The Oakland Museum of California goes deep into the forest primeval to reveal the spectacular beauty of the Giant Sequoia, found nowhere on earth but California’s Sierra Nevada.
Future of Sequoias: Sustaining Parklands in the 21st Century (Feb 7–Aug 23, 2009) features photographs by Jeff Jones and prose by retired National Park Interpretative Ranger William C. Tweed, who share a deep respect and concern for the parks that harbor the magnificent trees.
The exhibition includes 24 color prints by Jones, a longtime naturalist who incorporates digital and technical means to create his panoramic images. Using a custom tripod and darkroom expertise, he carefully stitches together multiple exposures for a crisp, evenly lit scene. At the end of the exhibiton, relax in a park cabin and take a 360-degree digital tour of the parks.
Future of Sequoias: Sustaining Parklands in the 21st Century is generously supported by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board.
Photo: Soaring Sequoia ©Jeff Jones
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More writings from Three Rivers resident, William Tweed…
Sequoia and Kings Canyon: The Story Behind the Scenery
This is the realm of the giant sequoias, the largest living things on earth, the magnet that cause these two national parks to be set aside a century ago. From sequoia botany to the geology, history and wildlife of both parks, this book covers it all.
The author, William C. Tweed, is a retired career professional of the National Park Service, who received his doctorate in history from Texas Christian University. He spent more than 25 years exploring Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Captions are by Malinee Crapsey, who joined the National Park Service in 1985.
You can read the online book Challenge of the Big Trees by Lary M. Dilsaver and William C. Tweed from the National Park Service.
From the forward by William Penn Mott, JR., former director of the National Park Service, “Challenge of the Big Trees tells of the changes I have seen and more. It is a story of how the dedication and sustained effort of a small group of interested citizens awakened the consciousness of the American people and their government. As a result, the Sierra’s giant sequoias and wonderful high country were saved from selfish destruction. In my lifetime of park work I have witnessed many similar stories; people do make a difference.
The story of Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks is also a fascinating bit of history. The authors detail not only how the parks came to exist, but also how the parks were repeatedly threatened with over-development, and how they were fortunate enough to ward off those threats. Again the critical efforts of a few key persons made all the difference. All too often national park histories tend to end with the creation of the parks. Challenge of the Big Trees avoids this weakness and explores in substantial detail the critical actions that made the two parks what they are today.
Sequoia Travel Network 