Conducting a forest survey as a Redwoods Rising apprentice—especially in Yurok ancestral territory—is unlike anything else in the world. I had the honor of hiking deep into the ancient redwood forest and seeing places few people ever see. My assignment was to collect data—tree density and size, forest health, wildlife habitat—all to inform future stewardship plans.
It’s not your average walk in the woods. The terrain is steep, rugged, and completely breathtaking, and the forest is in dire need of repair. A duff layer, made thick by the absence of fire for over a hundred years, blankets the forest floor. The shallow, fibrous roots of spruce and redwood trees tangle together, creating countless little holes. It’s also a temperate rainforest, which means it’s wet. Slippery logs, moss-covered slopes … you name it, we dealt with it.
Redwoods Rising made sure the apprentices were ready. We all went through safety training, radio protocols, first-aid, and daily safety checkouts and check-ins. Safety wasn’t just a box to check—it was a part of the culture. So was having the right gear.
Click on the numbers below to see 11 essential tools for surveying a redwood forest:
But even with all that equipment and training, nothing can fully prepare you for the magic of being out there, fully immersed in those forests, feeling the history and the heartbeat of the land. All while making important decisions for the health of the forest.
Every day was an adventure, and it was the most fun, most rewarding experience. It solidified my commitment to being a forester and wanting to walk these woods the rest of my life and help restore them. Best apprenticeship I ever had.
One Response to “Gearing up to survey the forest with Redwoods Rising”
Marilyn Blotsky
Thanks for your service. My time in the National Redwood Park was a spiritual experience. The people felt it too, as everyone talked in whispers. ❤️