Parks, Trees, and Environmental Justice: Field Notes from Washington, DC

Students enrolled in a graduate seminar benefited in multiple ways from an intensive 3-day field trip to Washington, DC. Constructed around the theme of environmental justice, the trip gave students a chance to learn about street tree distribution, park quality, and racial segregation “up close.” Working with personnel from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, they learned how to design and carry out a street tree survey and assess the condition of park resources. Students were also given the opportunity to collect primary data at 2 local archives. The experience enhanced their understanding of historical environmental processes and allowed them to interact with resource managers in a “real world” setting.