The American Elm at District I

District I's fall meeting started with the second area showing of the 2007 documentary film "The American Elm, Majestic, Imperiled, Renewed." The film was presented by producer and director Dan Smith, who is the senior communications director for Casey Trees. [Program chair David Healy (l) and Dan Smith (r).]

The film chronicles the history of the American elm as an urban street tree, its eradication by Dutch elm disease, the discovery of disease-resistant varieties and their propagation for reintroduction into the American urban landscape. Though concentrating on the elm, the film explores the role of trees in the urban landscape and the public response to environmental catastrophe.

The 52-minute film will be presented by its producer and director Dan Smith, who is director of communications for Casey Trees in Washington DC. The film had its premiere on March 20, 2007 at the DC Environmental Film Festival.