In an inspiring display of nature's resilience, Big Basin Redwoods State Park near Santa Cruz is witnessing an extraordinary rebirth following the catastrophic CZU Lightning Complex fire of 2020. The park's iconic redwoods, once feared lost, are now sprouting vibrant new growth reaching heights of 10 to 20 feet.
The fire ravaged 97% of California's oldest state park, destroying infrastructure and scorching tens of thousands of trees. However, the ancient coast redwoods - the largest collection south of San Francisco - have demonstrated their remarkable ability to regenerate.
"You'll see shoots of green coming off these black trunks throughout the park," notes Will Fourt, senior park and recreation specialist for the state park system's Santa Cruz district. Unlike most conifers, redwoods possess the unique ability to resprout not only from their base and branches but also directly from their trunks.
The 0.63-mile Redwood Loop Trail offers visitors a front-row view of this natural recovery in action. Despite enduring drought conditions followed by atmospheric river storms in 2023, countless young redwood shoots have emerged from the blackened forest floor.
Senior visitor services aide Debbie Martwick describes the transformation: "The new growth coming up from the roots is just amazing. It was just all gray and black here for seven months after the fire."
While the recovery is promising for redwoods, other species haven't fared as well. Only about 3% of the park's Douglas fir trees survived the blaze.
Since its gradual reopening in July 2022, the park has attracted increasing numbers of visitors eager to witness this remarkable regeneration. Rangers recommend making parking reservations at least one day in advance, particularly for weekend visits.
The resurgence of these ancient giants serves as a powerful reminder of nature's capacity to heal and renew, even in the face of devastating wildfires.