Raving about Redwoods

Thursday morning the crew awoke to the distant sounds of barking sea lions, and to the fresh smells of the cool, salty, northern California coast. The day was already off to a great start…

That afternoon, Jessica, Savanna, Bob, Jen Baldwin and I hopped on the Legacy Bus to pick up a group from the Crescent City Extension Boys and Girls Club for the tour’s final “snack-sized” Parks in Focus program. As we rolled up to the front of the Clubhouse, we were greeted by 13 excited youth ready to go on their first photographic safari of the majestic coastal redwood groves found in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, one of the parks within Redwood National and State Parks (a unique management cooperative between the National Park Service and the California Department of Parks and Recreation).

In route to the park, we talked to the kids about the fascinating trees – known to have grown as tall as 379 feet and have lived as long as 2,000 years. We also goofed around and danced in our seats to some Oldies music, acting like trees (yeah, I get it, we’re a little weird; but the kids had fun)!

When we arrived at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, the group took a couple minutes to stretch their shutter fingers, and then listened to Bob as he gave introductory lessons on camera safety and basics, before embarking down the beautiful Mill Creek Trail.

Shortly after crossing a long, narrow, wooden footbridge across the Smith River, we stopped briefly and paired the kids off. There, alongside the water, they participated in the day’s first photographic exercise – a photo shoot. The kids took turns posing and taking pictures, practicing a variety techniques, angles and features into their shots.

Our journey continued as we followed the trail into a thick patch of ferns that opened up into one of the coastal redwood groves. The kids echoed one another’s “ooh’s” and “ah’s” as we examined every new redwood around each new bend in the path. I also found myself in awe.

Jessica and Savanna talked a little more about the redwoods and their physiology, as well as, about some of the other interesting species of plants and animals that inhabit these unique forests.

For our final activity, we sent the kids on a photo-scavenger hunt – providing a list of 30 different tasks (photos) they needed to complete that recapped the day’s photography lessons and tips.

On the way back to the Clubhouse that evening, we quizzed the kids about some of the day’s lessons, where correct answers resulted in yummy treats. We recapped the day’s discussions, and I finished by asking if everyone had a good time. We were all blown away with the response: a synchronous, and almost harmonious, “YEEESSSSS!!!” The sound was almost deafening, but it made us all feel good knowing that were able to instill a little appreciation for the natural environment – and particularly appreciation for the coastal redwoods found in their own “backyard” – among a group of energetic and enthusiastic youth.

We ended our outing back at the Clubhouse with a group picture in front of the bus, and said goodbye as we each received hugs from the kids as they individually thanked each of us – a picture perfect end to our day in the park.

As we pulled away and waved farewell to the Crescent City crew, Jessica, Savanna, Bob, Jen and I looked at each other in agreement – today had been a great day.

By: Bret Muter