Redwoods Conservation Projects
Through dedicated efforts today, we can safeguard the majestic Redwoods, protect their diverse wildlife, and ensure their timeless beauty continues to inspire future generations.
Grove of Titans
This project enhances visitor access while preserving ancient redwoods in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. A 1,300-foot elevated walkway protects the forest understory, damaging trails have been removed, and ADA-accessible parking and restrooms have been added. Interpretive materials are being developed to promote responsible exploration.
Titaneers
Volunteers stationed in the Grove of Titans and Stout Grove guide visitors, prevent vandalism, and monitor trail conditions. Their work helps protect ancient redwoods while maintaining sustainable public access.
Artist-in-Residence Program
In partnership with Redwood National and State Parks, this program invites artists to create works inspired by the redwood forest. Selected artists share their creations with the public, fostering a deeper connection to these landscapes through art.
California Condor Restoration Project
This project supports the return of endangered California condors to their historic range on California’s North Coast. Redwood Parks Conservancy provides funding for staffing, supplies, and condor isolation pens to protect the birds from avian flu, aiding the Yurok Tribe and park biologists in monitoring and safeguarding the species.
Park Transportation
Redwood Parks Conservancy provides free transportation for individuals with disabilities and their support network to outdoor events within RNSP and the Del Norte Community. This service increases accessibility, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the parks.
NCCC AmeriCorps Project:
In partnership with Redwood Parks Conservancy, AmeriCorps NCCC, and Redwood National Park, a team of young volunteers restored backcountry bathrooms and maintained trails to improve visitor access and park sustainability in 2024. Another team will return this summer to focus on bridge repairs and additional trail maintenance, enhancing park infrastructure and promoting environmental stewardship.
Tolowa Dunes Stewards
Supported by Redwood Parks Conservancy, this group leads invasive species removal and habitat restoration at Tolowa Dunes State Park. Volunteers help clear European beachgrass, yellow bush lupine, gorse, and ice plant, improving wildlife habitat and engaging the community in long-term conservation efforts.
Del Norte Trail Alliance:
Working with Redwood Parks, this group maintains and develops local trails while engaging youth in outdoor recreation, including mountain biking and hiking, to promote safe and sustainable access.
Howland Hill Outdoor School
Serving over 1,300 students annually, this program connects school groups with nature through STEM activities, outdoor education, and immersive field trips in the redwoods. Hands-on learning experiences inspire future stewards and foster an appreciation for conservation.
Wolf Creek Education Center
This center provides hands-on nature education for students visiting Redwood National and State Parks. With support from Redwood Parks Conservancy and a National Park Foundation grant, RPC recently funded transportation for school groups, expanding access to outdoor learning experiences.
Mill Creek Nursery
This nursery propagates native plants of the redwood ecosystem for ongoing restoration projects in Redwood National and State Parks, supporting habitat recovery and biodiversity.
North Coast Junior Lifeguard Program
Serving over 400 participants annually, this program teaches children and youth in Del Norte and Humboldt counties essential water safety skills. Participants develop ocean awareness, CPR and first aid training, and coastal ecology knowledge through tide-pooling, nature walks, and interactive lessons.
Park Connectivity
Redwood Parks Conservancy funds internet and communication services at visitor centers, ensuring access to park resources, emergency communication, and essential information that enhances the visitor experience.
Park Publications
RPC funds the creation and distribution of park guides and maps, providing visitors with essential information on trails, safety, history, and ecology. These resources help ensure informed exploration and foster appreciation for the redwoods.
Redwood National Park “50 Years Later” Photography Project by Dave Van de Mark
This project revisits locations originally photographed between 1965 and 1978, highlighting the impact of conservation and restoration. The updated images showcase the recovery of once-logged landscapes, demonstrating the long-term success of environmental protection efforts.
G.O.A.L. Program
The Greater Outdoor Access and Learning (G.O.A.L.) Program provides outdoor experiences for families, youth, and older adults. Participants explore ecology, wildlife, and cultural history through guided trips into the redwoods and surrounding environments, fostering stewardship and connection to nature.
Redwood Corps
In the summer of 2024, the Redwood Corps successfully cleared 20 miles of trails and removed invasive species from two acres of land in Redwood National and State Parks. While we are not currently implementing the Redwood Corps program this year, we remain committed to exploring future opportunities to support youth engagement and conservation efforts.
Experience Nature
Experience Nature: A Legacy of Connection (2023-2024)
From 2023 to 2024, the Experience Nature program brought thousands of visitors closer to the wonders of Redwood National and State Parks. Through guided hikes, interactive workshops, and inclusive experiences, this program fostered a deep connection with nature while ensuring accessibility for all.
Prairie Creek Visitor Center Restoration
In 2024, RPC funded vital maintenance and restoration efforts at the historic Prairie Creek Visitor Center, including the iconic chimney and fireplace. The project also replaced 5 interpretive panels and updated the deck behind the center.
Park Bridge and Trail Repair:
In 2024, $26,939 in donations funded a new, temporary bridge at the start of the Karl Knapp Memorial Trail. The previous bridge required new footing and abutments to ensure safety and access.
Sue-Meg Interpretation
A $2,841 donation supported the reopening of the Sue-Meg State Park Visitor Center in 2024, covering the costs of preparing the center for interpretation and public access.
California State Parks Week Event Support:
For State Parks Week 2023, RPC supported events across North Coast state parks, including a guided hike with the Tolowa Dee-Ni’ Nation, invasive plant removal at Trinidad State Beach, and a community BBQ and blood drive at Fort Humboldt State Park. These events engaged the public in conservation, history, and recreation.
Snowy Plover Habitat Enhancement:
From 2021-2023, RPC supported habitat restoration for threatened snowy plovers at Gold Bluffs Beach by spreading cleaned oyster shells in dune areas. In 2023, the first successful snowy plover nest since 2004 fledged two young, marking a milestone for this conservation effort.
Silverspot Butterfly Recovery
This project at Tolowa Dunes State Park restores habitat for California’s only remaining population of the Oregon silverspot butterfly. Efforts include removing invasive European beachgrass, planting nectar sources and violets, and preparing the area for future butterfly reintroduction from a captive rearing program.