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Discover the giants
Their Majesty, Threats, and Our Mission to Protect Them
Figure 1. Footprints of six wildfires that significantly impacted giant sequoia groves – Rough Fire (2015), Railroad and Pier (both 2017), Castle (2020), and KNP Complex and Windy (both in 2021). Giant sequoia groves in or near the fires are shown in red.
NPS / Joshua Flickinger
About Sequoias
Giant sequoias stand as towering symbols of resilience and time, reaching heights of over 250 feet and living for thousands of years. These majestic trees are more than natural wonders—they’re vital to their ecosystems and hold stories of Earth’s ancient past. Yet today, they face unprecedented challenges that demand our attention and care.
The science of sequoias
Giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) are among the largest trees on Earth, thriving in the unique environment of California’s Sierra Nevada. Their massive size, thick bark, and ability to withstand low-severity fires are among their unique traits.
Did you know?
Sequoias can grow over 300 feet tall.
Giant sequoias rely on fire to release their seeds and promote new growth.
Sequoias provide critical habitat for wildlife and contribute to carbon storage.
Some sequoias are more than 3,000 years old
Challenges and Threats
Key Challenges:
Climate change, extreme drought, and increasingly severe wildfires pose critical threats to giant sequoias. Over 85% of sequoia groves exist on public lands, and recent wildfires have devastated tens of thousands of trees.
- Extreme Wildfires
- Sequoia Bark Beetle
- Rising Temperatures and Drought
Together for Sequoias
"Hiking through the giant sequoia groves off the beaten path is one of my life's greatest treasures."
