Sequoia Forest — Arboretum Detroit

Donate to the Sequoia Forest in Detroit

Arboretum Detroit is partnering with Archangel Ancient Tree Archive and Poletown East residents to create a Giant Sequoia Forest in Detroit.

AATA has cloned and seed propagated several of the giants, and the seedlings they are bringing to Detroit are from the Stagg and Waterfall trees. These trees have endured thousands of years’ of hardships, and their genetics contain the skills needed to face hardships in the future. Our children will grow up with the children of these wise elders.

Detroit students with the Giant Sequoia sapling they just planted in the Arboretum. Photo by Nick Hagen

This is a time when we have to join forces with our wonderful allies in mitigating climate chaos - the trees. These Giant Sequoias will be here for the next 2000 years, binding carbon, creating oxygen, filtering the air, soaking up rainwater and sparking conversation about climate change. They are here to inspire action, create life, nourish our souls and our bodies.

Arboretum Detroit parks are located in Poletown East, and our board members and staff live here. We are partnering with several neighbors to expand the Sequoia Forest from the bounds of a single park to a decentralized forest that includes residents’ properties as well. This creates a wider conversation, more opportunity for action and expression of a shared vision of a greener future.