Redwoods In The East Bay: New Park Exhibit

OAKLAND, CA — Are you looking for someplace new to take out-of-town guests?

The East Bay Regional Park District and Save the Redwoods League unveiled an Old Growth Redwood Heritage Viewing Deck and Interpretive Exhibit at Roberts Regional Recreation Area earlier this month, celebrating its dedication with redwood lovers from around the Bay Area. The exhibit, found along Roberts Ridge Trail, preserves and protects a remaining 18-foot diameter old-growth coast redwood footprint for nature learning and includes a 570-square-foot observation deck with interpretive panels. The exhibit is free and open to the public 365 days a year.

“These towering, majestic coast redwoods are one of the greatest natural treasures in the East Bay,” said East Bay Regional Park District General Manager Robert Doyle. “For years, the East Bay Regional Park District has been working in partnership with the Save the Redwoods League to protect these magnificent trees and pay homage to their past through conservation and education.”

“The new exhibit protects the old-growth footprint for future generations and allows for expanded educational programs on redwoods and climate change,” added Doyle.

Redwoods are an important part of the entire Bay Area’s history. From the early 1800s to mid-1800s a group of especially tall redwood trees known as the “Navigation Trees” served as landmarks that helped ships avoid underwater hazards and guided them safely through the San Francisco Bay. The Navigation Trees are no longer alive today but leave an everlasting legacy in the Bay Area. Nearly all old-growth redwoods in the East Bay were cut down by 1860 to construct homes and buildings.

“This new exhibit sparks the imagination, giving park visitors a glimpse into the forest of massive, ancient coast redwoods that once thrived in the East Bay,” said League President and CEO Sam Hodder. “We’re honored to unveil this exhibit to teach park visitors about the tallest trees in the world that once towered from these hills—and how they’re growing back as we speak.”

The giant redwood footprint has been a literal hidden gem at Roberts Regional Recreation Area for more than a century with limited opportunities to learn about its history and past.

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— Announcement, photo from East Bay Regional Park District