Save Redwoods, Save Fish from Extinction

The Spring Bulletin 2009 features more information and big, beautiful photos in response to our members’ feedback! In this issue:

• Saving redwoods saves salmon from extinction
• 3 more parcels protected
• New grantees explore how to help redwoods survive climate change
• Family’s link to redwoods spans 3 generations
• 5 ways you can help save redwoods

Volunteer Day to Save Ancient Redwoods from Invasive Plant

In honor of Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 24), join Save the Redwoods League volunteers on Thursday, April 23, 2009, to rid a redwood park of the invasive plant, scotch broom (pictured, front). Removing this plant will help native plants thrive. The League protected this Santa Cruz County park, the Miller property. After a morning of broom removal, volunteers can go on a guided hike. Spaces are limited—RSVP today to cmeyer@savetheredwoods.org or call (888) 836-0005. You’ll receive further information and directions. Photo: Julie Martin.

Join Expert for Sequoia Exhibit, Redwood Hike

Learn about Save the Redwoods League efforts, visit the Oakland Museum of California exhibit, “Future of Sequoias: Sustaining Parklands in the 21st Century” and hike nearby Redwood Regional Park starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2009. Your guide will be Dr. William J. Libby, a member of the League’s Board of Directors, a forestry consultant and Professor Emeritus of Forestry and Genetics. The cost is $25 per person; spots are limited. Send a check payable to NSG/OMCA to Marilyn Rhodes, 4335 Bermuda Ave, Oakland, CA 94619. Indicate that your payment is for the Save the Redwoods League outing and whether you need a ride to the park. Registrants will receive a confirmation, directions and other details. Bring your lunch for a stop in the park. For further information, contact Rhodes at (510) 531-0348 or RhodesRDH@aol.com.

Tell Us How You Like Redwood Matters, Get a Free Redwood Highway Guide

Redwood Matters is 1 year old this month! Please take this quick survey to let us know what you think and how we can serve you better. Respondents will receive a link to our popular Redwood Highway Guide, with suggested amenities, sights and experiences among the ancient Northern California redwoods. Take the survey.

Favorite Redwood Hike: Prairie Creek Redwood State Park

In this recurring feature, our staff members and volunteers share their favorite places to experience redwoods.

Name and Title: Pete Dangermond, President, Board of Directors, Save the Redwoods League

Favorite Redwood Hike: Zigzag No. 2, West Ridge and Coastal trails, Prairie Creek Redwood State Park (pictured), Humboldt County, California.

Trailhead: The marked Zigzag No. 2 trailhead is off Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, opposite the Rhododendron trailhead. Detailed trail maps are available at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center.

Difficulty/Distance: Segments range from easy to strenuous; round trip is about 9 miles.

Why I like it: This hike is my family’s favorite trail and most memorable in the redwoods. It begins at the pullout near Zigzag No. 2 trail, crosses over the ridge to the west, descends down Butler Creek to Gold Bluffs Beach and then traverses south. We started out early in the morning. There was a thick fog when we crossed over the ridge. The indescribable quiet was so wonderful that we frequently stopped just to “feel” it. When we reached the dunes of the beach, we just wandered. We were rewarded by coming across a huge bull elk (pictured) and his herd. Photo: Doug Greenberg, Flickr Creative Commons.

Best time to visit: Summer, when the temperatures range from 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

More park information and directions
Park map (Prairie Creek Redwood State Park is part of Redwood National and State parks)

Featured Photo

Rhododendrons bloom among ancient giants in Prairie Creek Redwood State Park. Save the Redwoods League has protected more than 16,900 acres and dedicated more than 280 honor groves in this park. Photo: Howard King. Add your redwood photos the League’s Flickr pool.

Featured Favorite Redwood Memory

"I remember camping in Prairie Creek Redwood State Park in the 1980s. The fog, the redwoods could be seen from the beach. We woke up in the morning to fog, Roosevelt elk nestled in the grass around our campsite. We walked into the fern canyons and gullies and everything became green and verdant. A great experience for my then 8 and 10-year-old children, my wife, and me."

— Ernest, member since 2002

PS

• Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day this month: Have a redwood seedling planted.
• Visit our calendar of events and activities throughout the ranges of the coast redwood and giant sequoia in almost 40 parks.
• Coming soon: New, improved, free redwood e-cards; call for education grant applications