Northampton County to accept donation of more than 150 conifer plants for Louis Moore Park arboretum

Brian Cope, speaking for Northampton County parks staff at the April 17 Energy, Environment and Land Use Committee meeting, outlined a plan to accept a donation of more than 150 conifer plants—about 80 species—for a new conifer garden at Louis Moore Park.

The donation: Cope said the plants come from Mr. and Mrs. Seippe (described in the presentation as long-time growers) and that their daughter, Emily Swackhammer, who worked for decades with Penn State Extension on vector control, has been involved. A professor from Penn State Berks reviewed and helped tag the plants, Cope said, and described them as "some of the most valuable ones that he's ever seen." County staff provided a conceptual design showing paths and seating integrated with the park's existing arboretum.

Cost and program details: Cope said the donated plants represent a significant in-kind investment; the presentation packet estimates roughly $5,100 in value for the planting and installation elements discussed. The donation would be sited in the arboretum area of Louis Moore Park near Pavilion 4.

Committee action: Committee members discussed the conceptual design and the family’s intent to transplant material from the donors' property. Cope said the county hired a consultant to refine the layout and that the plantings would include a mix of small shrubs and large trees to provide interest year-round. A resolution to accept the conifer garden donation was referenced in the packet and discussed; the meeting record does not show a committee vote on that resolution.

Next steps and education component: Cope said the conifer garden would add an educational feature to the county arboretum and provide opportunities for students and the public to study diverse conifer species. He thanked the donors and the Penn State Berks professor for their contributions; no final acceptance vote was recorded at the committee meeting.