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Quick Facts
What is the Conservancy?
The Mount Vernon Place Conservancy (MVPC), the so-called “private group”, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a Board of Directors established in November 2008 to restore and manage the use of Mount Vernon Place in partnership with the City of Baltimore. Board and committee members have extensive historic preservation, horticultural, operations, and fundraising experience.
Why the major effort?
There is significant damage to and deterioration of the marble balustrades, fountain basins, retaining walls, sidewalks, and other architectural elements throughout Mount Vernon Place, including structural issues with the Monument itself. The soils, which are compacted and contaminated, cannot support a successful tree canopy or grass. There is no irrigation or electrical infrastructure to support the many activities that take place in Mount Vernon Place. Everything looks good from a distance (including some of the trees) until one takes a closer look. Recently, the historic iron fence that surrounds the Monument was even hit and damaged by a vehicle. The Conservancy has the expertise to effect a proper restoration. Click here for Images.
Why does the Plan involve replacing the existing trees?
The Plan looks to not only the present but also the next century, with strategies to create a thriving tree canopy. Removing and replacing the existing trees is an unfortunate necessity. Look closely and note how many are dying or are near the end of their lifespan. Bill Graham, previously Chief Horticulturalist of the University of Pennsylvania’s Morris Arboretum and consulting arborist for the MVPC, has carefully evaluated each tree and reported that many of them were planted too deeply, which prevented proper drainage and nutrition, and in soil pits that were too small, which hampered their growth and ultimately damaged their health.
What kind of trees will be planted?
New trees in the four Parks will be mature 8″ caliper (diameter) specimens and approximately 30′ tall, providing an instant canopy. Species will be different for each of the Parks and carefully coordinated for greatest visual impact.
