Redwood National and State Parks

description

Redwood National and State Park
http://mms.nps.gov/ram/pwr/reghl69h.mov
Introduction

Do you want to visit a palce with forests, beaches and rivers? Well, let me give you a tour...

Redwood National and State Park is located on the west coast of Northern California. It contains more than one biome. A biome is a complex biotic community characterized by distinctive plant and animal species and maintained under the climatic conditions of the region. An ecosystem is a natural area of all living things that function together with all the nonliving things of an environment. The major areas are located outside of Crescent City and the parks contain 37 miles of protected coastline. Redwood National and State Park is more than just Redwoods; it is also an environment of many organisms living in the forest, the rivers, and the ocean. This beautiful piece of earth is worth visiting. 
But even beautiful places have their problems. Three tectonic plates meet in this park; thus the park has been shaped by earthquakes, landslides, and erosion. There are also many forest fires which clear out the underbrush and make the forest healthy, but can also damage the forest. Although there are many features of this National Park, the major site is the California coast redwood. This tree may grow to be 367 feet and 22 feet wide with the age of 2,000 years old! 



Tour Guide

1.Please Keep Your Hands and Feet Inside the Ride at All Times (introduction)
2.Weather Forcast (abiotic factors)
3.The King of the Forest (biotic factors)
4.Watch Out for the Tide (limiting factors)
5.Eat Your Greens (producers)
6.Pick on Someone Your Own Size (consumers)
7.Even Trees Need Energy (food web)
8.The Chase (predator-prey relationship)
9.Is Dinner Beneficial? (role of predation)
10.Help! (endangered species)
11.The Facts (why the species is endangered and population estimate)
12.The Home Owners (population pyramid)
13.Reconstruction (succession)
14.The Boss (human impact)
15.Future Trees? (predictions)
16.Please Collect All You Belongings and Exit at Right (conclusion

Lets go on an in depth tour 
of this amazing place on earth.
Some of the coast redwoods
Weather Forcast
Abiotic Factors
The King of the Forest
Biotic Factors
Watch Out for the Tide
Limiting Factors



The Residents

Consumers
Harbor Seal
Roosevelt Elk
California Slender Salamander
Black Bear
Bobcat
Pacific Gray Whale
Gray Fox
Mountain Lion

Producers
Beach pea
Beach Strawberry
Hardy Sitka Spruce
The Coast Redwood
Douglas-fir
Big-Leaf Maple
Tiger Lily
Huckleberry



http://www.mywebspiration.com/view/123733a1d38a



Is Dinner Beneficial?
Role of Predation

Mountain lions actually control the population of the numerous rabbits, mice and squirrels that cover the forest floors. Without them there would be excess small mammals. This would cause a decrease in the plants and shrubs that make up the majority of Redwood National Park. So dinner really is beneficial. 


Corvids, such as jays and crows, prey upon the Marbled Murrelet. This is causing the Corvid population to increase and the Marbled Murrelet population to dramatically decrease. This can be seen in the section "Endangered Species."



Watch this video!
Food Web!


"The population estimate for the Marbled Murrelet, a federally threatened
seabird that nests in old-growth redwood forests, is between 3-4000 in
Redwood National and State Parks."
-Rachel McCain
                                      Redwood National and State Parks
"Density dependent factors that are affecting this bird are populations of
its main land predator, members of the Corvidae family. Corvids, which
include jays, ravens, and crows, prey on murrelet chicks and eggs. This is
a normal process that has been increased because of human activity in
redwood forests, like leaving food and garbage out in campsites, which
attracts the corvids, who then find the murrelet nests. Corvid populations
are rapidly increasing, while the opposite is true for the murrelet.

Density independent factors include loss of habitat for the murrelet. Over
96% of old-growth redwoods were cut during the heyday of the logging era,
and as a result, the murrelets' homes have been lost. Studies show that
roads are also detrimental to murrelet nest success."
                                     -Rachel McCain
                                      Redwood National and State Parks
The Home Owners
Population Pyramid


Reconstruction
Succession
The Boss
Human Impact
Future Trees?
Predictions





Is there a drive-through tree?
The famous drive-through tree, the Wawona Tree, was a giant sequoia in Yosemite National Park. It fell over in 1969 under a heavy snowfall. There are three coast redwood drive-through trees on the coast. All are private businesses, which charge a small fee to drive your car through the tree. From north to south they are: Klamath Tour Thru Tree, Myers Flat Shrine Tree, and Leggett Chandelier Tree.

