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Old Baldy, Canada | photo by Cameron Schaus
Conservation Issues of the Ventana Chapter | chapter wide
Old Growth Redwoods
by Debbie Bulger
August 2009

Only 4% remains of the old growth redwoods that existed before logging began in California in 1850. The historic range consisted of two million acres.

To get an up-close view of what we have lost and the bit that remains, my daughter Suzie and I backpacked down Redwood Creek in Redwood National Park in June.
Continues below...

Old Growth Redwood
Suzie Bulger Silverman.

Unlike many second-growth redwood forests, or so-called “Trophy Groves” which preserve only trees and not the full habitat, old growth contains a wealth of diversity. Trees of all ages abide as well as a mix of species including redwoods, Doug fir, spruce, big-leaf maple, and a multi-layered understory.

The understory was so thick and varied as to be almost impenetrable. There were Thimble berries, Salmon berries, shoulder-high ferns, shaggy lichens hanging down from branches, and mosses everywhere. Overgrown elk trails provided the only semblance of passage off trail. Toads hid among the litter, and the creek bed provided our travel way. The fog hung low, and much of the time the foliage was wet.

Downed trees and standing snags provided food for the large variety of birds and animals we observed. My daughter Suzie, who has a degree in wildlife biology, was the perfect guide. She was the first to spot the family of river otters on Redwood Creek. The mother otter seemed to be teaching her kids how to fish. They were a treat to watch.

Two female Common Mergansers paddled by as we hiked. One with eight young, the other with six swimming behind her. Hiking on a trail paralleling Redwood Creek, we spotted a newborn elk calf and its mother just off the trail. The spotted calf was still unsteady as it wobbled after its mother.

Each morning and evening we were serenaded by the rattle of Kingfishers and the squeaky-brake imitation of the Varied Thrush. One morning I got up at 5:30 to listen for marbled murrelets. Downstream trees poked out above the low-hanging fog producing a lovely, soft image.

Old Growth forests are exceedingly rare. Knowing more about what we have lost increases our appreciation for what remains.



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In This Section

Current
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WTO rules dolphin-safe tuna a trade violation
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Richardson Grove redwoods threatened by highway widening
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Enviros defeat Bohemian Grove logging plan
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Sierra Club works to phase out coal
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FDA ponders genetically engineered salmon
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State of the air
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Antibacterial soap affects fish reproductive behavior
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State bill would ban single-use plastic bags
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New law will protect Americans from formaldehyde
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Opt out of unwanted phone books
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You might not be planning for climate change, but the State is
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Club report explores ending oil dependence
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American pika
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Will Commercial Whaling Resume?
May 2010

Our national parks: a vision for the second century
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Former Yosemite Supervisors call for restoring Hetch Hetchy
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Assembly resolution puts pressure on Feds to enforce Marine Mammal Act
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Report proposes sustainable water solutions for California
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Free online course on Clean Water Act
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UCSC makes list of “Coolest” Schools
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Farr seeks upgrade of Pinnacles to National Park
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Fishing rods donated to youth programs
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State releases climate change adaptation plan
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Protected land database now available
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County Supervisors support net metering
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Labor and enviros join forces
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Restore Hetch Hetchy moves HQ to San Francisco
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Carl Pope to step down
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Border wall harming wildlife
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Learning bird behavior turns kids into scientists
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Air Board warns consumers about air purifiers
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Green Streets improve water quality
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State body proposes plastic bag fees
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Clean coal is a myth
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Cutting their carbon footprints
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Carl Pope to step down as Executive Director of Sierra Club
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Air Board develops draft plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
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Eating for a Healthy Planet
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Global Warming rekindles nuclear power debate
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Tell the Governor to support Zero Emission Vehicles
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Governor proposes closing state parks & cutting lifeguards
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Green wedding
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New roles for our National Parks
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Sanctuary Draft Management Plan due out this summer

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Elkhorn Slough threatened by subdivisions

Open space preserved on San Mateo County Coast

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It’s time to restore Hetch Hetchy

Appeal to deny subdivision near Elkhorn Slough successful

Chapter revises Los Padres National Forest map

Forest geneticists visit Point Lobos

Methyl bromide poisoning devastates farm workers’ health

Resurrect those old Sierra Club cups?

Transit - highway rules unfair

California's oak woodlands need your help!