Group Name: The coastal redwood forest is indigenous to a very narrow strip of land along the Pacific coast of North America; it is found as far north as Oregon and as far south as Monterey county, California. The Santa Cruz Mountains, the coastal mountain range close to San Jose, feature beautiful stands of these exceptional trees, many of which are over 300 feet tall, and have lived as long as 1800 years. During this field trip, participants will explore this awe-inspiring forest ecosystem while learning about some of the current hot topics in redwood ecology research. Some topics that will be discussed include the challenges involved in redwood forest restoration and issues associated with redwood forest disturbance regimes, focusing on the impacts of redwood harvesting methods on plant biodiversity in redwood stands. As well as the keystone Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) trees, participants can expect to see a number of other plant species that characterize redwood forests such as Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Western Sword Fern, (Polystichum munitum) and Redwood Sorrel (Oxalis oregona). Led by ecologist Will Russell, professor of Environmental Studies at San Jose State University, this field trip will allow participants an opportunity to explore classic old growth redwood forest while learning about the natural history, ecology, and challenges faced by these ancient trees in today’s modern world Wear sturdy shoes for hiking on uneven forest terrain. Wear layers, bring sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. Poison oak may be present in some forest locations. Children may attend this field trip.