathering places where friendships are born, memories are made, and the stress and tensions of urban life can be balanced with the calm of nature. That sense of community and belonging to a place fosters mental well-being that, coupled with the relief of burdensome rents, make it possible for people to plant roots and have the stability that enables them to build wealth and opportunity.
New connections among residents and staff were formed last weekend and it was wonderful to experience. One resident who has lived at Hamilton Manor for over 15 years participated because it was a beautiful day, and it was a chance to enhance her community directly. She was able to build relationships with property management staff and met other people living in the neighborhood. Our property management team expressed a deep level of satisfaction at being able to give back and beautify the property.
In 2024, WHC began a partnership with Casey Trees to enhance our outdoor spaces by planting trees at three of our apartment communities – Hamilton Manor, Huntwood Courts and Earle Manor. Like the event at Hamilton Manor, these planting events support our efforts to deepen residents’ connection to where they live and to their neighbors.
Founded in 2001, Casey Trees is a nonprofit dedicated to restoring, enhancing, and protecting the tree canopy of the DMV. The organization engages volunteers throughout the DMV to get involved in maintaining and growing the tree canopy. Last year, the organization approached WHC about planting trees at Huntwood Courts in Ward 7 where the tree canopy is lower. WHC jumped on the opportunity.
Supported by philanthropic and private dollars, Casey Trees is able to offer its services at no charge. Casey Trees has its own tree farm in Berryville, VA where they grow and source high quality trees. In addition to planting trees, they also come out periodically to help maintain them. After the success at Huntwood Courts, WHC asked if Casey Trees would consider expanding the partnership to which they readily agreed, and we had several planting events last Fall at our Maryland properties.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with WHC because together we are able to support each other’s missions. For us, we are able to expand the tree canopy in DC and suburban Maryland, bringing all the benefits of more green space to more communities,” said Gabrielle Elliott, Casey Trees Urban Forester.
What is most gratifying for us are the smiles and delight of our residents, staff, and neighbors. Trees add beauty and promote both mental and physical health. And that’s why we at WHC love trees.
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Preserving housing affordability and promoting economic mobility in the DC-region
The Washington Housing Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your investment helps us expand our work. Your gift is 100% tax-deductible. EIN 83-1866109
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