Redwoods threatened by fog--or lack thereof

Among some of California's most popular RV trip routes are those leading travelers through the nearly mystical redwood forests. Sequoia sempervirens are the tallest trees on earth, some pushing 400 feet in height. With a lifespan of over two millennia, it's no wonder that visitors can only stand in awe, gazing upward at these towering giants.

But look out, the enemies of the Sequoia don't come bearing chainsaws, it looks as though nature itself may be giving new life in the redwood forests the cold shoulder. In a study released earlier this month by the University of California, Berkeley, a decline in fog may threaten new growth in the California and southern Oregon redwood forests.

"Since 1901, the average number of hours of fog along the coast in summer has dropped from 56 percent to 42 percent, which is a loss of about three hours per day," said study leader James A. Johnstone. "A cool coast and warm interior is one of the defining characteristics of California's coastal climate, but the temperature difference between the coast and interior has declined substantially in the last century, in step with the decline in summer fog."

What's the fallout from the fog falloff? Todd E. Dawson, UC Berkeley professor, is the study's co-author. Dawson warns, "As fog decreases, the mature redwoods along the coast are not likely to die outright, but there may be less recruitment of new trees; they will look elsewhere for water, high humidity and cooler temperatures," Dawson said. "What does that mean for the current redwood range and that of the plants and animals with them?"

While less fog makes for an easier time of RVing, evidently it's not so advantageous for a redwood.

For a great place to see more of the redwoods, and on where to camp with your RV, visit the National Park Service website dedicated to the redwoods.

Photo: puliarf on flickr.com under creative commons license agreement.

Give the gift of a redwood tree

Sweaters fade, electronic gadgets become obsolete, but redwood trees last for centuries. This holiday season, Save the Redwoods League and California State Parks make it possible for shoppers to give a gift that gives back to the environment for years to come.

For a donation of $50 to Save the Redwoods League, gift-givers can have a redwood seedling planted in honor of a friend or family member in a California state park. Save the Redwoods League delivers a commemorative card featuring a photograph of an ancient redwood forest to the recipient to showcase the gift. All dedicated seedlings support forest restoration efforts in California state parks.

"In tough economic times, more people want to give and receive meaningful gifts," says Jennifer Benito, outreach director of Save the Redwoods League. "Dedicating a redwood seedling is an easy way to support the environment and our California State Parks this holiday season and beyond. This partnership facilitates key restoration efforts in California's forest and parklands."

In 1850, there were almost two million acres of ancient coast redwood forests in California. Today, less than five percent remains. Save the Redwoods League and California State Parks are leading a new movement to restore the complexity, diversity and ecological values of the remaining young redwood forest stands throughout their natural range so that one day they can begin to resemble an ancient redwood forest.

"New trees protect our parklands and the wildlife that depend on it," says Director Ruth Coleman of California State Parks. "This offers our supporters an opportunity to make a difference for the future of the state parks."

Steve Horvitz, superintendent of North Coast Redwoods District at California State Parks, will ensure that genetically similar trees are planted together so that the delicate redwood forest can be restored as naturally as possible.

While redwood seedlings are the first to be planted through the program, other trees species such as western hemlock, Sitka spruce, red alder, Douglas-fir and big leaf maple will be planted if no additional redwood seedlings are needed in an area. California State Parks staff will determine where trees will be planted to effectively promote the health and diversity of state park forests.
To place an order: 415-820-5800, www.savetheredwoods.org.

Camp under Giant Sequoias at Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Although the Native Americans in this area in Northern California had long known about California’s Giant Sequoias, it was not until A. T. Dowd “stumbled” over them in 1850 that what is now known as Calaveras Big Trees State Park became famous. Shortly after Dowd’s discovery, the Mammoth Grove Hotel was built to provide travelers from all over the world with an overnight stop amongst these majestic California beauties.

The North and South Grove of the Giant Sequoias have been a part of the California State Park system since the 1950’s. The efforts of the Save-The-Redwoods League and the Calaveras Grove Association have made the ongoing preservation and maintenance of these miraculous and historic trees a reality.

Along with the two magnificent groves of giant sequoias, Calaveras Big Trees State Park features over six thousand acres of pine forest on both sides of the Stanislaus River. Campgrounds, picnic areas, and many miles of hiking and bicycling trails make Calaveras Big Trees one of the county’s most popular destinations for all ages.

Calaveras Big Trees Park is open year round and offers a variety of options for each season. Cross country and snowshoe hikes are popular in the winter. In the sunnier times of the year when dogwoods are in bloom and wildflowers are in abundance, twenty minute to four mile trails offer the perfect challenges for each visitor’s capability. There is an especially interesting hiking trail set up for the visually impaired, but experienced by most who visit the park.

The interpretive center near the North Grove, with visual and hands-on exhibits, makes it easy for visitors to understand and enjoy the drama of the park’s natural environment.

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Send for redwood highway map

Have you ever wanted to drive your car through a living tree? There are three places to do just that on northern California's Redwood Highway. Driving your RV through the trees is an all together different matter: don't do it or you will get seriously stuck.

Would you like to sample California wines without the lines? The Redwood Highway takes you through the relaxed, uncrowded part of wine country. Stop and watch amazing wildlife, browse for antiques in country towns, or tour the sites where history happened.

Take a trip to Mendocino County using the new Redwood Highway map! Visit www.northcoastca.com or call 1-866-GOMENDO to request a copy.