When was Redwood National Park established?
The park was dedicated on October 2, 1968. On March 27, 1978 the park was expanded.

What animals live on the beaches at the Redwood Forest?

The Killdeer, Western sandpiper, Western gull, Sanderling, and Willet.
But, there are also animals that live on the shore. These include the Common murre, Brown pelican,  Black oystercatcher, Pigeon guillemot, Double-crested cormorant and many more!

What are the different ecosystem types in the Redwood Forest?
There are the forests, oceans, rivers, streams and prairies. 
Is the redwood the oldest tree in the world?
No. Bristlecone pines, found in many parts of the western United States, are the oldest. Some may be as old as 5,000 years.

How old are the oldest redwoods?
Some redwoods live to 2,000 years.

Are there any other endangered species in the Redwood Forest?
Yes, there are also Brown Pelicans, and Tidewater Gobys. These are the only ones that are endangered. There are many others that are threatened. 

Why do redwoods grow so tall?
The trees grow tall for the following reasons: large amounts of rain (60-140 inches per year), mostly from February–May; summer fog which reduces evapotranspiration; temperate climate, average temperatures between 45 degrees and 61 degrees Fahrenheit; rich soil in river bottom flats; few natural enemies; burl sprouts, which promote growth after injury by fire or toppling; wind protection by other redwoods.


Why do redwoods live so long?
Favorable climatic conditions; tannin in the bark, which makes it resistant to insects like termites; thickness of the bark helps protect the inner core of the tree from fire.

What do redwoods look like?
The trees have a brown/gray bark that is deeply furrowed. The needles are arranged in a flay spray. An old-growth redwood can be over 200 feet tall and up to 16-20 feet in diameter.

Plan your Trip!
 Visit the official Redwood and National State Park's web page
http://www.nps.gov/redw
HINT:
You can scroll into anything in this presentation to make it bigger!
Weather
Temperatures range from 40 to 60 Degrees Fahrenheit. The winters are cool and the average rainfall is 69 inches. This affects the ecosystem by creating non-variable climate for the organisms to live. There are not dramatic changes in the weather so the organisms don't have to adjust constantly. If the weather were to change rapidly, many organisms would be in danger because they would not be able to adapt quick enough. 

Fog
Surrounds the redwoods. The fog helps them to survive because it gives them moisture in the summer. The summers are hot and water can be scarce. The fog surrounding the redwoods gives an instant source of water. 

Rivers and Streams
Smith River, Klamath River, Redwood Creek, Prairie Creek, and Mill Creek. Many organisms, like salmon, live in the rivers and streams found here. Also, many organisms eat the creatures living in the rivers and streams. The rivers and streams provide a water and food source for various organisms living in the forest. 

Campgrounds and Trails
Located all over Redwood National and State Park. There are over 200 miles of trails. The trails cause divisions in the park, which can seperate the organisms from one another. This may be a good thing because it is easier to keep track of all the wildlife. On the other hand, having campgrounds in the forest can create unwanted visits by animals. 












Gold Bluffs Beach along Davison Road
Top Carnivore
Carnivore
Herbivore
Producers
Some of the living things in this ecosystem
Mountain Lions eat the small mammals living in this ecosystem so that there is not an abundance of rabbits and mice. 
Pacific Gray Whales eat the small aquatic creatures. 
Red-Shouldered Hawk also eat the various small mammals in the ecosystem. 
Black Bears eat the various plants and berries in the ecosystem. 
Azaleas are a wildflower that provides food for herbivores living in this ecosystem.







Forest fires 
They can be caused by lightening strikes and from the dry-ness of the forest in the hot climate. Although this does hurt animals and some plants, it actually helps to clear the underbrush to make the forest healthy.

Earthquakes
Caused my the geological setting of the park. The park is located on three tectonic plates (North American, the Pacific, and the Gorda). These plates glide against each other causing movement up to three inches! 

Tsunami
The Redwood National and State Park is located on the coast of California, near the Pacific Ocean. Tsunamis are caused by earthquakes that are either in the direct area or even far away.  But, tsunamis are pretty rare in general. 


