“The Wonders of DC Trees” showcases ZCAF’s traveling exhibition of colorful educational panels, which were funded by Events DC. These seven-foot-tall displays will be accompanied by original artworks featuring tree themes to celebrate DC’s leafy canopy. Included in this exhibition are sculptures, paintings, and mixed media.

The exhibition of original artwork not only takes the tree as a starting point, but also repurposes arboreal remains like bark, twigs, driftwood, lumber, or tree pulp as the medium. Subjects vary widely. A path through the woods evokes the stark enchantment of Rock Creek Park. Contrasting veneers suggest the shape of trees. A heron haunts the swampy sphere of cattail and deadfall. Steps lead upward to nature’s cathedral door. In addition, there is figurative work carved in wood and a painting of an elm in front of the iconic Smithsonian Castle.

The traveling exhibition of collapsible panels was developed in partnership with Casey Trees, which provided the content and graphics. These canvases will spark awareness of the many roles trees play in building a greener and more climate-resilient city for future generations. Attention is given to street beautification, park greenspace, and the selection of different species to best complement the architectural scale and character of distinctive settings. Flood, erosion control, and wildlife conservation also figure in the rich mix of arboreal impacts. The panel on recycling features ZCAF’s own experience converting downed local trees into dried lumber for the Pre-Apprenticeship Carpentry Training program at Ballou STAY Opportunity Academy in Ward 8.

From April 1 to May 31, 2025, this exhibition will be reimagined at the Martin Luther King Library in downtown DC. From June to December 2025, individual DC branch libraries will showcase the traveling panels.