Author Archives: Michael Kauffmann

Michael Kauffmann is an educator, author, and ecologist based in Humboldt County, where he manages the League's North Coast Redwood Education Program. His newest book, co-authored with Matt Ritter, is California Trees: A Guide to the Native Species.
A person on a hiking trail gazes up at a tree with an enormous reddish trunk

Is that a redwood? The 7 “imposter” trees that fool us

by Michael Kauffmann on

Redwoods set the bar high—literally. In California, it’s easy to spot a towering tree and assume it’s one of the state’s famous giants. But with 95 native tree species, the Golden State’s forests boast extraordinary diversity—and hold plenty of surprises. …

Two smiling boys sit on a log holding clipboards. One holds a cross-section of a tree.

10 things I wish all kids knew about trees

by Michael Kauffmann on

If all kids could carry these 10 truths about trees in their hearts, the world just might be a greener, kinder, and wiser place.