In honor of our 10th anniversary, we're highlighting some of the restoration sites that have been part of our story from the very beginning. In this Q&A style blog post, Project Lead Brian Tatsuta reflects on the transformation of Redwood Grove Nature Preserve in Los Altos, one of our longest-standing stewardship sites. Like so many staff, volunteers, and partners who have taken part in caring for Redwood Grove over the years, Brian has developed a deep connection to this special place.

It’s officially fire pre-season in California. With our minds on both fire safety and ecosystem health, our staff are working with local parks and open space departments to help them plan their mowing schedules to achieve fuel load reduction goals.

Historically, Redwood Grove had no naturally occurring redwoods. The redwoods we see there today were planted almost a century ago by Emma Halsey with saplings she dug up from the Santa Cruz mountains. She planted them along Adobe Creek, in a place once dominated by willows and oaks. Now the redwoods tower more than 75 feet tall, and are the defining feature of this beloved six-acre city park.