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Old-Growth Redwoods: Building Forests for Our Future [1]

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Date: 2024-11-01  

The towering old-growth redwoods of the Santa Cruz mountains are more than ancient trees: they are vibrant ecosystems, climate warriors, and nature’s masterpieces. Yet less than 5% of these irreplaceable giants remain—unprotected in small, scattered remnants of what was once a sprawling forest along the coast of California. These remaining old-growth groves are at the heart of Sempervirens Fund’s mission to protect Forests for the Future, and their preservation has never been more urgent.

And old-growth redwoods are more than “big, old trees.” They are powerful survivors, embodying extraordinary resilience and unmatched genetic diversity. In fact, just 14 branches on an old-growth redwood can contain more genetic variation than the entire population of Europe. This diversity signals the giants’ superpowers to withstand the challenges of wildfires, droughts, and extreme heat, allows them to provide habitats for countless species, support rich soil health, and absorb substantial carbon from the atmosphere. When we protect old-growth redwoods, we’re preserving a natural system equipped to sustain itself—and the ecosystem around it—through the toughest conditions.

The connectedness of redwood groves also makes them unique. Redwood roots, which spread laterally up to 100 feet, intertwine with nearby trees to form stable networks that share nutrients, resources, and even signals of environmental stress. These social ecosystems support each other and countless other plants and animals, creating thriving, resilient communities. Each grove is a testament to nature’s interconnectedness, supporting a web of life that depends on these towering giants.

Through the Forests for the Future campaign, we are not only working to protect the few remaining old-growth groves but also nurturing second-growth forests, ensuring younger redwoods have the space, time, and resources to develop into the resilient giants of tomorrow. Together, we’re building a future where the redwood forests in the Santa Cruz mountains continue to support biodiversity, combat climate change, and inspire generations to come.

Your support is vital to protecting these critical ecosystems and establishing a legacy for the natural world. Join Sempervirens Fund in the fight to preserve these ancient giants. Together, we can ensure these towering redwoods continue to stand as symbols of resilience, providing beauty, shelter, and strength for generations to come. Be part of the legacy. Protect the redwoods with us today.

Donate Today: Join the Forests for Future Movement

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