giants on new ground

We are joined by Philip Stielstra, founder of PropagationNation, to explore the fascinating world of coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) and giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum). Philip shares his inspiring journey from Seattle Tree Ambassador to becoming a leader in assisted migration, helping these ancient giants find a new future in the Pacific Northwest.

We dive into:

• The unique traits that make coast redwoods and giant sequoias candidates for assisted migration, including their fire resistance, drought tolerance, and pest resistance.

• Challenges such as slow seed production, low natural regeneration, and the ecological and ethical considerations of introducing these species to non-native environments.

• Insights into Indigenous perspectives on land stewardship and how they inform restoration practices.

• Propagation Nation’s Redwood Test Plot Grant Initiative, which studies the viability of these iconic trees in new environments.

This episode builds on themes from previous treehugger podcast episodes featuring Dr. Sally Aitken on climate-smart forestry, Chelsey Armstrong on Forest Gardens and Indigenous knowledge systems, and last but not least the Climate Feels episode exploring the cultural dimensions of climate adaptation.

Access key resources: Propagation Nation website; Appendix 1 Selection of Seeds and Other Propagules for Restoration of the SER International Standards for Ecological Restoration; and, the Assisted Migration Best Management Practices for Pacific Northwest Habitat Restoration Projects. These key documents guide practitioners in selecting seeds and propagules for restoration projects, focusing on genetic diversity, climate-resilient traits, and future climatic scenarios.

Key Takeaways:

• Assisted migration is an essential strategy for adapting forests to climate change, ensuring that both trees and ecosystems can thrive in evolving conditions.

• By blending science, ethics, and community involvement, we can create adaptive ecosystems for tomorrow’s challenges.

• Coast redwoods and giant sequoias represent not just ecological resilience but also a vision of hope for future forests.

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