Redwoods have been on Earth for millions of years from "summary" of The Wild Trees by Richard Preston

The redwoods have been here for a very long time. In fact, they have been on Earth for millions of years, long before humans ever walked the planet. These ancient beings have witnessed the rise and fall of countless civilizations, the shifting of continents, and the changing of the climate. They have stood tall and proud through it all, their massive trunks reaching up towards the sky like living monuments to the passage of time. The redwoods have a remarkable ability to adapt to their environment. They have survived ice ages and droughts, fires and floods. They have developed unique strategies for dealing with the challenges that Mother Nature throws their way. Their thick bark protects them from flames, their shallow roots anchor them in the soft soil, and their ability to clone themselves ensures that they will always have a presence in the forest. These ancient giants are not just passive observers of the world around them. They actively shape their environment, creating their own ecosystem high up in the canopy. Their branches provide homes for countless species of birds, insects, and small mammals. Their needles filter the sunlight and create a cool, damp microclimate that supports a diverse array of plant life. They are not just trees; they are entire worlds unto themselves. The redwoods are more than just biological entities; they are cultural icons. They have inspired awe and reverence in people for centuries, from the indigenous tribes who saw them as sacred beings to the modern-day environmentalists who see them as symbols of resilience and strength. They have been immortalized in art, literature, and film, their majestic beauty captured in countless photographs and paintings. Despite their long history on Earth, the redwoods are facing new threats in the modern world. Climate change, deforestation, and urban development are putting pressure on these ancient forests, threatening to wipe them out forever. It is up to us to protect these living treasures, to ensure that they continue to thrive for millions of years to come.

The Wild Trees

Richard Preston

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