Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
|
|
One of the park's redwoods, the Icicle Tree
|
|
 Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Location in California
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Sonoma County, California, USA |
| Nearest city | Guerneville, California |
| Area | 752 acres (304 ha) |
| Established | 1934 |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is a special state park in California, United States. It was created to protect about 805 acres (326 hectares) of amazing coast redwoods. You can find this reserve in Sonoma County, just north of Guerneville.
This park is like a temperate rainforest. It has a mild and wet climate. The park gets about 55 inches (1.4 meters) of rain each year. Most of this rain falls between September and June. Lots of fog in the summer helps keep the redwoods moist. This moisture is very important for these giant trees to grow.
Meet the Giant Redwood Trees
This park is home to some truly incredible trees. They have unique names and amazing features.
The Parson Jones Tree: Tallest in the Grove
The Parson Jones Tree is the tallest tree in the whole grove. It stands more than 310 feet (94 meters) high! That's taller than a football field is long. It's an easy walk from the park entrance, about 0.058 miles (93 meters).
The Colonel Armstrong Tree: Oldest Resident
The Colonel Armstrong Tree is the oldest tree you'll find here. Experts believe it is over 1,400 years old! This tree is named after a man named Colonel James Armstrong. He was a lumberman who decided to save this part of the forest in the 1870s. You can reach it by walking about 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) from the park entrance.
The Icicle Tree: A Mystery of Nature
The Icicle Tree shows off unusual burl formations. Burls are big, woody growths often found on redwood trees. These burls can weigh many tons. They can also grow hundreds of feet up from the forest floor. Scientists are still trying to figure out why these strange growths happen.
Fun Things to Do at the Reserve
Armstrong Redwoods offers many ways to explore and enjoy nature. It's a great place for families and friends to visit.
Explore the Park
The reserve has a visitor center where you can learn more. There's also an outdoor amphitheater for events. You can walk on self-guided nature trails. Plus, there are many picnic areas to enjoy a meal outdoors.
Camping Nearby
You can't camp right inside the redwood grove. But there's a campground at Austin Creek State Recreation Area. This area is right next to Armstrong Redwoods. You use the same entrance to get to both parks. Austin Creek has rolling hills, open grasslands, and different trees like conifers and oaks. It's a nice contrast to the dense redwood forest.
Trails for Everyone
The Discovery Trail is great for everyone. It's a wheelchair accessible path. It also has special signs in Braille for visitors who are visually impaired. There are even platforms where you can hug the trees! The Armstrong Nature Trail is another easy walk through the grove. It is also wheelchair accessible. You can get guides at the visitor center to help you explore.
Horseback Riding Adventures
If you like horses, the East Ridge Trail and the Pool Ridge Trail are open for horseback riding. Sometimes, these trails might be closed in winter if the conditions are too muddy. You can rent horses from a private company located next to Armstrong Redwoods.
The Park's Story
The history of Armstrong Redwoods is a story of people working hard to protect nature.
How the Park Began
In the 1870s, Colonel James Armstrong set aside this area. He wanted it to be a natural park and botanical garden. After he passed away, his daughter and the Le Baron family worked very hard. They held public meetings and rallies. They even organized car-caravans to show people why this forest needed to be saved. It was the last bit of a once huge redwood forest.
Becoming a State Park
Their efforts paid off! In 1917, Sonoma County decided to buy the land for $80,000. The county managed the grove until 1934. Then, the state of California took over. In 1936, the grove officially opened to the public as Armstrong Redwoods State Park.
A Natural Reserve
In 1964, the park's status changed to a "natural reserve." This happened because people understood how important its unique ecosystem was. This change meant the park would be managed with even more protection.
Challenges and Support
Like many parks, Armstrong Redwoods has faced challenges. In 2008, it was one of many California state parks that might have closed. But thanks to public support, it got a temporary break. People continue to work to keep this special place open for everyone to enjoy.
