ecology

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. …

A Pacific sideband found at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Snails Play Cupid with “Love Darts”

by Deborah Zierten on

There are certain animals in the redwood forest that easily call attention to themselves. The banana slug is bright yellow, the Pacific giant salamander barks, the spotted owl hoots, and the yellow-spotted centipede has distinctive yellow spots on the sides …