Self-Guided Junior Ranger Activity

	Advanced Self-Guided Junior Ranger Activity
	Redwoods

(Ages 7 to 12)

Coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) grow between central California and the southern Oregon border. It is hoped that you will learn a great deal more about the redwood forest by the time you have completed this Junior Ranger project. Part One asks you several questions which will require you to investigate online, in the Visitor Center, or out in the forest. Do not hesitate to ask questions of the park personnel. (Here's a helpful hint. By going to the Junior Ranger programs, campfires, and nature walks, you'll get answers.) Part Two is a scavenger hunt that will take you on a journey through the forests of Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Have fun!

(Note: Since the "Advanced" activity requires more effort, if you complete both sections, you will get two stamps in your Log Book. Or complete one section for one stamp.)

Part One: Answer the following questions.

1. How old are the oldest coast redwoods?

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2. How tall do they grow?

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3. How deep do their roots grow?

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4. Where do coast redwoods grow?

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5. Name two ways that coast redwoods reproduce.

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2)__________________________________________________________________

6. Name three things that coast redwood trees need to grow into healthy trees.

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2)__________________________________________________________________

3)__________________________________________________________________

7. What is the rainfall average here at Humboldt Redwoods?

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8. Why do some redwoods grow faster than others?

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9. Name two reasons why the bark of a coast redwood is so important to the tree.

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2)__________________________________________________________________

10. Could a coast redwood grow in the desert? Why or why not? (Give at least 3 reasons.)

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2)__________________________________________________________________

3)__________________________________________________________________

11. Describe what happens after a coast redwood tree falls and why we do not drag it out of the forest.

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Part Two: Have you ever gone on a scavenger hunt? You walk around and try to find as many items on a list as possible. Sometimes you draw then and sometimes you bring them back. For this scavenger hunt, you will not need to bring anything back, just draw the items or describe them. The special Redwood Scavenger Hunt that you are about to go on will help you understand even more about the redwood forest you are in. (Remember to please stay on the trails!)

Scavenger List

1. _____ A coast redwood cone. (Draw a picture of it here.)

2. _____ A coast redwood seed. (Look in the fallen branches where you found the cone) Draw it here.

3. _____ A redwood burl. (Describe where it can be found.)

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4. _____ A fallen redwood which shows the root system. Draw it here.

5. _____ A piece of redwood bark (Describe how it looks and feels. Draw it here if you like.)

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6. _____ A redwood spire (tree top) that looks dead. (Describe how it may have gotten this way.)

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7. _____ A root sprout. (Draw a picture of it.)

8. _____ A goosepen. (Hollowed out tree.) Describe how it got this name.

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9. _____ An animal, bird or insect that lives in a redwood tree. (Draw a picture of it here.)

10. _____ A "nurse log." (Fallen log hosting many plants.) Describe it here or draw it if you like.

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When you have completed both sections of this activity, bring it to the next scheduled Junior Ranger program to receive two stamps in your Junior Ranger Log Book. (Or one stamps for one section.) If you do not have a log book, we will give you one at the program.

Remember, Junior Rangers is for kids ages 7 to 12. Have fun!

Activity adapted for the Web by: Kim A. Cabrera
Interpretive Specialist
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
December 2002

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