REDWODS

Executive summary by darmansjah

The tallest redwood measures 379.1 feet (115,5m)

CALIFORNIA Much about a redwood is impressive, especially its size (up to 379.1 feet/115.5 m) and life span (up to 2,000 years; its scientific name sempervirens means ‘ living forever’). These magnificent trees once covered two million acres along the Pacific coast of California and Oregon, but their valuable timber was heavily logged in the 19^th century. This destroyed 96 percent of the old-growth forest. 

Redwoods thrive in a limited range of conditions. They can’t grow directly along the coast because they are vulnerable to salt spray. Yet they must be close enough to the ocean that fog can condense on them on summer nights, providing vial moisture during the dry season.

A Natural Cathedral

Redwoods reach for the sky-and for the life-sustaining moisture of fog-in Praire Creek Redwoods State Park, California. The old-growth trees are part of an international biosphere reserve.

Life at the Top

On average, redwoods can reach heights of 300 feet (91 m). rising even higher is the 365.5 foot (111.4 m) coast redwood, named the National Geographic Society Tree, one of the world’s tallest.