Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve

27 Apr, 10 AM - 01 May, 12 PM

California?s redwoods, Sequoia sempervirens and Sequoiadendron giganteum, are the tallest, largest, and among the oldest trees on Earth. However, rapid anthropogenic climate change poses an unprecedented threat to redwood trees and forests. To assist with the development of effective strategies to address this threat, we are currently establishing a network of permanent research and monitoring plots in groves of Sequoia and Sequoiadendron throughout the geographic range of each species. These plots are intended to be locations where critical measurements and experiments can be implemented and long-term monitoring can be sustained in order to provide baseline scientific information essential for crafting future redwood conservation and management programs and policies. We propose to install one 1-hectare research plot in old-growth redwood forest habitat in the Big Creek watershed to represent the southernmost redwood populations. In each plot, we will quantify forest stand structure; map the individual crown structure of trees varying in size, age, and canopy position; install automated solar-powered microclimate monitoring systems; analyze growth patterns and stable carbon and oxygen isotope composition in annual tree rings for determination of tree age, historical environmental conditions, and tree physiological responses to past climates; and examine leaf and branch physiological traits that are affected by and influence the response of redwoods to climate. This information will be used for assessing long-term performance of redwood trees and forests and establish a critical baseline for monitoring future change. In addition, results from this research will contribute to our fundamental knowledge of physiological and structural changes in trees as they increase in size and age, and improve our general understanding of tree responses to environmental change.

Visit #24764 @Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve

Approved

Under Project # 23521 | Research

Redwoods and Climate Change Initiative

research_scientist - Ancient Forest Society

Reservation Members(s)

Anthony Ambrose Apr 27 - May 1, 2011 (5 days)
Group of 2 Research Assistant (non-student/faculty/postdoc) Apr 27 - May 1, 2011 (5 days)
Anthony Ambrose Apr 27 - May 1, 2011 (5 days)
Anthony Ambrose Apr 27 - May 1, 2011 (5 days)
Anthony Ambrose Apr 27 - May 1, 2011 (5 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

Whale Point Researcher Cabin 6 Apr 27 - May 1, 2011