Founders Grove Nature Trail

Founders Grove Nature Trail
Trailhead:	At the Founders Grove parking lot off Dyerville Loop Road.
Location:	Four miles north of the Visitor Center, just off the Avenue of the Giants on the Dyerville Loop Road.
Hiking time:	½ hour
Distance:	½ mile loop trail
Difficulty:	Easy
Elevation gain/loss:	Starting elevation: 200 feet Gain/loss: fairly level trail
Description:
This 55-acre grove was established in 1931. Several impressive trees are found here. Founders Tree Height: 346 feet Diameter: 12 feet Circumference: 40 feet Age: Approximately 1300-1500 years Dyerville Giant (fell in 1991) Height: 362 feet Diameter: 17 feet Circumference: 52 feet Root system: 38 feet in diameter Age: Possibly 2000 years Was the tallest tree in the park before it fell on March 24, 1991 Founders Grove is dedicated to the founders of the Save-the-Redwoods League. John C. Merriam Professor Henry Osborn Dr. Madison Grant These three men, after making a trip through the redwood region, decided that representative examples of the redwood forest should be preserved in a natural state for future generations. Through their efforts, the vital work of the Save-the-Redwoods League was initiated in 1919, and has resulted in the preserving of many thousands of acres of redwood forest. It was in appreciation of their work that the Save-the-Redwoods League dedicated the Founders Grove in 1931. The Save-the-Redwoods League is a non-profit organization which carries on a nationwide fund-raising and information program, aimed toward preserving representative groves of the magnificent California redwoods. You may pick up a self-guided nature trail guide at the trailhead. It explains many things about old-growth forests. There is access to the Mahan Plaque Loop Trail from this trail (near the Dyerville Giant).