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So far so good? Well, here's a little tidbit for you. Did you know that Sequoia is the second oldest national park in America? That's right. Now, you might know that Yellowstone was the first.

It was established in 1872. But about that same time, settlers were showing up around here and cutting down the sequoias at an alarming rate. So, on September 25, 1890, President Benjamin Harrison signed a bill establishing Sequoia National Park to protect these spectacular trees. 

It was the first, but not the last, national park created to protect a particular species. Well, before we finally enter the park, let's get a little more acquainted with the tree we all came to see, the sequoia.

Sequoia's Magnificence

Now, sequoias are the most massive trees on Earth and some of the oldest living things on the planet. 

Their Latin name is Sequoia dendron giganteum, which actually means giant sequoia. Northern California's Miwok tribe called the trees Wawona, which is said to mimic the hoot of an owl.

Big Trees with Humble Beginnings

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Now, personally, I like the nickname given to them by naturalist John Muir, which was simply big tree, straight and to the point. 

But these big trees start out very, very small. Now, you'd think a sequoia seed would be like the size of a car or something, right? But in reality, a sequoia seed is only the size of a grain of oatmeal. Yeah.

Now, in a grove with all the shade and competition, a baby sequoia may only grow an inch or two a year. But after the first 10 years or so, it really takes off. It can grow as much as two feet per year. 

In fact, it doesn't really level off until it's in its prime, anywhere from 800 to 1500 years. And at that point, that tiny grain of oatmeal is now one of the biggest trees on the planet. And it might reach over 200 feet high. 

Now, even in maturity, it continues to grow. But rather than growing taller, its trunk grows wider. Oh, man, I hear that. 

You and me both, sequoias. Anyway, over time, its diameter can reach 20 feet or more. Now, that is one serious tree. 

Sequoia Growth and Longevity

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But what is it that makes these trees grow so huge? Well, one thing, they grow fast. And of course, they live a really long time. And thanks to what I call their sequoia superpower, some sequoias have been watching over the Sierras for over 3,000 years. 

In their bark is a naturally occurring chemical called tannin. And it protects them against three tree supervillains, insects, fungi, and fire. And it also doesn't hurt that their bark can grow as thick as 18 inches. 

Water and Climate

That's almost half a meter. And you know what else? The climate here in the Sierra Nevada is perfect for growing big sequoias. They like the mild temperatures between 5,000 and 8,000 feet or about 1,500 to 2,500 meters above sea level. 

Sequoias also need a whole lot of water, which they get here from the annual snowmelt. And lastly, this area is prone to wildfires. And as I'll explain later, the fate of the sequoia tree is inescapably connected to fire.

I'll check back in a little later with a few more cool facts about sequoia trees. But in the meantime, we're getting close to the entrance gate.