Muir Woods is a rare ancient forest where coast redwoods grow, many over 600 years old. These old trees provide shelter and nutrients for younger trees, other plants, and many animals. As I walked among the redwoods, I breathed in the fresh air and reflected on this forest’s history and future.
People of the Redwoods:-
The Coast Miwok are the original people of this land. They lived in the area for thousands of years managing the land and its natural resources. They set fires to enrich the forest and grasslands as natural fires did, shaping the forest now known as Muir Woods. As Europeans arrived in the 1700s, they displaced native people from their lands and moved them into Spanish missions. Ninety percent of the Coast Miwok had died by the time of California’s gold rush in the mid-1800s. New settlers found a different gold in these hills – the redwoods. Lumber was needed for forts, houses, and other structures. By the early 1900s, people had cut most of California’s redwoods. This canyon, though, was never logged because its owners had protected it. In 1908, William and Elizabeth Kent donated this small old growth redwood forest to the public. President Theodore Roosevelt used the new Antiquities Act to proclaim the area a national monument. The park was named after John Muir, who wrote often about the beauty and value of ancient forests. The park is know as the “Muir Woods National Monument”.
When John Muir found out the name of the new park, he said ”This is the best tree-lover’s monument that could possibly be found in all of the forests of the world”
Only two species of redwood remain in the United States, both in California. They are the coast redwood and the giant sequoia. Coast redwoods are the tallest living things on Earth. The tallest reaches 379 feet above the forest floor of Redwood National Park. In Muir Woods, the tallest is over 258 feet – about the height of a 23-story building!
May 19, 1945: Delegates from all over the world met to draft and sign the Charter of the United Nations. President Franklin D. Roosevelt died on April 12, 1945, shortly before he is to have opened the United Nations Conference. On May 19, the delegates held a commemorative ceremony in tribute to his memory in Muir Woods’ Cathedral Grove, where a dedication plaque is placed in his honour.
A quick trip to Muir Beach ensued, but the beach, although very popular, is no comparison to our beautiful australian beaches. Of course the grey overcast sky did not enhance the beauty of this beach. However it is nestled in to a hillside with some lovely houses surrounding it.
Such a privilege to experience this beautiful natural forest today with Tom and Sue.