Everybody's National Parks | ENP 18.2 Bay Area: Muir Woods National Monument - Conserving Coastal Redwoods
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  • ENP 18.2 Bay Area: Muir Woods National Monument - Conserving Coastal Redwoods
    08/27/2019
    Cathedral Grove was set aside as a quiet refuge to protect its natural soundscape in an increasingly noisy world. Cathedral Grove was set aside as a quiet refuge to protect its natural soundscape in an increasingly noisy world. Photo is courtesy of the National Park Service.

    “Part of the experience of Muir Woods [National Monument] is that you are in a primeval forest — that you’re really in a place where time takes a different pace.”

    Check the calendar on the website or call the visitor center if you are interested in the 4.5 hour Sunrise tour. Check the calendar on the website or call the visitor center if you are interested in the 4.5-hour Sunrise tour. Photo is courtesy of the National Park Service.
    Did you know that not many bugs enjoy eating the wood of a coastal redwood? What is the impact of climate change on our ancient, glorious coastal redwood trees?

    I had the chance to learn so much about the giant coastal redwood trees of Muir Woods National Monument with ranger Cassie Anderson. Cassie Anderson is currently serving as a supervisory park ranger at Muir Woods National Monument and has devoted much of her life to our national parks.

    Cassie helps reiterate why these redwood trees are so phenomenal — what makes them so resilient and beautiful, and how their many stewards throughout the centuries, from the natives of Mexico to William and Elizabeth Kent and Teddy Roosevelt, helped to protect them.

    Cassie also helps us to understand improvements made to Muir Woods to help its million visitors per year enjoy the park without destroying the fragile ecosystem. It is interesting to explore this ecosystem, from the scarcity of birds to the thriving banana slug population. Banana slugs love our redwoods!

    Banana slugBanana slug. Photo is courtesy of the National Park Service.
    We explore different hikes to take, including those on the main trail and on others, such as the Canopy View Loop and the Hillside Trail. Also, be sure to check the website and ask at the visitor center for various ranger-led programs for the family such as a guided sunrise hike.

    Cassie and I discuss not only what makes these redwoods absolutely stunning to see in person, but also the significance of protecting these marvelous trees, especially in light of the Earth’s changing climate.

    Our Discussion Journey:
    Ranger Cassie AndersonRanger Cassie Anderson. Photo is courtesy of the National Park Service.
    Cassie Anderson talks to our junior rangers about what they learned before taking their junior ranger pledge.Cassie Anderson talks to our junior rangers about what they learned before taking their junior ranger pledge.
    • Cassie describes the background of Muir Woods (2:29)
    • Cassie’s journey into the National Park Service through volunteerism (4:29)
    • An overview of Muir Woods National Monument (5:31)
    • What constitutes an “old growth forest?” (7:21)
    • Where can I find old growth coastal redwoods? (8:57)
    • What makes coastal redwoods special? (9:36)
    • What is the biggest threat to the redwood? (12:03)
    • Where are the trees specifically located presently? (14:36)
    • Where can I find the tallest redwood tree? (15:07)
    • Cassie describes just how tall the tallest tree is (15:41)
    • How did Muir Woods National Monument come about (16:43)
    • How did Muir Woods survive the California Gold Rush and the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906? (17:53)
    • Why this area was named Muir Woods. (19:44)
    • What improvements have been made in the park to help conserve the redwoods? (21:19)
    • What is the ecosystem in Muir Woods? (23:39)
    • Why aren’t there many birds in Muir Woods? (26:24)
    • When is salmon spawning season in Muir Woods? (28:53)
    • Cassie’s tips for visitors (30:05)
    • Recommended hikes for visitors (34:50)
    • Photography tips for capturing the beauty of redwoods (38:00)
    • Programs to attend while at Muir Woods (39:18)
    • Cassie’s special memory involving the rescue of the salmon of Redwood Creek (42:00)

    Always stay on the path. The boardwalk protects the fragile root system of the coastal redwood trees.Always stay on the path. The boardwalk protects the fragile root system of the coastal redwood trees. Photo is courtesy of the National Park Service.
    Tips for your Travels:
    • You need to make a reservation for Muir Woods in advance. You can either reserve a parking spot in 30 minute increments or reserve a seat on a shuttle online.
    • Learn about the salmon of Redwood Creek and the NPS efforts to conserve them.
    • Follow Muir Woods National Monument on Facebook!
    • Come visit Muir Woods either at the beginning or end of the day for a more personal experience.
    • More ranger programs are available around midday.
    • Get lost in the quiet atmosphere and be mindful of volume to fully experience the majesty of Muir Woods.
    • Check the Muir Woods website for special tours that you need to plan ahead for.
    • Use panorama function on your camera to get photos of the entire tree.

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