It has been a lifelong dream of mine to visit Redwood Forests- There are several state parks in Northern California where old growth trees are preserved- These trees are the oldest trees IN THE WORLD.
'Majestic' does not even do it justice.
The four of us walked among these giants and many times would just exclaim- 'These are the oldest trees in the world'. The feeling of the life within these trees is palpable.
We visited Humboldt County Redwood State Park- Our journey began at Founders Grove-
The greatest accumulation of plant mass ever recorded on earth is here- This area has seven times the biomass (living and dead organic material) of that found in a tropical rainforest.
An ancient forest is defined as having:
Trees of all ages, many layers of canopy, large standing dead trees, large downed logs, trees over 200 years old.
A long time ago, fossil records show that redwoods grew naturally in various parts of North America- due to climate change they naturally grow in just a narrow strip- 40 miles wide and 450 miles long- along the West coast from southern Oregon to southern California.
Redwoods are so big that they actually live in three climatic zones at once- The base of each tree is in one set of climatic conditions, the stem in an other and the crown in yet another.
This tree is the famous Dyerville Giant-
Approximately 1600 years old- The Dyerville Giant was the largest recorded tree recognized by the American Foresters Association.
It was hit by lightning and fell on March 24th, 1991-
It is two feet taller than Niagara Falls or comparable to a 30 story building.
Weights over 1,000,000 pounds.
Here is a tree that was hit by lightning and the burn marks are still visible.
We also hiked at Rockefeller Forest where Giant Tree is located-
There are two types of needles on the forest floor-
The needles that come from the tops of the trees have tight scale like spikes which reduce evaporation surfaces for the drier conditions found in that climate zone.
The needles growing lower on the tree have broader and flatter surface to catch more sunlight.
We saw a lot of different wildlife in the forest-
These slugs were like nothing I had ever seen before!
Redwood Sorrel
Have you ever been to see the Redwoods?
Do you love the smell of a forest?
20 comments:
This has been on my list for years and I'm so close here in Arizona. I have now decided I must be there in the next 2 years for sure. I DO love the smell of the forest and the feeling of being surrounded by trees - such majesty. LOVE love that photo of the acorn, clever and neat idea.
Can you believe we've never been?! It's a must-do some weekend!
wow this forest looks spectacular!the trees are so huge! it must have been wonderful to be close to all those trees and feel their energy..I love the smell of a forest..it's wonderful..
hugs!
J
This is a beautiful post! We visited Muir Woods when we were out there last month. Seeing the Redwoods was a must for us. We have some similar memories and photos! We all loved that day. The trees are awe inspiring. The banana slug was a huge hit with Eddie. We found one, and have a photo almost just like yours. I would love to visit the other Redwood parks too. And I definitely do love the smell of a forest.
A dream of mine also. Such a wonderfully informative and illustrated post. Being originally from Australia, this type of forest is totally foreign to me, especially conifer type trees.
On a lighter note it seems a good time was had by all
i've been many times to the redwood forests growing up in california and have been to this park you were at. i love the redwoods. we lived in mill valley for a year - so close to muir woods - and would go regularly to be amongst the giants. it is an awesome feeling.
such a magical experience! Your pictures are beautiful. I love that one of the acorn - it's truly incredible, and humbling.
oxo
fun post!
We road tripped when I was 7 down to disneyland and stopped at the redwoods. So beautiful and serene. I'm glad you got to cross it off your list!
so amazing! so gorgeous!
i went to muir woods a few years ago (by SF), and was in AWE for hours and hours. i just loved it.
wow what a stunning place!!! like from out of a movie........... gorgeous gifts of nature :)
Wow-it would be awesome to see these trees and to walk through these woods.
We visit the Redwood forest that is just near the base of Yosemite National park each year when we go... and it never fails to just completely take my breath away. I love forests. I grew up in them - and they always, always feel like home.
i love the forest. i love trees.
these huge ones remind me a bit of The Lord of the Ring
trees... it feels like they gona start walking and talking soon...
Ah, always wanted to see the red forrest!! Lucky you!!
This is one of my dreams, too! Looks amazing!
visiting the redwood forrest is a dream of mine too. i'd love to surprise my husband with a trip there although those slugs are making me rethink that idea ;)
Those trees are HUGE! It must be amazing to be surrounded by them (not the slugs though...too scary, but I'm sure the boys weren't scared).
oh yes! aren't they amazing! i love that little acorn photo and your banana slug! yay! :)
I have never been, but Oh how these photos make me want to even more!
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