Perhaps share about your own trek to the redwoods --- have you been recently? Did you know how amazing and unique these trees are.....?
Did you know, for example, that a redwood cone is about the size of an OLIVE and contains anywhere from 60 to 120 seeds; it takes more than 100,000 seeds to weigh a pound....and while one tree can drop 10 MILLION seeds, only a few will mature. Moreover, though redwoods can be made to grow in other environments, the giant redwoods need a specific habitat -- the 250-mile-long north-south belt that stretches from 1 to 2 miles offshore to not more than 50 miles inland. They thrive in the coastal fog belt and create their own "microclimate" because of it. Through transpiration, each tree can release five hundred gallons of water into the air every day; a large redwood actually holds about 34,000 pounds of water!
Amazing? Absolutely! Unique? Undoubtedly......
As a way of sharing the inspiration behind this new book, this is what I wrote as part of the Introduction....
"...when you truly get off the beaten track and immerse yourself in the deep shade and overwhelmingly peaceful and stunning world found within, under, and around the Tall Trees, it takes your breath away. In the silence you have to sigh and inhale deeply; even the scent of the trees and abounding undergrowth awakes the deepest part of your nature. Finally you begin to sense the otherworldly character of these ancient, massive trees. They speak of time -- and the passage of time. Some are six hundred years old; some are a thousand years old. A few are, perhaps, two thousand years old. Some stand over 350 feet tall, with a girth of 15-20 feet. Whatever their height or breadth, however, they are magnificent. They are awe-inspiring, and they speak of a past cloaked in mystery and rich history."
The project, which was offered me one year ago, was one I wasn't necessarily seeking, but of course, I jumped at the opportunity. I always love history and the history of the region where I live is something I relish. The project was intense and required a lot of heavy research as well as travel (but whoever objects to travel?!). I found the subject wonderfully challenging and much more involved than I realized at the onset. There has been a convoluted history to the development of the Redwood National Park (not created until 1968). That it was eventually incorporated with three state parks was also a process.
The deadline for putting HISTORIC REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS together came quickly, and the final manuscript went through several revisions. But I believe that has made it a better volume for anyone who wants a survey of the history of -- not only the Parks themselves -- but the immediate vicinity.
The book is more conversational in style -- not a typical "history" -- but more of a series of essay-formatted chapters. Hopefully, the book will bring alive the trees that are unique and timeless, from ancient times to pre-contact and tribal histories, through the gold rush and settlement periods, to the era of big logging and then to the present development of the state and national park -- in addition to sidebars of interest and personages of importance. In addition, the book features historic photos. Some of the chapter titles include: Those Amazing Redwoods: How They Came to Be; How Native Americans' Roots Are Connected to the Redwoods; Gold Brings Men and Violence to the Redwood Country; Logging: How the Redwoods Became a Source of Wealth; Conservation Grows Out of Fear; The Redwood Highway Cuts a Path through the Trees; and more.....
The book is available on amazon.com and should be available through bookstores, as well.
As Minni Reeves, Chilulua tribal leader and religious leader, Hupa Indian Reservation, said in a 1976 interview: "The redwood trees have a lot of power; they are the tallest, live the longest, and are the most beautiful trees in the world. Destroy these trees and you destroy the Creator's love. And if you destroy that which the Creator loves so much, you will eventually destroy mankind."
So share a comment --- share your own experience with the redwoods --- and I'll be drawing a name for a free copy of HISTORIC REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS.
And don't forget to visit YOUR nearest National Park this year in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the NPS....and if you have never been to the redwoods or haven't been there recently, I recommend it as one of the West's most outstanding parks.
Check out her website: www.gailjenner.com
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I really enjoyed my visit to see the Redwoods. It was amazing and memorable. My husband and I are trying to visit many of the national parks now.
