Lesson 1209 – California’s Coastal Redwoods: Preserving the World’s Tallest Trees and their Homelands
California is home to the world’s oldest, its largest, and its tallest trees. From the ancient bristlecone pines to giant sequoias, to towering redwoods, the forests are repositories of irreplaceable treasures. Most of the redwood forests, which grow only along the coasts of northern California and southern Oregon, have been lumbered and destroyed. Much of the remaining old growth redwoods are protected in state and national parks where their immensity and dominance create an aura of mystery and otherworldliness. Now indigenous Americans, long protectors of their forests, are leading efforts to restore the once-magnificent groves of these ancient and colossal monoliths.
Learning Objective
Students will learn about the importance of preserving the redwood trees in California.
Social Studies Standards
People, Places & Environments: F, I, J
Discussion Prompts
- How is information recorded in the annual tree rings? What specifically does the width, depth, and chemistry show about how the climate and environment affect the trees? What does it show about fog, temperature, and droughts?
- Why are trees called “Sentinels on the Landscape?” What information are trees recording in their rings about fires and earthquakes?
- What factors contributed to 95 percent of the old-growth forests in this region disappearing? What proactive measures could have been taken to preserve more of the redwood forests, and why do you think those measures were not implemented sooner?
- How does the Lost Coast differ from the rest of the coast? What factors contributed to this area remaining undeveloped compared to other areas of the coast.
Lesson Activities
- Create a 3-way Venn diagram comparing redwoods, giant sequoias, and bristlecone pines by age, height, size, lifespan, and habitat. Identify which tree is the tallest, which is the largest, and which is the oldest. Include overlapping similarities and unique characteristics for each type of tree.
- Create a podcast script for Redwood National Park that explains the restoration efforts currently being used to protect and restore the park. Use visuals, headings, and persuasive language to encourage visitors to help preserve the park.
- Make a digital diagram of a redwood forest ecosystem that shows the different layers and label the plants, insects, birds, and animals commonly found in each layer. Explain how each level supports life in the forest ecosystem.
- Write a poem, song, or children’s story about redwood trees that includes important facts and ideas from the video.
Vocabulary
- archive
- dendrochronology
- impetus
- incomparable
- investment
- niche
- ravages
- sobering
- tectonic
- trivium