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The Resilient Redwoods With Ian Rowbotham: Senior Land Stewardship Manager of Sempervirens Fund





Pipe Cleaners! by Marcia Sivek

Redwoods are not only awe-inspiring but also possess an unrivaled ability to sequester carbon. Their enduring presence and profound impact extend far beyond California, making them essential warriors in the battle against extreme climate shifts. These coastal redwoods, with their adaptability and reliance on fog for water, create a unique ecosystem that supports a diverse range of species. The shade they provide and the moisture they draw in from the fog create a cool and damp climate, fostering the growth of various plants and providing habitat for salamanders and other creatures.


Welcome to another episode of BeProvided Conservation Radio. Today, we embark on a journey through the majestic redwoods and unravel their pivotal role in the face of climate change. These ancient giants, bearing the name Sempervirens for their everlasting nature, have emerged as resilient warriors in the heart of destruction. Join me, Marcia Sivek, as we dive deeper into the extraordinary world of redwoods with our esteemed guest, Ian Rowbotham, the Senior Land Stewardship Manager of Sempervirens Fund. His expertise unveils the intricate relationship between these timeless trees and our planet’s fight against climate change.


About The Guest(s): Ian Rowbotham is the Senior Land Stewardship Manager of Sempervirens Fund. With a master’s degree in Earth Systems from Stanford University, he is an expert in redwood conservation and restoration. Ian has dedicated his career to protecting and restoring redwood forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains.


Summary: Ian Rowbotham, the Senior Land Stewardship Manager of Sempervirens Fund, discusses the pivotal role of redwoods in the face of climate change. Redwoods are resilient giants that can sequester carbon and provide essential habitat for a diverse range of species. Despite the challenges they face, such as drought and wildfires, redwoods continue to thrive and adapt. Sempervirens Fund focuses on active management and restoration projects to protect and restore redwood ecosystems. Through fuel reduction, prescribed burns, and wetland restoration, they aim to create more resilient forests and safeguard these iconic trees for future generations.


Key Takeaways: - Redwoods are resilient and adaptable, with the ability to re-sprout and regrow branches from their trunks. - Redwoods play a crucial role in sequestering carbon and providing habitat for a diverse range of species. - Restoration projects, such as fuel reduction and prescribed burns, are essential for creating more resilient forests. - Wetland restoration projects can provide habitat for threatened and endangered species, such as the California red-legged frog and Western pond turtle. - Redwoods are not only important for their ecological value but also as cultural icons that inspire and connect people to nature.


How to Find Out More:


Photos of Ian and the work his team is doing were provided by the Sempervirens Fund:


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