Coast Redwoods: A Testament to Nature

Forests of all sizes are wonderful places to wander through, exploring the diverse secrets that lie hidden within. These wooded realms have existed for millions of years across the globe, enticing the curious with their mystery. However, some forests contain more magic and inspire a greater sense of awe than others.

The Coast Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), ranging from the Central California Coast to Southern Oregon, imbue such wonderment. In fact, fossil records show that they have existed for 180 million years, thus proving their tenacity for survival, and the reason for bestowed honor by the Native American cultures and the European explorers who first encountered them.

Whatever tempest nature conjures up the coast redwoods (and related Giant Sequoias and Dawn Redwoods) have demonstrated the ability to survive. Due in part to the bark, seemingly lightweight and even soft to the touch; it protects the tree from insects and the ravages of fire. This protective coating can grow to one foot thick (30cm). Despite fires that burn through this outermost layer of protection, then through the sapwood layer, and into the innermost heartwood, the trees survive.

Oddly, fires (like the ones tormenting California this summer) help strengthen the redwoods by weeding out competing foliage, creating a nutrient dense soil, and allowing greater sunlight to reach the forest floor.

Like most of us, Coast Redwoods also depend on moisture for survival. Frequent fog acts as a protector, sealing dampness into the forest, thus cooling them in summer and warming them in winter. Much of the fog is self-generated by the Coast Redwoods as they exhale, or ‘transpire’ massive amounts of moisture daily.

In addition, while Coast Redwoods can grow from seed, more often an adult tree will spawn offspring at its base, creating a ring of baby trees around the host, which feeds them from a developed root system. The rings, known as ‘fairy rings’, are wonders to behold, not only carrying ancient genetic code, as well offering an enclave of comfort. I recently camped in such a ring of redwoods (see photo). It was truly amazing! And hiking among these giants is like a trip back in time.

Despite the trees ability to survive, these giants that reach heights on average of 300 feet (see photo) and live to several hundred years do not proliferate the globe as they once did. In fact, redwood forests only occupy three percent of their original area, which predominantly blanketed the northern hemisphere over 100 million years ago.

Several reasons exist for their demise. First, the ice age wreaked havoc on them. Secondly, the over utilization of old growth forests by humans resulted in tremendous losses. By 1917, the latter human actions brought about the need to establish the Save-the-Redwoods-League. Ten years later, the California State Parks took over the care of the remaining ancient forests.

These forests provide a haven for many creatures, such as the Northern Spotted Owl, Roosevelt Elk, the American Black Bear, Banana Slugs, and Coho Salmon. The remaining forests, whether Coast Redwoods, Giant Sequoias, or Dawn Redwoods, exist as a testament to nature’s wonder and to the greatest forests on Earth—my home, your home, ours.

Resources:

David Middleton. Ancient Forests

Richard Preston. The Wild Trees: A Story of Passion and Daring

www.redwoodecology.org (Information on North Coast Redwood forests)

www.parks.ca.gov (California State Parks)

North Coast Redwood Interpretive Assoc 707-465-2144

Humboldt County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau 800-346-3482
(lodging, dining, and activity information)

www.cdf.ca.gov (California Department of Forestry)

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