Home / Environment / Tacoma Residents Form Co-op to Save 100-Foot Sequoia Forest
Tacoma Residents Form Co-op to Save 100-Foot Sequoia Forest
28 Oct
Summary
- 59 giant sequoia trees threatened with removal
- Residents plan to start a co-op to buy the community
- Trees sequester carbon at 2-3 times the rate of native trees
In October 2025, residents of the Ohana Estates mobile home park in Tacoma, Washington learned that the owner planned to cut down 59 giant sequoia trees that border their community. The trees, some over 100 feet tall, have been a beloved part of the neighborhood for decades.
Alarmed by the threat to the iconic sequoias, the residents sprang into action. By January 2026, they plan to start a co-op to purchase the Ohana Estates property from the current owner. This will allow them to preserve the trees and maintain affordable housing for the community.
The owner, Kelly Verduin, says she was concerned the sequoia roots could damage the nearby sewer line and road. However, an arborist has advised that selective root pruning could mitigate these issues. Verduin is now optimistic the sale to the resident co-op will go through, noting it would be a "win-win" for all involved.
The sequoias are prized for their ability to sequester carbon at two to three times the rate of native Pacific Northwest trees. Local nonprofit PropagationNation is supporting the residents' efforts, emphasizing the ecological importance of preserving these majestic trees.
