City of Trees: Washington, D.C.

On the eve of Arbor Day, join naturalist and tree expert Melanie Choukas-Bradley on a virtual tour of the trees in our nation’s capital through stunning photographs of the Tidal Basin, U.S. Capitol, White House, National Arboretum, Rock Creek Park, and many other notable locations.

Known as the “City of Trees” for more than 100 years, Washington has an arboreal history that is rich and fascinating. The city boasts a diverse native flora, augmented by tree species brought to the city from many parts of the world by its international inhabitants. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were passionate tree lovers. Trees planted by Washington still thrive at Mt. Vernon, and Jefferson designed and executed the first street tree planting on record in the capital. Learn about the botanical diversity and heritage of the nation’s capital, and why its tree canopy is such an essential and historic part the city’s life.  

Choukas-Bradley has been a noted expert on the history and diversity of Washington’s trees for 40 years. The first edition of her classic field guide City of Trees was published in 1981 and she has been leading tree tours throughout the capital area in the decades since. Among her other nature books are Finding Solace at Theodore Roosevelt Island and A Year in Rock Creek Park.

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