redwoods

Sun through the redwoods. Photo by parmsongs, Flickr Creative Commons

The Healing Power of Redwoods

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“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 …

Montgomery Woods State Park. Photo by Peter Buranzon

Redwoods and the Economy

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Why 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 …

Megan Ferreira and I stand next to one of Yellowstone's remarkable petrified redwoods.

The Oldest Redwood I’ve Ever Seen

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I 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 …

Giant sequoia branches covered in snow. Photo by garden beth, Flickr Creative Commons

Why are Christmas trees pointy on top?

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Why 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 …

The ancient tree known as “Treebeard” has often been used as a traveler camp, and though burned from the inside many times, it has survived with some portions left dead from the fires. Photo by Mark Andre, Environmental Services

Old-Growth Redwood Burns in Arcata

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“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 …

(c) 2012 National Geographic

Large Old Trees at Risk

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Open 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 …

Giant sequoia in Wasserburg, Germany

Redwood Stories

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We 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 …

Giant redwood crowns loom over a canopy of lesser trees (Picea sitchensis, Tsuga heterophylla) in JSRSP. Photo by Stephen Sillett

Cap-and-trade among the redwoods

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This 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 …

Give the gift of redwood seedlings. Photo by Mark Bult

Redwoods-friendly Holiday Shopping Ideas

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Only 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 …

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

Redwoods in a Starring Role

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Autumn 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 …

Rain drops glisten on a fence post after winter rain.

Bracing for Rain

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For 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 …

Meredith and Dan on their big day with the redwoods as their backdrop. Photo credit: Gary Sexton

Roses and Redwoods

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The 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 …

Swimming beneath the redwoods at the Garden Club of America Grove

Heralding Summer’s End among the Redwoods

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Albee 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 …

Redwood canopy.

Walking in the Shadows

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Yesterday, 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 …

Steve Cheney and I enjoy a break on the Lawrence Merriam Memorial Grove bench on the Little Bald Hills Trail.

It’s the Moments

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On 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 …

Montgomery Woods State Park. Photo by Peter Buranzon

The Marathon to Reform State Parks

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I’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 …

Redwood Regional Park

Learning from Our Predecessors’ Vision

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Last week I hiked the French Trail in Redwood Regional Park to take in the quiet of early morning in our neighboring redwood forest. Every time, I appreciate the wisdom, foresight and tenacity of those who preserved these redwoods and …

Redwoods compete for sunlight.

The Olympic-like Competition among Redwoods

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There’s nothing quite like the image of five Olympic rings to remind me of good old competition! I love the excitement that builds up as the games begin, wondering who will reign supreme. Trees may not be aware of our …

Emily looking good for a camera crew at Montgomery Woods State Park.

How to Look Good in the Redwoods

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So the other day a good friend of mine asked for some advice on how to look good in the redwoods. She was planning a trip with a diverse group of friends and family, and since she knew I spend …

Hiker on trail

Romantic Getaways in the Redwood Forest

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Now that your kids are away at summer camp, it’s a perfect opportunity for a quick, romantic getaway to the redwoods.