In an innovative effort to address urban blight and improve environmental health, a project is underway on Detroit’s eastside to transform vacant land into a small urban forest composed of giant sequoias. These majestic trees, known as the largest in the world and capable of living for thousands of years, are being introduced to the area by the nonprofit organization Archangel Ancient Tree Archive. The initiative, entitled the Giant Sequoia Filter Forest, aims to not only replace long-standing eyesores with natural beauty but also enhance air quality and contribute to the conservation of these iconic trees currently threatened by wildfires in their native Sierra Nevada habitat in California.
Detroit has been chosen as the pilot city for this groundbreaking project. To mark Earth Day on April 22, staff and volunteers from Arboretum Detroit, another nonprofit organization, will plant dozens of sequoia saplings donated by Archangel. The project is not limited to Detroit; similar initiatives are planned for Los Angeles, Oakland, California, and even London.
Giant sequoias are impressive conifers that can grow over 300 feet tall with a base circumference exceeding 30 feet. They are renowned for their longevity, potentially surviving for more than 3,000 years. These trees offer more than just an impressive stature; they provide a protective canopy and are highly resilient against disease and insects. Their thick bark shields them from most fires, although recent climate changes are increasing their vulnerability to wildfires.
Archangel Ancient Tree Archive, based in Michigan, has been actively involved in preserving the genetics of old-growth trees for research and reforestation. The sequoia saplings destined for Detroit are clones from two giants named Stagg, recognized as the world’s fifth-largest tree, and Waterfall. Although a wildfire destroyed Waterfall, Stagg survived, and their legacy will continue in Detroit.
Detroit offers a unique opportunity for such an initiative due to its abundant vacant land, a byproduct of its reduced population. Since the 1950s, the city’s population has drastically declined, leaving numerous homes empty and neglected. Despite efforts to demolish these structures, many empty lots remain, providing ample space for reforestation projects.
In recent years, Arboretum Detroit has already planted several sequoias on vacant lots, and an additional 200 are nurtured in their nursery. The city’s conditions, with moist soil and the absence of wildfires, present a promising environment for these trees to thrive.
The initiative not only focuses on environmental improvement but also on community involvement. Efforts are made to educate Detroit’s youth about the importance of tree care through a “tree school” program. This initiative empowers the younger generation to cultivate and maintain the trees, fostering a connection to nature and awareness of environmental issues.
Detroit residents, who face high exposure to air pollution and elevated asthma rates, stand to benefit significantly from this project. The giant sequoias will be planted near industrial areas and busy roadways, where their ability to rapidly grow and remain evergreen will help filter the air, provide shade, and manage stormwater. Arboretum Detroit has already planted approximately 650 trees of various species in the area, but it is the sequoias that are expected to make the most substantial impact.