Synopsis
The Once and Future Forest: California's Iconic Redwoods, published by Heyday in partnership with Save the Redwoods League and featuring an introduction by League president Sam Hodder, serves as both a celebration of California's ancient coast redwoods and giant sequoias and a forward-looking manifesto for their protection. Released in conjunction with the League's centennial, the volume blends natural history, environmental policy, and conservation stewardship to chronicle how these ancient ecosystems survived millions of years, suffered dramatic loss from industrial logging, and reached a critical crossroads today.
The book features a collection of essays from prominent nature writers and scientists who examine different facets of the trees' enduring presence. David Rains Wallace explores the deep prehistoric origins and fossil records of redwoods, tracing their persistence across geologic epochs. Other contributors delve into the rich canopy ecology, the science of forest resilience, and the historical grassroots efforts that established the state and national park reserves safeguarding the remaining old-growth groves. Across these perspectives, the narrative highlights the interconnectedness of the redwood canopy with local wildlife, watershed health, and broader climate stability.
Underneath the historical and scientific overview, the core message of The Once and Future Forest centers on active restoration rather than static preservation. Hodder and the contributing authors advocate for an ambitious vision of ecological recovery, emphasizing the need to restore degraded young-growth forests, reconnect fragmented landscapes, and build climate resilience into the ecosystem. Combining striking visual imagery with thoughtful prose, the work serves as a call to action for a sustainable, ecologically informed future where ancient giants can thrive for generations to come.