Location: Public Horticulture and Engagement Unit
Project Number: 8020-21000-155-011-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2018
End Date: Jul 31, 2021
Objective:
Implement the state trees tour concept.
Approach:
Phase I. Demolition, Planning, and Design:
Removal of the existing elements of the current Grove of State Trees to allow for development of the State Trees Tour. This would involve rental of equipment and dumpster to demolish the concrete and wood elements and dispose of them; the paths and culvert would be removed and the area would be restored to conditions prior to construction. Any failing or declining trees would be removed, but most will remain following this phase. Demolition is expected to be complete by May 1, 2019. From June 2019 through August 2018, locations of the species that are state trees will be pinpointed, and field work will be done to select the best specimen in terms of health of the tree, size, and accessibility, to serve the role in the State Trees Tour. Photographs will be taken to ensure that visitors will know what the foliage and fall color looks like, even if they visit in winter. The three species that are not hardy in Washington, DC will be procured by June 2019 so they can be grown as tub plants in the Introduction Garden or the National Herb Garden. An intern will be hired to assist the Native Plants Curator in this work. A graphic would be developed for use on the signs marking each of the state trees, and mocked up signs would be tested on site. Interpretation would be written for the tour for inclusion in the Arboretum App, where the State Trees Tour will reside. Design and Interpretation are expected to be completed by September 1, 2019.
Phase II.
The signs will be fabricated and installed by December 1, 2019. The interpretive material for the App will be formatted and coded into the app by March 1, 2020. All work would be completed by March 1, 2020.
Phase III.
The publicity effort to market the launch of the new concept and to celebrate the centennial of the National Association of State Foresters. The concept may include state-based events to raise regional awareness of electronic access to the resources developed, development of modules consistent with Standards of Learning for children of various ages, and fundraising to create a fund for the future maintenance of the State Trees Tour and related educational materials. ARS anticipates a celebration on the grounds of the National Arboretum in 2020 to mark the centennial and launch the State Tree Tour. Planning for this phase will take place beginning in spring of 2019, and will rely on existing staff, namely the Events Coordinator and the Horticulture Education Programs Coordinator at the Arboretum, working collaboratively with staff of the National Association of State Foresters, the Forest Service, and other partners.
