From Jurassic Origins to Modern-Day Protection: The Rich History of Redwood Trees

• Posted on 22 March 2023
• By GTree Staff
• 0

Redwood trees are some of the oldest living organisms on the planet, and their history is a fascinating one. They have survived multiple ice ages, earthquakes, and human intervention, and have become an iconic symbol of the American West Coast. In this blog, we will explore the rich history of the redwood trees, from their origins to their current status as a beloved and protected species.

The Origin of Redwood Trees

Redwood trees have a long and fascinating history that dates back over 200 million years. During this time, the Earth was much warmer and wetter than it is today.  It was dominated by lush forests of ferns, conifers, and other early plant species. Among these early plants were the ancestors of the modern redwood trees, which began to evolve and diversify during the Jurassic period.

Some fun facts regarding redwood trees & dinosaurs:

* The tallest dinosaur that we know of was the Sauroposeidon, estimated to have been around 56 feet (17 meters) tall.  Grandfather Tree is 265ft tall!

* The largest dinosaur, Argentinosaurus, weighed around 100 tons.  In comparison, the largest coast redwoods can weigh up to 1.6 million pounds, or 800 tons!

* Dinosaurs went extinct around 65 million years ago while coast redwood trees continue to evolve and adapt to their environment. Over time, the trees developed thick bark, tannins, and other adaptations that helped them survive ice ages, wildfires, droughts, and other environmental challenges.

The first true redwood trees appeared around 20 million years ago, during the Miocene epoch. These trees were likely similar in appearance and structure to the modern-day redwood trees, but with some differences. For example, they may have had slightly different shapes to their scale-like leaves, or may have grown in slightly different patterns.

Over the past 20 million years, redwood trees continued to evolve and adapt to changing environmental conditions. This includes changes to their size, structure, and reproductive strategies. To illustrate, redwood trees are known for their ability to regenerate after wildfires, which is thought to be an adaptation to the frequent wildfires that have occurred in California's forests over millions of years.

The Arrival of Humans

Redwoods have been a part of human history for thousands of years. Native American tribes, such as the Yurok and the Tolowa, lived in and around the redwood forests for centuries, using the trees for food, shelter, and spiritual practices. They called the redwood trees "the standing people," and believed that they were powerful and wise beings.

When European explorers arrived in California in the 16th century, they were amazed by the size and beauty of the redwoods. They began to cut down the trees for lumber, using them to build homes, ships, and railroads. By the early 20th century, over 95% of the original redwood forest had been destroyed.

Conservation and Protection

As the redwood forests began to disappear, people started to realize their importance and began advocating for their protection. In 1918, Save the Redwoods League was founded, and it began buying up land in order to preserve the remaining redwood forests. Today, the League has protected over 200,000 acres of redwood forest, making it the largest private landowner of redwoods in the world.

In addition to conservation efforts, redwoods are also protected by federal and state laws. The National Park Service manages several redwood parks, including Redwood National and State Parks, which is home to some of the largest and oldest redwoods in the world. These protected areas provide a sanctuary for the redwoods, allowing them to continue to grow and thrive for generations to come.

The Grandfather Tree is just one example of the incredible resilience and longevity of redwood trees. These ancient giants have witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations, and have survived multiple environmental challenges. Today, they stand as a testament to the power of nature and the importance of conservation. As we continue to learn more about these incredible trees, we must remember the significance they hold within our planet's history and it's future!

Visit www.grandfathertree.com to learn more about the magnificent redwood trees!