Each year, Yosemite’s three giant sequoia groves — Merced, Tuolumne and Mariposa — draw thousands of visitors who marvel at the iconic big trees. While the Mariposa Grove is the largest and most well-known, the Merced and Tuolumne groves both support their own diverse habitats and are in need of restoration.
This year, intensive surveys are being conducted to fill information gaps for all three groves. Park scientists are mapping and measuring giant sequoias to analyze their current status and health. Wildlife is being observed to determine how different species use the groves’ habitat, while fire history is being analyzed to determine current status and risk.
Environmental-education students are also helping to gather critical information about giant sequoias in Yosemite. With basic information about the status of these groves, better management decisions can be made, bringing the sequoia groves back into ecological balance.
Partnering with Yosemite National Park, Jack L. Boyd Outdoor School and NatureBridge.