Have you ever looked up at something much larger than yourself and felt teeny tiny, but in a good way? That's the feeling I get when I walk among giant sequoias. It is pure wonderment. Join me as I learn more about this spectacular species from Wendy Harrison, who spent 30 years as an interpreter at Calaveras Big Trees State Park and now leads the park's California Naturalist program. In our conversation, we discuss the ancient origins of these trees, what kinds of plants and animals live around them and depend on them, something called “sequoia blood,” how they spread their seeds, what’s going on waaaaay up high in their branches, their relationship with fire, the heartbreaking story of the mother of the forest, and where they can be found today so you can go experience them for yourself.

Here are some relevant links from the episode:

National Parks Service--"Giant Sequoias and Fire"

Save the Redwoods--"Giant Sequoia and Fire" 

Seed Viability 

Calaveras Big Trees State Park Website 

Canopy Soils 

UCANR Page on Giant Sequoia Mycorrhiza

Mother of the Forest Wikipedia page with photos 

You can find me on Instagram or Tiktok @goldenstatenaturalist. 

You can find me on Patreon at www.patreon.com/michellefullner 

My website is www.goldenstatenaturalist.com 

The theme song is called "i dunno" by grapes and can be found here.