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.

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.