Sequoia ForestKeeper has four integrated programs that are all designed to help protect the forest from the ravages of human consumption.
Environmental Outreach Program
The
Kern Valley is desperate for healthy, non-consumptive enrichment
activities for both children and adults. With so many people in our
community living in poverty the area lacks activities that enrich the
imagination and foster creativity without damaging the environment. We
also get students involved
in volunteer projects to help them become proactive citizens through
hands-on involvement. We have trail work parties on our adopted Unal
Trail and help visitors interpret the plants and animals of the area.
Join us for our free walks on Wednesdays at noon to local wildflower
hotspots in spring. Watch our Facebook page and twitter site for
details.
GIS Analysis Program
The
purpose of our GIS Forest Health Analysis Program is to create a
spatial analysis of the entire Sequoia National Forest, including the
Giant Sequoia National Monument and the wilderness areas surrounding it,
which will take a holistic view of forest health by analyzing how
various management techniques (i.e. clear-cutting, fuels reduction,
meadow restoration, etc.) have affected forest health. To do so, we
will use the Forest Service’s own data to create map layers including
past logging history, fire frequency and intensity, wildlife habitat,
watershed health, and more. We then create layers using our own data
gathered by SFK staff, volunteers, and interns, to get a full view of
forest health, which includes the long- and short-term effects of forest
management techniques. By comparing previously managed areas with
untouched wilderness, we should get an accurate assessment of what
management techniques create the healthiest forest conditions.