Montgomery Woods’ Ancient Redwoods Survive Wildfire

Save the Redwoods League staff members saw late last month that overall, the ancient redwoods in Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve are unharmed after a wildfire. All League grove signs are undamaged. Moist soil and low wind kept the wildfire low, where it burned vegetation. “The inspiring thing was that two weeks after the fire, ferns and redwood sorrel were growing from the ashes (pictured),” said Betsy York, the League’s Director of Development. Before visiting, check to see if Montgomery Woods is open. For information on other wildfires near redwoods, see the July 2008 Redwood Matters.

New Property Makes Way for Access to Giant Sequoias

Our members’ support enabled us to recently transfer to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks an 11-acre parcel that will allow the National Park Service to improve public access via the historic Colony Mill Road. The Colony Mill Road connects to a network of trails through the park leading to the Giant Forest. The Giant Forest is home to the world’s largest tree, the General Sherman Tree. The property also is important because it contains blue oak woodlands, an increasingly threatened habitat in California.

Run or Walk through Ancient Giants in a Marathon We Sponsor

Run, walk or root for participants in the second League-sponsored marathon this year in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, which we created and have helped protect for almost 90 years. Come to the 30th Annual Humboldt Redwoods Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K on Sunday, October 19. Last May, we sponsored the Avenue of the Giants marathon; both marathons wind through spectacular old-growth redwoods. Visit us at our booth on the day of the event!

More information on the marathon

Help Keep Our Parks Open; Support Free Day-Use Plan

California State legislators still must vote on the Governor’s proposed state budget, which would keep open some threatened redwood parks that our members have helped to protect. Your representatives must hear from you now. Send a message to your elected officials, encouraging them to keep the parks open. Ask your friends to do the same by forwarding this e-mail.

In other news, a California State legislator’s plan would provide critical funding for regular state park maintenance and operation by instituting a $10 surcharge on vehicle license fees of all noncommercial vehicles and some commercial vehicles. In exchange for paying the fee, Californians would get free day-use access. Learn more or express your support for this solution.

Read more about these issues in the July 2008 Redwood Matters

Staff Member's Favorite Redwood Hike: Congress Trail

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

Name and Title: Dan Porter, Director of Science and Planning

Favorite Redwood Hike: Congress Trail, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Difficulty/Distance: Easy; 2 miles

Why I like it: This relatively easy trail shows off the giants! It begins at the General Sherman Tree and continues through the Giant Forest past other famous giant sequoias including the President, Chief Sequoyah, General Lee and McKinley Trees. The League just completed a recent addition to this park — see above for more information.

Best time to visit: The picture above illustrates why I prefer the winter in the giant sequoias — it’s quieter and feels more primitive and untouched than at any other time of the year. Check the parks’ Web site for activities at every time of the year.

Other places to visit nearby: Check out the Crystal Cave — another park attraction that has drawn visitors since 1941 — but remember to bring a jacket, even on the warmest of days!

More information: Visit the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Web site or make reservations to stay at the parks.

Directions: Get directions to the park.

Featured Favorite Redwood Memory

We first went into the redwoods in 1996. They are so calming. My husband never goes any place twice but we go back to the redwoods every chance we get!

— Marlynn
Member since 2007