Maple Tree Protection
Protecting and preserving our century-old maple trees for future generations
Long‑term land secured and grant funded
The Wesley Stump Family Foundation has reached a major milestone: a long-term lease has been signed to protect and restore a distressed urban maple tree ecosystem.
This project began on a vacant lot long neglected and overgrown. For years, invasive plants—including tree-of-heaven and lanternfly infestations—threatened to choke out the once-towering native maple. Beneath it, the ecosystem of grasses and native species began to fade.
Initial restoration work cleared invasive overgrowth and re-established space for the native maple to thrive. Thanks to a grant secured alongside the lease, this effort can now continue into the future.
The property, once overlooked, is being transformed into a living laboratory of sustainable restoration. The Foundation’s mission is to preserve the maple, protect the diversity of plants surrounding it, and document the ecosystem’s recovery over time. With land security now in place, the work can progress with confidence that the results will benefit both today’s community and generations ahead.
Project Overview
Started January 2025
Ohio's maple trees have stood as silent guardians of this land. These majestic giants face new challenges from climate change, soil degradation, and urban development pressure. This project focuses on comprehensive protection and restoration efforts to ensure these trees continue to thrive.
Key Initiatives
Soil Health Assessment
Comprehensive soil testing and improvement program to optimize root health and nutrient availability.
Canopy Monitoring
Regular health assessments and pruning programs to maintain structural integrity and disease prevention.
Ecosystem Development
The focus is on building a healthy ecosystem around the trees—making space for Ohio’s native plants, insects, bugs, bees, and grasses.
Research Documentation
Long-term data collection to track tree health trends and inform future conservation strategies.
Current Status
Site assessment, soil sampling, removal of invasive brush and tree-of-heaven, vine clearing, safe debris removal, and sunlight access restored around the canopy.
Soil aeration and amendment, root-zone care, native understory plantings, and structural pruning to support healthy growth.
Ongoing monitoring, moisture and mulch management, beneficial insect habitat, and seasonal care to guard against stress and pests.
Community education, volunteer training, and expansion to adjacent parcels where possible.
Recent Updates
Cleared dead fallen tree
Cleared burnt wood
Brush and invasive trees cleared
Soil assessed, sampled, filtered, and graded
Cleared invading vines
Cleared invasive grass
Aerated soil and dug up invasive roots
Planted anti-pest tuber vegetables to help control future invasions
Spotted lanternfly documented
Working with the city to secure maintenance rights for adjacent land with invasive tree-of-heaven
Get Involved
Join us in protecting these magnificent trees. There are many ways to contribute to this vital conservation effort.