Avenue of the Giants

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Tiring of the constant coastal gale, I decided to take a drive on the Avenue of the Giants  in the Humboldt Redwoods State Park containing the world’s largest remaining contiguous old-growth forest of coast redwoods. The greatest accumulation of biomass (living and dead organic material) ever recorded was here in this state park. Sequoia sempervirens, commonly known as Coast Redwoods, are taller than any other living thing. They can live over 2000 years and withstand fires, floods and insects.

Walking through the Drury-Chaney Grove amongst the majestic redwoods and carpet of redwood sorrel reminded me of prehistoric times. I imagined how these giants stood amongst dinosaurs in the Mesozoic Era. I also expected to see an Ewok pop up behind one of the downed trees.

I saw plaques with peoples names on them, that I learned were donators to The Save the Redwoods League, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect and restore coast redwood and giant sequoia forests, has protected more than 200,000 acres of forestland. As of 2018, the League has helped create 66 redwood parks and reserves.