Redwood National and State Parks, California, United States
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Protecting America's treasures. Redwood National and State Parks, California, United States
Some places make you feel on top of the world. Redwood National and State Parks do the opposite—and that's the point. Stand beneath these towering giants and you'll quickly realise who's really setting the bar high.
The parks protect nearly half of the world's remaining old-growth coast redwoods, including Hyperion, the tallest known tree on Earth at 116 metres. Remarkably, each giant begins as a seed no bigger than a tomato seed and can live for up to 2,000 years. These trees even collect nearly 40% of their water from coastal summer fog, while their thick, moisture-rich bark helps them withstand wildfires and wood-boring insects.
High above, the canopies support unique ecosystems, including wandering salamanders, which can spend much of their lives in the treetops. Film buffs may also recognise these forests as the filming location for Endor in 'Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi.' Some places reach new heights. These forests have been doing it for millennia.
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