Last updated: July 19, 2022
Place
Lady Bird Johnson Nature Trail Stop #8
Dave Van de Mark
Quick Facts
Location:
Lady Bird Johnson Trail
Significance:
Walking tour in old-growth redwoods
Designation:
National Park
Amenities
1 listed
Scenic View/Photo Spot
Redwood Resurrection
Commercial logging of redwoods reached into northern Humboldt and Del Norte Counties by the early 1870s. The logging industry dominated the economy of this region for three decades following World War II. The absence of tall trees in the distance stands as evidence of a clear-cut that extended from here to the highway. In the early 1960s, this hillside was denuded expect for the massive stumps of ancient trees.
The look and feel of the forest changes in this transition zone between logged and unlogged forest. Unprotected trees endure high winds, salt-laden coastal air, and unmitigated summer heat. In these conditions, the tops of the tallest trees wither and die, while other trees collapse completely to the forest floor. Give time, the clear-cut will fill with ferns and shrubs. Eventually fir and hemlock seeds will ride the gentle breeze into the vacant clearings while redwood burls send up new sprouts from their ancestor’s stumps. Along this boundary, a recovering forest slowly regains its ancient forest character.
Commercial logging of redwoods reached into northern Humboldt and Del Norte Counties by the early 1870s. The logging industry dominated the economy of this region for three decades following World War II. The absence of tall trees in the distance stands as evidence of a clear-cut that extended from here to the highway. In the early 1960s, this hillside was denuded expect for the massive stumps of ancient trees.
The look and feel of the forest changes in this transition zone between logged and unlogged forest. Unprotected trees endure high winds, salt-laden coastal air, and unmitigated summer heat. In these conditions, the tops of the tallest trees wither and die, while other trees collapse completely to the forest floor. Give time, the clear-cut will fill with ferns and shrubs. Eventually fir and hemlock seeds will ride the gentle breeze into the vacant clearings while redwood burls send up new sprouts from their ancestor’s stumps. Along this boundary, a recovering forest slowly regains its ancient forest character.