Recently, the Save the Redwoods League announced an investment of $2 million to acquire land near the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, aimed at expanding the protected area. According to a report by the San Francisco Chronicle, the Bay Area is home to only a few natural parks where visitors can closely observe ancient redwoods. The Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, located near Guerneville, is set to enlarge its coverage of pristine forests.
The conservation organization revealed that this investment will add 360 acres to the reserve. This acquisition includes two plots of land purchased from private residences adjacent to the natural reserve. One of these plots consists of 23 acres of ancient redwood forest that will soon be integrated into the protected area. The other piece of land preserves the eastern headwaters of Fife Creek, which flows through the Armstrong Reserve.
In addition, the League announced it is spending $1.5 million to buy 390 acres near Ukiah in Mendocino County, which will expand the western boundary of the Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve.
According to the organization, the new land acquisition primarily consists of forests populated with younger coast redwoods, Douglas firs, and tan oaks. These towering trees provide shelter for various understory plants, including manzanita, huckleberries, and California hazelnuts. The forest floor is also home to a rare protected species, the white-flowered rein-orchid, known for its honey-like fragrance.
The League stated that acquiring the Mendocino land is part of a broader plan to expand the Montgomery Woods boundary, which includes redesigning trails within the reserve and adding more interpretive exhibits. With this latest transaction, the League has increased the area of Montgomery Woods by over 4,700 acres through various acquisitions made in the past two years, all of which have been turned over to the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
Bill Maslach, an official from the Sonoma-Mendocino Coast district of the Parks and Recreation Department, noted that both the Armstrong Redwoods and Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserves protect ancient redwoods that are over a thousand years old. Working alongside the Save the Redwoods League to conserve these remaining ancient forests helps preserve history as well. It is now crucial to ensure these trees are equipped to withstand fires to protect these irreplaceable treasures for future generations.
