Sequoia Parks Conservancy
Helping to Save California’s Magnificent Sequoia Forests from Extinction
DID YOU KNOW: THE WORLD’S LARGEST VULNERABLE TREE IS OVER 2,000 YEARS OLD!
When you hear something described as ancient, what is the first thing that comes to mind? A classical sculpture from Greece or Rome, a centuries old parchment scripture that has fallen to pieces? Whatever venerable associations you have with the word “ancient” they likely don’t refer to anything living—and yet the oldest Sequoia trees in California are literally thousands of years old. The beauty and majesty of these massive natural wonders are both awe-inspiring and, suddenly for the first time, terribly vulnerable. Having survived centuries during which their only natural enemy was gravity, they now face an accelerating threat due to climate change. Since 2015, a full 10% of the population of ancient sequoias have been lost to wildfire, while thirty more of these noble giants have succumbed to attack by Cedar Beetles, brought on by drought.
It is the mission of Sequoia Parks Conservancy to protect these trees—unique in all the world—while also working with endangered species, helping with search and rescue missions, and maintaining trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Savannah Boiano, Executive Director of Sequoia Parks Conservancy, speaks with a real sense of urgency about their work: “Humans are either going to be the biggest threat to these magnificent natural treasures, or we’re going to be their saviors. The donations that Impact Deposits Corp. makes each quarter to the Sequoia Conservation Fund help us engage scientists and botanists in direct action to mitigate the effects of climate change.”
Recently, Impact Deposits Corp’s Vice President, Jay Stillman, visited Sequoia National Park on vacation to see for himself these towering wonders: “Standing beside a sequoia is an awe-inspiring experience. The oldest of them all stands nearly 20 stories tall! You get a real sense of time when thinking how long it must have taken to grow that large. It feels so good to be able to have Impact Deposits Corp. help to keep these amazing wonders around for generations to come.”
