Pale ghosts that hide amidst their gigantic siblings, only a few dozen Albino redwood trees are known to exist. They are genetic mutants that lack the chlorophyll needed for photosynthesis-- how and why they survive is a scientific mystery. QUEST ventures into the deep canopy of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park near Felton, California to track down these elusive phantoms of the forest.
Art in the Park: Big Basin was a huge success Saturday June 22, 2024 with over 200 attendees! We couldn’t have done it without major funding from our partner, Mountain Parks Foundation, and the support of other great partners, including Save the Redwoods League, Santa Cruz METRO Transit District, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, and Parks California.
Art About artist ROBIN LASSER discusses her work at Big Basin’s Art in the Park event.
One of the most beloved and iconic native species within the old growth redwood forests is the Pacific Banana Slug. These slimy friends of the forest are the ultimate recyclers. Feeding on fallen leaves, mushrooms or even dead animals, they play a pivotal role in replenishing the soil. QUEST goes to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park near Santa Cruz on a hunt to find Ariolomax dolichophallus, a bright yellow slug with a very big personality.
We interview Tracy Bliss, author of "Big Basin Redwood Forest -- California’s Oldest State Park", who shares a variety of stories about our beloved Big Basin.
Our hearts go out to all Santa Cruz Mountain residents who suffered unimaginable losses in the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, including people such as Stan Hooper whose house and redwoods are seen in flames at 5:34 in the video. Special thanks to Cindy and Ron Sekkel for helping to make this video possible.
One year after wildfire swept through 97 of big basin redwood state park a Marbled Murlet nest was discovered indicating that even one of the most sensitive species can be resilient in the face of change the forest continues to heal.
Lisa Landers
Watch how a woman citizen scientist played a role in discovering the first marbled murrelet nesting in old growths at Big Basin.
