ENCOUNTERING AN OTHERWORLDLY SIGHT... while deep among the trees of a lush forest? It's a moment that's been imagined many times by various authors and filmmakers and artists. The forest, in fact, is full of phantoms in several long-told stories, though the phantoms of fiction rarely possess trunks and limbs and nests and fir needles. But there are "ghosts" in the redwoods, and while they don't typically make wraith-classic sounds, nor do they move about while haunting, they do present a striking and unforgettable image to all people passing by. You can be one of those people on Saturday, Sept. 1, should you float your way to beautiful Humboldt Redwoods State Park for a guided walk and talk with Tom Stapleton, a researcher who knows the redwoods, through and through. And the focus?
ALBINO REDWOODS, the so-called "ghosts" of the tall trees. The Sept. 1 event will give tree fans a chance to view "... some of the most unique albino redwoods within the park," and learn more about why the green fir needles appear white (it's a lack of chlorophyll, yep). How do these trees survive? They "... tap into the roots" of neighboring redwoods, all to gather the nutrients they need. It's fascinating stuff, but also fascinating? The fact that, on the walk, you'll be able to see "the largest aerial albino redwood known." Park staffers don't generally share the locations of the albino redwoods, making this hike, which is described as both "free" and "easy," a rare must for redwoodian types. The whole look-and-learn event will last about an hour and a half. Start time? You'll set out at 11 in the morning.
THERE'S A CAMPIRE EVENT... that night, too, so check out the whole scene before spending your Labor Day Saturday at Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
