Since 2014, I’ve led tree walks in the Washington, DC area. My walks are intended to be accessible to everyone and focus on skills that will allow you to begin identifying trees on your own and to understand how our trees fit into the larger natural and artificial landscapes we live in. Learning to identify trees is also a great way to spend time outside and connect with your environment, both of which are evidence-based ways to enhance physical and mental health and well-being. I wrote about learning to see trees for the New York Times.
After nearly a decade of organizing most of my tree walks by myself, I’m now looking to partner with organizations that would like to offer tree ID and nature walks to their audiences and members. If you or your organization are interested in sponsoring a tree walk, please contact me.
Checking out a baldcypress in Rock Creek Park.
I typically lead tree walks in the spring and fall, when the weather is at its best and our trees are at their most dynamic. I try to announce dates and locations one to two months ahead of time. To find out about future walks, email me.
Past tree walk locations include:
Rock Creek Park (Peirce Mill, Carter Barron areas)
Northwest Branch Trail in Hyattsville, MD
Mount Rainier, MD urban forest
Tregaron Conservancy, Cleveland Park neighborhood of DC
Mount Pleasant neighborhood
16th St Heights neighborhood
All tree walks I organize are free and open to everyone. But it does take time to find good locations and, of course, to lead walks. If you would like to support my local tree education efforts, you can do so by clicking here.
