Among Giants
by Eesa Lynn
If you ever plan to visit the vineyards and wineries of Sonoma County, the heart of California’s wine country, be sure to take a break from the grapes and lose yourself amongst the Armstrong Redwoods. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is made up of 805 acres of ancient flora nestled within California’s coastal temperate rainforest. Just north of Guerneville, a charming town along the Russian River that was once a logging community, you can wander humbly amongst the giants in awe of what Mother Nature has to offer.
Reaching heights of 350 ft, California’s redwoods, Sequoia sempervirens, are the tallest trees in the world! Words cannot adequately describe just how massive and beautiful these trees are. Along with their record-breaking stature, these majestic beauties are amongst the oldest living things on Earth, typically living 2000 years or longer. With its long lifespan, the bark of the redwood can reach up to a foot in thickness, offering protection from fire, fungus, insect damage, disease, and other natural dangers.
Unfortunately, the mighty redwoods were no match for human expansion, having been logged nearly to extinction by the end of the 19th century. Thankfully, the efforts of conservationists like Colonel James Armstrong, who ran a sawmill of all things, set this portion of forest aside for preservation. Upon his death, his daughter Kate inherited his ecological wisdom along with the redwood grove, going on to become an instrumental figure in the trees’ protection.
Today, guests can wander through the many well-manicured paths that wind through the preserve on self-guided tours. A leisurely half mile walk through this maze of mammoth trees will bring you to the oldest tree in the preserve, Colonel Armstrong, who is a mere 1400 years young. Walking the grove, you may find yourself enjoying the ample picnic areas and natural outdoor amphitheater, or perhaps craning your neck to see Parson Jones, a resident redwood who stands over 310 feet tall!
The intricacy of redwood roots
Glistening color
A tree within a tree
Tilted point of view
The lively forest floor
Feeling small
Before you conclude your visit to this otherworldly forest treasure, be sure to head down the discovery trail to the tree-hugging platform and show the grove some love!
