Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve
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Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve is a California state park, located in Sonoma County. The park preserves 805 acres (3.3 km2) of the Sequoia sempervirens. Coast redwoods are classified as temperate rain forests and they need wet and mild climates to survive. The rainfall in Armstrong Redwoods averages 55 in/year (1.4 m/year) and the trees are often shrouded in a fog that helps to maintain the moist conditions needed for the redwoods to survive.
The reserve includes a visitor center, outdoor amphitheater, self-guided nature trails, and a variety of picnic facilities. The best way to experience the redwoods is to park in the lot at the park entrance and walk in for free. All of the park features are a short easy stroll along level trails that are disability accessible.
Although no camping is available in the redwood grove, there is a campground at Austin Creek State Recreation Area, which is adjacent to the park. Austin Creek is accessed through the same entrance as Armstrong Redwoods and its rolling hills, open grasslands, conifers, and oaks are a contrast to the dense canopy of the redwood grove.
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The Tallest Tree
The Parson Jones Tree is the tallest tree in the grove, measuring more than 310 ft (94 m) in height. This is longer than the length of a football field. A 0.1 mile (160 m) walk from the park entrance.
The Oldest Tree
The Colonel Armstrong Tree is the oldest tree in the grove, estimated to be over 1400 years old. It is named after a lumberman who chose to preserve this portion of the park in the 1870's. A half-mile (800 m) walk from the park entrance
The Icicle Tree
This tree shows the unusual burl formations often found on redwood trees. Burls can weigh many tons and grow hundreds of feet above the forest floor. Why these growths occur remains a mystery.
The Discovery Trail
This trail offers a wheelchair accessible pathway, interpretive panels in Braille, and tree hugging platforms.
Armstrong Nature Trail
This self-guided nature trail is an easy stroll through the Grove and is also wheelchair accessible. Guides are available at the visitor center.
Horseback access
The East Ridge Trail and the Pool Ridge Trail are open to equestrians, although there are seasonal closures due to poor trail conditions in some winter months. Horse rentals are available though a private company that is adjacent to Armstrong Redwoods.
Park History
During the 1870s, the area was set aside as a natural park and botanical garden by Colonel James Armstrong, a lumberman who recognized the beauty and natural value of the forests he harvested. After his death, Armstrong's daughter and the Le Baron family mounted an energetic campaign involving public meetings, rallies and car-caravans to direct public attention to the need to preserve this last remnant of the once mighty redwood forest. Their efforts were successful, and in 1917 the County of Sonoma passed an initiative to purchase the property for $80,000.
The grove was operated by Sonoma County until 1934 when the state of California took over. In 1936 the grove was opened to the public as Armstrong Redwoods State Park. The grove's status was changed to a reserve in 1964 when a greater understanding of its ecological significance prompted a more protective management of the resource.