Marbled Murrelets are birds that live at sea, but go inland to nest. They are about ten inches in size. 
Help! Endangered Species
Summary:
Over 600 animals
Over 800 plants
This creates a variety of many producers and consumers in this ecosystem


The beautiful scenery
of a temperate forest
Please Keep Your Hands And Feet Inside The Ride At All Times 
Lets look at some amazing photographs!
The coastline
One of the many scenic paths
These starfish are directly effected by tsunamis
map
Secondary, can be caused by the forest fires, tsunamis, floods, earthquakes and the falling of trees in the ecosystem. This is because these are all disrupting or destroying the environment that was already established. When these things occur the environment that was affected has to rebuild itself. This would majorly affect the redwoods and other plants in the forest. If there was a forest fire these would be the first to go. Most animal populations could flee towards the ocean side to get away from the fire, but the plants are stuck there. This would then take away the habitat for the animals that had fled and they would most likely shrink dramatically in numbers because of the change in habitat. Any event that puts the ecosystem in danger hurts all organisms in one way or another. 
Humans can cause bad eating habits for animals. Humans create an unnatural environment. One example is the feeding of corvids (jays, ravens, crows) that have better memories than bears. Feeding these birds makes them come back for more. When they do this, they see helpless Marbled Murrelets up in the trees. The corvids then eat them and now the Marbled Murrelets are endangered. 

Humans also litter. There are many places to picnic, hike and camp. Many humans leave behind their items and keep trash on the ground. This not only makes the forest covered in litter, it also can cause a danger to the organisms. The organisms could get tangled or could even eat what the humans have left behind. 

According to the Redwood National and State Park web page these are ways that humans can help keep a clean environment. 
   
Keep a clean camp
Carry plastic bags for trash
Pack out unburnable trash
Do not throw garbage into pit toilets or cat holes
Leave no food residue in the fire pit
Strain food particles from waste water
Scatter waste water
Don’t share your lunch with any birds!

From the Expert

"Human activity can impact the old-growth redwood ecosystem in several ways. On parkland, our main concern is soil and root compaction from foot and vehicle traffic, poaching of plant and wildlife, and impacts of road construction and maintenance, like increased erosion and fragmentation of habitat. On private land, ongoing timber harvesting practices pose the biggest threat to old-growth forests."
                          -Rachel McCain
                         Park Guide
                         Redwood National and State Parks
"It is difficult to predict exactly what will happen to the park in several years, but our hope is that our second-growth forest management will ultimately improve the health of previously logged-over areas, and that our endangered species, such as the marbled murrelet, snowy plover, and Coho salmon will recover. There are many factors to consider (including global climate change) when looking ahead, so there are several scenarios that could play out in the park."
                   -Rachel McCain
                   Park Guide
                   Redwood National and State Parks
http://www.nps.gov/redw/forkids/index.htm
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http://www.nps.gov/redw/naturescience/animals.htm
http://www.nps.gov/redw/naturescience/animals.htm
http://www.nps.gov/redw/naturescience/marbled-murrelet.htm
http://www.nps.gov/redw/naturescience/index.htm
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“drivethru_redwood.jpg (JPEG Image, 420x335 pixels) - Scaled (79%).” 19 Apr 2009 <http://www.in-sect.com/scr/drivethru_redwood.jpg>.
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http://www.nps.gov/pwr/customcf/apps/pgallery/photo.cfm?pid=5377&aid=210&gid=210
Density Independant
http://cas.bellarmine.edu/tietjen/Pop_Models/OCX/FoodChain/food_chain_main.htm
Density Dependant Limiting Factors
Sudden Oak Death (SOD) is a non-native plant disease that infects forests of California. It is caused by microscopic pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, which is a water mold that causes lethal cankers and non-lethal foliar blight on many plants. This disease does not actually cause sudden death and it does not only affect oak trees. 
This disease is not in Redwood National and State Park yet, but it is approaching on all sides. But, the disease can spread by wind, rain and even humans.


http://www.nps.gov/redw/naturescience/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm
Conclusion
Please Collect All Your Belongings and Exit at Right

Do you want to visit a place with forest, beaches and rivers! Let, me answer that for you, YES!

