Commission members reviewed the sequoia-planting plan and the logistics for a plot that will receive propagated sequoia saplings, and members accepted a donation of American chestnuts for volunteer planting.

On sequoias: members said the plot layout is complete, grass is being killed in preparation for fencing, and the commission is awaiting a contractor to install a perimeter fence before planting. A member said the plan is to plant multiple saplings rather than purchase cloned specimens at high per-unit costs; the commission discussed sourcing saplings from a California supplier. The commission agreed to wait for fence installation and for a contractor timeline before planting.

On chestnuts: a commission member brought bags of American chestnut seeds and asked members to take and plant them where feasible. Staff and members discussed basic planting advice, including keeping seeds moist and allowing a cold stratification period; several members reported prior successful plantings and small saplings reaching transplantable size. A member noted the city has at least one older chestnut that may be of mixed lineage and that a certified arborist has not formally verified its species.

Why it matters: the sequoia plot and chestnut distribution represent longer-term canopy investments; saplings and seeds will take years to mature and provide canopy or nut production. Commission members discussed deer protection and other maintenance needs for young trees.

Ending: staff will follow up on fence installation and contractor availability for sequoia plantings and will support distribution of chestnuts to volunteers.