Redwoods Magazine Archive - Save the Redwoods League

Emily Burns, PhD, League's former Director of Science, reaches for the captivating cream-colored needles of an albino sprout growing out of a redwood. “It lacks chlorophyll, so it’s white, and it’s caused by a mutation on that particular sprout’s DNA,” she said. Further genomic research could confirm hypotheses that albino sprouts are more than parasites. It’s clear that the deeper we go into the redwood genome, the more we’ll know. Photo by Paolo Vescia

Mapping the Redwood Genomes

by Glen Martin on October 3, 2017

Save the Redwoods League is leading research to fully sequence the coast redwood and giant sequoia genomes — for the first time — utilizing conifer genetic sequencing techniques unavailable until now. By the end of this five-year project, the genome sequences and the screening tools developed will allow researchers to quickly assess genetic diversity in redwood forests to inform management plans that restore the health and resilience of these forests throughout their natural ranges as they face environmental stressors such as climate change.

Shown before it fell last winter, the famous giant sequoia in Calaveras Big Trees State Park was called the Pioneer Cabin Tree after private owners cut it to make it resemble a cabin. Photo by B Christopher, Alamy Stock Photo

Fallen Icons Underscore Need to Grow Giants of the Future

by Save the Redwoods League on October 3, 2017

Last winter’s intense wind and rain brought down giants throughout the redwood range, including the Pioneer Cabin Tree, an iconic “drive- through sequoia” in Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Seeing any of these towering giants fall is sad because we have so few left. But under the surface of the sadness lies a brighter, long-term scientific view.

Redwood forest covers the rolling landscape of Mailliard Ranch. Protecting the ranch will safeguard these precious forests, abundant plant and animal habitat, as well as clean air and water. Photo by John Birchard.

Milestones for Mailliard: League Set to Secure Most of Vast Ranch

by Save the Redwoods League on October 3, 2017

Thanks to our generous donors, California voters and the State of California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB), Save the Redwoods League is set to complete the first phase of our Mailliard Ranch project, which protects three-quarters of this majestic property from development and subdivision. Protection of the ranch will secure the stability of the regional forest ecosystem.

The League worked on a 1990 settlement that banned commercial logging in what is now Giant Sequoia National Monument. William Croft, League Board of Directors Member, took this photo in 1989 as he mapped the groves’ boundaries.

Thank You for Supporting Giant Sequoia National Monument

by Save the Redwoods League on October 3, 2017

Save the Redwoods League thanks our community for responding to our call for public comments on what Giant Sequoia National Monument means to them. Comments from League supporters were counted among a record-breaking 2.8 million after the Trump administration ordered a review of certain national monuments.

The League’s recent transfer of the Berry Glen Trail Connection property to Redwood National Park provides a significant portion of the limited habitat used by herds of Roosevelt elks, which draw thousands of tourists and photographers each year. Photo by Paolo Vescia

Two Steps Support Crucial Wildlife Habitat in the Home of the World’s Tallest Trees

by Save the Redwoods League on October 3, 2017

In California’s northwestern corner lies the Prairie Creek Scenic Corridor, a patchwork of public and privately held lands surrounded by Redwood National and State Parks, home of the world’s tallest trees. The League and collaborators have been working toward a vision of protecting the corridor from development, reconnecting the parks’ ancient redwood groves, restoring prime wildlife habitat and creating an innovative visitor center.