This is a great vacation and educational spot where you can hike, bike, camp, backpack, paddle and drive on the breathtaking roads at Redwood National and State Park! Check out the world class river and trails for all levels of activity. Experience the variety of birds, mammals and largest trees around. There is something for everyone. Come check it out today!

Here is a great place to find useful information on weather, lodging, trails and more!


http://www.redwood.national-park.com/
Biogeochemical Cycle
http://www.colorado.edu/GeolSci/courses/GEOL1070/chap04/chapter4.html
http://www.colorado.edu/GeolSci/courses/GEOL1070/chap04/chapter4.html
Nitrogen Cycle
Hydrologic Cycle
The Chase
Predator- Prey Relationship
Mountain Lion eats anything from insects to large mammals.
This can include rabbits and elk. The mountain lion would die
without these organisms. The way it is able to prey upon these organisms 
is by its speed and ability to stalk. The prey attempts to survive by staying in
groups and running away. 

Harbor Seals eat fish and mollusks. Without the fish in the oceans and 
tide pools this organisms would die. Since, it has to live in water and cannot venture
too far out on the land it is limited to only things that live in the ocean
and surrounding waters. The fish try to stay in groups so their chance of being
caught is less. The fish also try to blend in with their environment. 




"Restoration efforts in the parks have helped T&E fish and wildlife primarily by reducing sedimentation from logging roads through road decommissioning and rehabilitation. Reducing sediment runoff from hillslopes creates better stream substrate for anadromous fish redds (gravel bed for eggs) and fry (young fish). It also helps stabilize streambanks, which allows old-growth redwood trees to remain upright and keeps old-growth habitat intact for species such as the northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet. Exotic plant management (for example, of European beachgrass, yellow bush lupine, and pampas grass) along beaches enhances habitat for wildlife such as the western snowy plover, that nests and roosts in back dunes, and plants such as the endangered beach layia that requires shifting sand dunes to grow.

The parks' fishery and wildlife biologists conduct annual surveys to assess the status and distribution of T&E species in RNSP. Specifically, fishery biologists conduct stream inventories including snorkel surveys, electro-fishing, seining for anadromous fish, and spawning/carcass surveys in Redwood Creek and its tributaries. Wildlife biologists monitor known northern spotted owl territories, bald eagle nests, and peregrine falcon eyries (nesting sites), and conduct month"

        http://www.nps.gov/redw/naturescience/animals.htm
The park IS doing something about their future ecosystem
http://www.nps.gov/redw/naturescience/animals.htm
Primary Succession occurs in all ecosystems. This is how the ecosystem started from the rocks and dirt that were first in place of the now evolved Redwood Forest.  From the rocks and dirt, small trees and shrubs arose and started growing.
The nitrogen cycle occurs from the pollution of humans. The pollution is casued by factory and car fuels. This simple human activity hurts the 
environment and then the trees and other producers are being 
poisoned. This puts less oxygen in the air for the organisms of the Redwood Forest. 
Works Cited
Although this biogeochemical cycle does not relate to humans directly, it is an important part of this ecosystem. The Redwood Forest contains oceans and land. The oceans provide some moisture for the plants there. The ocean also provides homes for many organisms. 
http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/9103370.jpg
Summary

The Redwood National and State Park is located on the west coast of northern California. This ecosystem is more than just redwoods. As you have seen there are oceans with whales, prairies with elk and forests with azaleas. Earthquakes, forest fires and tsunamis can change this fantastic ecosystem. The mountain lion helps with population control of small mammals and the shrubs provide food for herbivores. Producers and consumers are found at every corner of the park. Bears feed on mice and mice feed on plants. All ecosystems have a designed food web that coincides with the environment. 




Redwood National and State Park

FAQ's and Answers

Where are the parks?
RNSP is in northern California just below the Oregon border.
But, the food web can get out of whack when one organism eats something it normally doesn't. The Marbled Murrelets are endangered and this is because of the corvids eating them. This is somewhat caused my humans feeding animals in the forest. Humans in this ecosystem cause pollution and litter, which in turn creates bad eating habits for critters. Overall this ecosystem does not have any major problems and its outlook is healthy. It should continue the way it is if humans continually take care of it. However, the climate change could also play a role in the future of the park.
best place on earth
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http://www.2-clean-earth.com/images/dont_litter.jpg
Keep the environment clean: don't litter!
Project by Ashley Carfagno