Sempervirens Fund on LinkedIn: 📆 One week from today! On Tuesday, July 30 at 1pm PST, join Latino… (2024)

"There is a special bond I have created with redwood trees, they give me strength, put me at ease when I smell the fresh scent of new growth and stress instantly releases out of my body as I spend time amongst redwood groves."Among the ancient giants that inspired the creation of Sempervirens Fund and the redwood conservation movement, Veronica Silva-Miranda, a volunteer for Latino Outdoors, found healing. Hit the Redwood Grove Loop with her in her photo essay, “Healing Under Redwood Groves": https://lnkd.in/g4UKJd9P

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🗻 Here in the Santa Cruz mountains, white sandy ridges known as “the chalks” can be seen from Año Nuevo into Big Basin, emerging from the lush redwood forests. This distinctive ecosystem provides a haven for rare endemic chaparral plants and roaming pumas that prefer less populated areas. 🌿 These sandy ridges are unique to the region, formed by siltstone, and they create a unique and distinctive ecosystem in the Santa Cruz mountains. Despite the unstable nature of the chalks and the low nutrients in the siltstone, many chaparral plants thrive in the sandy soil. From scrub oaks to bush poppy, a variety of chaparral plants make their home in this unique geological area. Among them are several species of manzanitas, including the extremely rare Ohlone manzanita and Schreiber’s manzanita, both endemic to the region. Additionally, one of only five native Monterey pine stands in the world can be found here.🦎 With fewer people than in nearby parks, the chalks provide ample space for pumas to roam. Pumas require large ranges, making contiguously protected lands crucial for their survival. In addition to iconic species like mountain lions, smaller creatures like western fence lizards make this chaparral ecosystem their home.

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From the archives! This photo of the Mother Tree at Big Basin was taken in the 1920s. By that time, it is estimated that the Mother Tree was already 800–2,400 years old.

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The Santa Cruz Mountains are one of the most beautiful places to enjoy nature. But enjoyment is just one benefit of being outside—according to countless studies and our Wellness Advisor, Dr. Suzanne BartlettHackenmiller, forest bathing boosts our immune systems and creativity, settle our minds, and lower our stress levels. There's no right or wrong way to forest bathe, but if you want prompts to deepen your experience, check out our suggestions: https://lnkd.in/gtngJ3Y3

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We're #hiring with two exciting positions open: Director of Land Stewardship and Community Engagement Coordinator! If you are interested to join Sempervirens Fund’s collaborative team to help conserve and restore redwood forests, wildlife habitats, and watersheds in the Santa Cruz Mountains, we encourage you to apply. More details and information about the application can be found here: https://lnkd.in/grQYeMAT

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"Beyond the environmental benefits, redwoods offer a deep source of spiritual and physical healing. Walking among these ancient trees, one can’t help but feel a deep connection to nature and the past." 👏 🌲 Big thanks to Good Times Santa Cruz for featuring our Trails Prescription Program and noting the ample health benefits that forest bathing can offer.

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One look at their pointy petals and you can guess where the Ben Lomond spineflower (Chorizanthe pungens var. hartwegiana) gets its name. But consider yourself lucky if you do see one of these federally-endangered wildflowers. They bloom from April through July but their small populations have only been found in the Santa Cruz mountains north of Santa Cruz. While they like some habitat disturbances—a trail edge or gopher hole can open up space for them—invasive grasses making their way from nearby homes or past misguided attempts to “stabilize” the soil are a disturbance that further threatens their survival. Read more about the Ben Lomond spineflower and other plants that can be found in the rare Santa Cruz Sandhills habitat: https://lnkd.in/gdhEKUGT

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🌲 We're #hiring a new Community Engagement Coordinator! The person in this role will be responsible for the development and implementation of inclusive outreach events and volunteer opportunities that serve all areas of Sempervirens Fund’s mission, and will work closely with staff in all departments to engage, support, and empower volunteers and community members to help advance conservation throughout the Bay Area. If this sounds like you—apply today! 🌲

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“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

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