By Phyllis Benson
Redwood Forest National Park Facts
The Redwood National Park, along the Pacific Coast in northern California, protects old-growth redwood trees. Established in 1968, this federal park is home to 350-foot ancient redwoods up to 2,000 years old.
History
Beginning in 1851, more than a million acres of redwood groves were cleared before President Theodore Roosevelt approved a plan in 1904 protecting the great redwoods. Public and private groups worked together to preserve the remaining 4 percent of California redwood forests.
Features
The park covers 172 square miles from the Pacific coastline across open prairies to rising woodlands. Rivers, streams and lakes provide fresh water for wildlife. Earthquakes and tsunamis, giant waves from underwater quakes, jolt the park at unpredictable intervals.
Size
The Redwood National Park covers 71,715 acres. More than half is old-growth forest, meaning generations of living and dead trees almost undisturbed in their natural state.
Redwood Trees
The typical redwood tree is 500 to 700 years old and stands more than 200 feet tall.
Climate
The giant trees need year-round wet, temperate climate. Temperatures range 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for the stately evergreens. Thick summer fog envelops the forests in wet, cool mist. Winter brings 60 to 120 inches of rain for the tall trees.
Resources
About the Author:
Phyllis Benson is a professional writer and creative artist. Her 25-year background includes work as an editor, syndicated reporter and feature writer for publications including "Journal Plus," "McClatchy Newspapers" and "Sacramento Union." Benson earned her Bachelor of Science degree at California Polytechnic University.
Photo Credits:
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, GNU Free Documentation License
