Share and Share Alike
onIn an early version of a now-famous passage, John Muir wrote, “When we try to pick out anything by itself we find that it is bound fast by a thousand invisible cords that cannot be broken, to everything in the …
Skunk Train Stories
onThere is only one place you can enjoy the last remaining “motorcar” train choo-chooing through a forest of giant, ancient redwoods: the Skunk Train in Mendocino County! Built as a logging railroad in 1885 for moving giant, felled redwoods to …
Summer Reading in the Redwoods
onI’m preparing for a backpacking trip in Yosemite next weekend. It will be my first visit to the park, and it includes homework! I’m going with a friend who suggested that we both read John Muir’s My First Summer in …
It’s Picnic Season! Ready for a Delicious Day in the Redwoods?
onThere are a lot of health benefits to a day in the redwoods – exercise and stress reduction are just a couple. Nice weather is good motivation to get active in nature and kick-start the healthy habits that went into …
The Healing Power of Redwoods
on“It is like being in a cathedral.” “Ancient spirits of the Native Americans are still living among the redwoods.” “I always feel healed after a visit to the redwoods.” These are the kinds of emotions many of us experience in …
Redwoods and the Economy
onWhy does the League work tirelessly to save the redwoods? “They are beautiful, peaceful, humbling, inspiring…” according to a recent visitor. Yet there is another important, practical reason: it benefits the economy. Our public lands contribute to the nation’s economic …
The Oldest Redwood I’ve Ever Seen
onI just returned from a New Year’s trip through Yellowstone National Park, where I hiked out to see one of the petrified redwoods still standing on the forest slopes of Wyoming. This ancient redwood has been through an amazing transformation—its …
Why are Christmas trees pointy on top?
onWhy are Christmas trees shaped the way they are, pointy on top and wide at the bottom? It’s because their growth is regulated by hormones. One such hormone (called auxin) is produced at the growing tip of the treetop and …
Old-Growth Redwood Burns in Arcata
on“Transient Camp Causes Fire in Old-Growth Redwood Tree,” reads the headline posted by the City of Arcata. The fire did not damage just any old redwood. It burned (and is apparently still burning) in ‘Treebeard,’ a redwood estimated to be …
Large Old Trees at Risk
onOpen up the 2012/12 issue of National Geographic to see photos of an incredible giant sequoia and the phenomenal diversity of plants and animals that live with this redwood in the forest. On the backside of the fold-out photograph of …
Redwood Stories
onWe regularly receive stories about the redwoods from League members and supporters. Recently we received one from a member who joined the League in 1947. The story made me wonder if humans are sowing the seeds of a much broader …
Cap-and-trade among the redwoods
onThis was a big month in California. While the election may be the first thing that comes to mind, we also witnessed the first auction of carbon credits to companies that emit more than 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every …
Redwoods-friendly Holiday Shopping Ideas
onOnly 35 days until Christmas! There is always so much to do and buy at the holidays. Shouldn’t it be fun, and not overwhelming? This year, I’m trying to make things a little easier – and more forest-friendly! Here are …
Redwoods in a Starring Role
onAutumn is definitely upon us, and as the colder months advance, many of us transition into “hibernation mode,” enjoying some cozy indoors activities in favor of outdoor adventures. If you find yourself more in the mood for a movie and …
Bracing for Rain
onFor millennia the redwoods have stood tall, facing west as they look out across the vast Pacific Ocean—an ocean that brings fog in the summer and rain in the winter. Earlier this week the first storm of the season rolled …
Roses and Redwoods
onThe Parks Forward Commission is hard at work developing a long-term plan to ensure that California State Parks remain financially viable. But, did you know that you there’s a way — a romantic one at that — to support your …
Heralding Summer’s End among the Redwoods
onAlbee Creek campground in Humboldt Redwoods State Park was full over the Labor Day weekend. Clustered around each fire ring were happy faces enjoying the end of summer and start of fall. Each year for the past four years, I’ve …
Walking in the Shadows
onYesterday, I wandered through Muir Woods National Monument looking up at the redwood canopy on a perfectly warm, late summer afternoon. I didn’t wander alone, I shared the paths with many park visitors, staff and volunteers from the Monument and …
It’s the Moments
onOn Friday afternoon I met Steve Chaney, the superintendent of Redwood National Park, in the small visitor center at Hiouchi in Del Norte county. After 39 years with the National Park Service and five years at Redwood National Park, Steve …
The Marathon to Reform State Parks
onI’ve enjoyed watching the Olympics these past three weeks—and not just because it’s hosted in London with a British squad that has surpassed all expectations. It’s just plain fun to get into obscure sports and watch people at the top …