John Muir called Sequoias "nature's masterpiece", 
"the greatest living thing", and a "king tree".

Sequoia trees are the world's largest living things. These majestic trees have reached ages of 3,200 years, diameters of 38 feet, heights of 300 feet, and individual weights of 600 tons. To put it in perspective, some Sequoia trees have been in existence since 1000 BC a time that predates Plato, Confucius, and Buddha to name a few.

As well as being a sanctuary to these giants, the Sequoia National Forest is a complex and abundant forest ecosystem that is home to hundreds of plant and animal species, including the California spotted owl and Pacific fisher. In spite of its stature, however, the Sequoia ecosystem is threatened. Logging continues to occur in the Sequoia National Forest and logging loopholes exist in the Giant Sequoia National Monument Proclamation.

Can we afford to lose this ancient ecosystem? To be in the presence of these trees is to be in the presence of the sacred. John Muir called Sequoias "the very God of the woods." Please take a moment to enjoy these images from the forest.

Click on the small pictures below to see a bigger version.

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