Fire in the Redwoods

September 19, 2024 Applied Geography Biogeography Climate Environment Resources

Here we are at Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park and then the final five sequoia images are at Calaveras Big Trees…

Redwood forests were far more common and widespread millions of years ago, as displayed at the Visitors Center. A third redwood species, Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), was discovered in China in the 1940s. Unlike ours, it is a deciduous tree that once grew in cold climates throughout the northern hemisphere.
Each year, thousands of visitors get their selfies in front of the largest trees. Stats for this winner are shown in the next image.
On the trail near the largest tree. These measurements have changed a bit through the years.
Redwood burls are knobby growths that can slowly expand to several feet thick, usually at or near the base of the redwoods. The unsprouted bud tissue serves as a storage compartment for the parent tree.
Visitors are awestruck by the size and age of these trees. This one was more than 1,300 years old when it was cut down more than 100 years ago.
Trail signage points toward the scene in the next photo.
Various plant communities in the foreground merge into the giant sequoia groves in the background, before slopes drop into warmer and drier environments.
National Park Service Rangers use road kills and other unfortunates to demonstrate the nature of wildlife in the sequoia forests.
Some of the larger sequoias have been named. General Grant’s stats are found in the next image.
The General Grant Tree. These measurements have also changed a bit over the years.
Signage reviews some history at Calaveras Big Trees.
Some sequoias were once cut and then used as stages and dance platforms. Here I am at Calaveras Big Trees.
At Calaveras Big Trees
Calaveras Big Trees
A variety of plant species grow out of downed and decomposing sequoias until they become rich soil for the next generation.

Click on the next page to walk through Big Basin Redwoods after the fire.

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William Selby

William Selby is a native Californian who has explored, researched, and worked in every corner of the Golden State. William has accumulated over 3 decades of experience teaching Geography and Earth Science at Santa Monica College. Since retiring from teaching, his lifelong love and extensive knowledge of the Golden State is reflected in the book as well as in his continued service to academia, geography and the State of California.

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