redwoods science Archives

Microscopic image of a redwood needle cross section

Redwood leaves like you’ve never seen them before

by Justin Housman on April 8, 2025

Researcher Alana Chin looks at redwood leaf shoots up close to learn how their parent trees might adapt to changing weather patterns.

Can the giant sequoias recover on their own?

by Juliet Grable on August 19, 2024

Two new comprehensive research studies published by the USGS Western Ecological Research Center discuss the drastically low number of seedlings found in sequoia groves in the wake of recent mega-fires. Their findings: inadequate natural seedling recovery and high tree mortality rates create a substantial risk of losing portions of sequoia groves.

Save the Redwoods League Names Joanna Nelson, Ph.D., as Director of Science and Conservation Planning

by Save the Redwoods League on July 7, 2021

Joanna Nelson, Ph.D., has been named director of science and conservation planning. This is a key staff position for the League, one of the nation’s first science-based conservation organizations. The League relies on high-quality scientific research to inform its protection and restoration of the coast redwood and giant sequoia ecosystems.

Partnership with NASA DEVELOP program analyzes relationship between redwoods and fog

by Save the Redwoods League on December 3, 2020

NASA’s DEVELOP partnership is looking at the evolving relationship between redwoods and fog.

Interpretive specialist Jenny Comperda helps broaden learning through digital redwood science programs at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Photo courtesy of California State Parks.

Teachers can bring the world’s largest trees into classrooms

by Jenny Comperda on February 12, 2020

Students from around the world can have the opportunity to learn about these incredible trees through the distance learning program at Calaveras Big Trees State Park.

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.

Reese Næsborg and Cameron Williams of UC Berkeley climbing an old-growth Douglas fir. Photo by Tonatiuh Trejo-Cantwell

New York Times Spotlights New League Research

by Emily Burns on April 21, 2016

Redwoods are in the news this week, reminding the world once again that Earth’s tallest trees are truly ecosystems in their own right. Teeming with life from quite literally their roots to their highest leaves, the magnificent coast redwoods are home to hundreds of other species.

Students set up fern plots and learn scientific field techniques as part of Pepperwood Preserve's TeenNat program.

Conservation Scientists in the Making

by Deborah Zierten on August 1, 2014

As an environmental educator, there is nothing better than seeing young people making observations and asking questions out in nature. Questions like, “Why do you think that bay tree and redwood are growing so close together?”, “Why are the tanoaks …