Data Justice Service Day
Duck Pond at University Hills Park (Casey Trees)
Meeting time and location: 8:30 a.m., East side (parking lot side) of Centreville Hall
Join Casey Trees for a fun day of caring for young trees! Casey Trees has the ambitious goal of increasing the DC region’s tree canopy from 35% to 40% by 2032. Not only do they need to plant trees, but they also need help with caring for them! By providing necessary tree care, Data Justice students will be contributing to a more sustainable future for Prince George’s County.
We will be mulching, weeding, and watering some of our newly planted trees around the park. Your help caring for these vulnerable trees will give them a leg up in becoming a permanent part of our region's tree canopy. We provide all the necessary tools and supplies to care for trees. Participants will receive a short, hands-on training on-site. After learning the tools and techniques, participants will split up into groups and begin caring for trees throughout the site.
No specific skills or tools required. Each event starts with a tool safety and planting demonstration. Volunteers work alongside experienced staff.
Requirements
Waiver: Please sign up through Eventbrite prior to the event! Volunteers sign a participation waiver when they register through Eventbrite. Signing a waiver is required before participating in the event.
What to expect:
9:00 a.m. - Check-in
9:15 a.m. - Opening remarks and tool safety demo
9:30 a.m. - Work begins! Volunteers start caring for trees
Additional items to wear/bring:
- Your Scholars t-shirt
- Full, reusable water bottle
- Wear closed-toed shoes, (boots are preferred over sneakers)
- Bug spray
- Closed-toe shoes
Campus Pollinator Garden
Meeting time and location: 9 a.m., outside of Cambridge Community Center, facing Centreville Hall
Just like all travelers, pollinators need a place to eat, drink, and sleep too! By planting a pollinator garden, Data Justice students will be providing food and rest for native species threatened by climate change like the Baltimore Checkerspot and the Golden Northern Bumblebee. On Service Day, we will renovate a garden bed outside of the Cambridge Community Center, directly facing Centreville Hall. We will intentionally plant native plants in order to provide for native pollinators. After Service Day, the Data Justice program will continue coordinating care for this special garden!
No specific skills or tools required. Each event starts with a tool safety and planting demonstration. Volunteers work alongside experienced staff.
Additional items to wear/bring:
- Your Scholars t-shirt
- Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing you don't mind getting dirty (it is recommended you wear long pants that cover the ankles (no shorts or cropped leggings), long sleeves, and tall socks)
- Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes
- Sunglasses, sunblock, and a hat for added sun protection
- A full refillable water bottle
Fairland Recreational Park
Meeting time and location: 8:15 a.m., East side (parking lot side) of Centreville Hall
Straddling Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, Fairland Recreational Park is the only bi-county park of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Of the 322 acres on the Montgomery County side, only 39 acres are developed with athletic fields and courts. The remaining parkland is preserved in its natural state. On the Prince George’s County side, the park is home to the Fairland Sports and Aquatic Complex.
Led by staff from Montgomery County Parks, students will work in designated teams to assist staff with removal of non-native invasive plants and/or clean up and maintenance of the numerous bike trails within the park. Upon arrival, additional information will be provided by one of the park community coordinators.
Additional items to wear/bring:
- Your Scholars t-shirt
- Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing you don't mind getting dirty (it is recommended you wear long pants that cover the ankles (no shorts or cropped leggings), long sleeves, and tall socks)\
- Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes
- Sunglasses, sunblock, and a hat for added sun protection
- A refillable water bottle