The Wild Trees facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Richard Preston |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Tree-climbing |
| Genre | Non-fiction |
| Publisher | Random House |
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Publication date
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2007 |
| Media type | Print (Paperback and Hardback) |
| Pages | 294 |
| ISBN | 1400064899 |
The Wild Trees: A Story of Passion and Daring is an exciting non-fiction book written by Richard Preston. It tells the true story of California's amazing coastal redwood trees and the brave climbers who explore them. These climbers are not just looking for adventure; they are also scientists and explorers.
The book shares the incredible journeys of people like botanist Steve Sillett, lichen expert Marie Antoine, and Michael Taylor. As they climbed these giant trees, they found a secret world high up in the branches. Imagine a hidden ecosystem 60 to 90 meters (200 to 300 feet) above the ground! This secret world includes special redwood "lattices," tiny berry bushes, bonsai-like trees, and many small creatures like voles and salamanders.
The book introduces you to the people who dared to climb these giants, often sharing stories from their childhoods. It also teaches you cool facts about trees, forests, and how they grow. You'll learn about some of the biggest and tallest redwoods ever found. The book explains how these trees are climbed, explored, and studied, even though the exact locations of some are kept secret to protect them.
Exploring Giant Redwood Trees
The Wild Trees takes readers on a journey into the world of coastal redwoods. These trees are some of the tallest living things on Earth. They can grow incredibly high, reaching heights that are hard to imagine. The book explains how these trees are not just tall, but also have complex structures.
Discovering Hidden Worlds
One of the most exciting parts of the book is about the hidden ecosystems found in the treetops. Before these climbers, no one knew that such a rich world existed so high up. These areas are like mini-forests growing on the trees themselves. They include plants called epiphytes, which grow on other plants, and lichens, which are a mix of fungi and algae.
The Brave Tree Climbers
The book focuses on the people who explore these giant trees. They are not just ordinary climbers. They use special ropes and techniques to reach the very tops of the redwoods. Their goal is to learn more about these amazing trees and the life they support. They are passionate about discovery and protecting these natural wonders.
Tools for Tree Exploration
To climb these massive trees, explorers use special gear. This includes ropes, harnesses, and climbing tools. They also use scientific equipment to study the plants and animals they find. This helps them understand how the treetop ecosystem works.
Protecting Redwood Forests
The book also touches on the importance of protecting these ancient forests. Redwood trees are very old and special. Learning about them helps people understand why it's important to keep these natural places safe for the future.
Meet the Redwood Explorers
The book introduces several key people who made important discoveries in the redwoods. These individuals dedicated their lives to exploring and understanding these giant trees.
Steve Sillett: The Botanist
Steve Sillett is a famous botanist who studies plants. He was one of the first people to explore the redwood canopy (the very top part of the trees). His work helped reveal the hidden world of plants and animals living high above the ground. He has spent many years climbing and researching these incredible trees.
Michael Taylor: The Tall Tree Discoverer
Michael Taylor is known for finding some of the tallest trees in the world. He has a special talent for spotting these giants. His discoveries have helped scientists learn more about the limits of tree growth. He is a true explorer of the forest.
Marie Antoine: The Lichen Expert
Marie Antoine is a lichenologist, meaning she studies lichens. Lichens are unique organisms that grow on trees and rocks. Marie's work in the redwood canopy helped identify many new types of lichens living high in the trees. Her findings added to our understanding of the biodiversity in these forests.
The Life of a Redwood Tree
Redwood trees are truly amazing. They can live for thousands of years and grow to incredible heights. Understanding their life cycle helps us appreciate their importance.
How Redwoods Grow
Redwood trees start from tiny seeds. They need a lot of water and a mild climate to grow big and strong. They often grow in foggy coastal areas, which provides the moisture they need. As they grow, their bark becomes very thick, protecting them from fires and insects.
Redwood Reproduction
Redwood trees reproduce in a few ways. They produce small cones with seeds, but they can also sprout new trees from their roots or fallen logs. This ability to sprout new trees helps them survive and form large groves. This is why you often see many redwoods growing close together.
