City plans to establish nursery for 50 Sequoias near Arch Avenue Park

The City Council of Mount Vernon, Ohio, convened on June 2, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives, primarily focusing on the planting of Sequoia trees in local parks. The council previously agreed to purchase 25 Sequoias but has since identified a more favorable deal that allows for the acquisition of 50 trees.

During the meeting, council members outlined plans to establish a nursery for the trees, which will require approval from the parks department. A proposed site for the nursery is located near Arch Avenue Park, an area that is currently underutilized and primarily mowed by the city. The council emphasized the importance of marking the site for the parks department's approval, with hopes of finalizing the location by the next meeting.

The discussion highlighted the growth potential of Sequoias, with estimates suggesting they could grow up to a foot per year in their early stages. The council expressed optimism about the trees' survival rates, noting that while typically only about 25% of planted trees may thrive, the community could benefit from sharing the trees with neighboring areas and county parks once they mature.

In addition to the Sequoia initiative, council members reflected on past tree planting efforts, sharing mixed results from previous projects. The meeting concluded with a commitment to move forward with the nursery plan and to keep the community informed about the progress of the Sequoia planting initiative.