ReplyDeleteThe redwoods are amazing.....and this is certainly the year to visit the national parks. Thanks for stopping by! I'll drop your name into the pot for the drawing on Wednesday :-)
DeleteGail such an amazing project. You are so gifted. We truly live in a world filled with wonder and beauty but yet we seek to destroy our own mother earth. I love the comment from Minni Reeves. She is so right.She wrote that in 1967 and here it is 2016 and we are still fighting to save our planet from those who seek to destroy the water we drink, pollute the land and the air we breathe. We visited the redwoods years ago but I was too young to really remember much about the visit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words, Barbara! I found Minni's words so perfect -- and quoted her again in the book. Even though I've visited the redwoods many times (starting in childhood), each visit is "new!" So much to appreciate about these magnificent trees....God's gift to our world, for sure :-) I'll be announcing a winner after Wednesday!
DeleteGail,
ReplyDeleteI've never seen the Redwoods, but it's on my 'places to visit" list. Your book sounds like a wonderful tribute to these majestic trees. Wishing you tons of sales. :-)
Although I've yet to visit, these trees have always had a place in my heart. Thank you for gathering and sharing their story. I will read this book with joy. Thank you. Doris
ReplyDeleteHi Doris....Yes, I think once you 'hang out' under these trees, it's pretty hard to forget their impact. It was exciting to spend time working on this book....
DeleteThanks, Kaye! Definitely put them on your list :-) They are such unique trees... Thanks for stopping by and I'll be drawing a name after Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the release of your Redwoods book, Gail. I loved my trip to the Redwoods, especially after reading the book The Wild Trees. You're right about the scent once you get into the middle of them. It's magical.
ReplyDeleteHi Becky! There are some awesome books on the redwoods, which makes contributing to the array of books celebrating them even more exciting (albeit, a little intimidating!!!). Thanks for stopping by. I'll be drawing a name for a free signed hard copy after Wednesday :-)
DeleteTo a woman from the East, I'll never forget my visit to the Redwood Forest. I felt I was entering some kind of mystical place of worship. Everyone should visit there if they have an opportunity. It's been several years since I was there, but it was one of the most unforgettable sights I've ever seen. Congratulations on your book release.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Agnes! Mystical is a great word to describe the sensation one gets while standing among those giants :-) And the trees that spring up in a 'family circle' are often referred to as a cathedral!
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ReplyDeleteUsed to visit Prarie Creek Redwoods as a kid; hiked the trail to Gold Bluffs Beach through Fern Canyon. Great fishing off the rocks for surf perch there! We now have a couple of dozen trees (Aptos Blue strain) over 30 feet tall, started as cuttings 14 years ago, and they withstand our Red Bluff heat (119 once!)
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Sounds like you have a wonderful history with the redwoods and the region :-) That's something to take the Red Bluff heat .... our daughter and family live in Redding (I know how hot it can get there!). Thanks for stopping by. Did you want to be entered into a drawing? There was no name.....
DeleteCongratulations on your book release, love those big Redwood trees, its been a very long time since I've seen them. Amazing trees. Brenda Brodmerkle
ReplyDeleteHi Brenda! Thanks for stopping by. Yes, the redwoods are amazing. I know your family has a long history with all kinds of great trees :-) Take care! I'll be drawing a winner after Wednesday...
DeleteI confess I have never visited the Redwood Forest. Since I'm an east coaster, my visits to the west have been time limited. I didn't see so many things I wish I could have like the Grand Canyon and Winslow, Arizona where the meteorite made the huge hole. Your blog was fantastic. I loved all the factoids you presented...so interesting.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your book release, Gail. I hope it's a huge success.
Thanks, Sarah! Well, when you do get a chance to visit the redwoods, do so! Yes, the Grand Canyon is a must-see, too :-)..... We drove past Winslow, AZ, when we were driving our son from Phoenix to Nashville a few years ago, but didn't take time to stop at the meteorite site, either...and we should have as we have a large, brecciated meteorite that my husband found back in 1968 that is a rare specimen. We've even had NASA scientists look at it, but right now, it's not clear what it is....our family "line" is now (instead of 'when we win the lottery....'), "when the meteorite comes through....!" :-)
DeleteWe have a winner!! Agnes Alexander, you have won a copy of HISTORIC REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS! Please send me your address so I can get a copy off to you ASAP!! CONGRATULATIONS :-) I hope you enjoy the book....
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