What is the Archangel Ancient Tree Archive Project?
The Archangel Ancient Tree Archive is making history by planting the world’s first old-growth Giant Sequoia forest right in Detroit’s inner city. Partnering with Arboretum Detroit, this groundbreaking project is transforming Poletown East, a neighborhood in Detroit, into a thriving forest of ancient giants. These aren’t just any trees — they’re direct descendants of the legendary “Stagg” and “Waterfall” Giant Sequoias, known for their massive 30-foot diameter trunks that stretch wider than city streets. Imagine that! This initiative aims to turn one of America’s most deforested cities into a shining example of resilience and urban rewilding.
Main Benefits of the Project
Here’s why this project matters, in a nutshell:
- Old-growth Giant Sequoias planted in Detroit’s urban core, creating a unique forest environment.
- Direct genetic lineage from two of the world’s largest Giant Sequoias — “Stagg” and “Waterfall.”
- Revitalization of a heavily deforested city, setting a global example for urban reforestation.
- Old-growth trees excel at sequestering carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, and producing beneficial aerosols and medicines.
- Creation of living genetic libraries to preserve ancient tree genetics for future research and reforestation efforts.
The Mission Behind Archangel Ancient Tree Archive
The mission is clear and urgent: to propagate, archive, and reforest. First, they propagate the world’s most important old-growth trees before they disappear forever. Then, they archive the genetics of these ancient giants in living libraries scattered around the globe. Finally, they reforest the Earth with the offspring of these trees, restoring the vital ecosystem services that all life depends on. It’s about more than just trees — it’s about securing the future of our planet’s health.
Why Old-Growth Forests Matter
Here’s a staggering fact: about 98 percent of old-growth forests in the United States are gone. Yep, just 2 percent remain — essentially our “life savings” when it comes to natural filters for air and water. These ancient forests are crucial for maintaining clean freshwater ecosystems and healthy air quality. Without them, the balance of life on Earth is at serious risk. Archangel Ancient Tree Archive is working to bring back these natural filter systems by cloning and planting these majestic trees.
How the Project Preserves Ancient Tree Genetics
Archangel Ancient Tree Archive isn’t just planting trees — they’re creating living libraries of old-growth tree genetics. Using both traditional and advanced horticultural propagation techniques, they clone these ancient trees to preserve their unique genetic makeup. This approach ensures that future generations can study and benefit from these trees, while also supporting functional reforestation efforts worldwide. It’s a smart blend of science and nature, working hand in hand.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 13: Climate Action — by sequestering carbon and improving air quality.
- SDG 15: Life on Land — through reforestation and biodiversity preservation.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities — by transforming urban spaces like Detroit.
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation — restoring natural water filtration systems.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being — via the production of beneficial aerosols and medicines.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Urban Rewilding
The Archangel Ancient Tree Archive project is more than just a forest planting effort — it’s a bold vision for the future. By bringing ancient giants back to urban landscapes, it offers a blueprint for resilience in cities worldwide. Detroit’s transformation could inspire other cities to embrace rewilding, restore ecosystems, and combat climate change in innovative ways. The project shows that even in places once stripped bare, nature can reclaim its place… and thrive.
