Second-to-none experience of visiting Calaveras Big Trees

One of the greatest things California is home to is the awe-inspiring big trees standing in Calaveras County Park, which have stood for more than a millennium.  

This year, for the first time in the school’s history, CVHS’s Journalism and Yearbook class embarked on an exciting two-day trip to Arnold, where students had the great chance to visit Calaveras County Park. The visit allowed students to connect with their state’s nature, explore the park’s biodiversity, and discover more about the unique features of California’s treasured landmarks.

Upon arriving at the park, the students were greeted by Teddie Jackson, a retired kindergarten teacher and current Calaveras interpretive aide. Jackson shared fascinating insights about the park’s iconic trees and the critical practice of prescribed burning. This method, which involves the controlled application of fire, reduces wildfire hazards, clears fallen debris, and plays a crucial role in helping giant sequoias reproduce by releasing seeds from their pinecones. In addition, because the fire encourages the preservation of biodiversity, it guarantees the environment’s viability.

As they ventured deeper into the park, the students quickly became captivated by the towering sugar pines, majestic giant sequoias, white firs, and stately Ponderosa pines. Upon seeing these trees, which are some of the oldest and tallest in the world, the students were left in awe. Compared to the large sequoias, many considered themselves to be small, but they still felt deeply connected to the natural world.

One fascinating fact about the Calaveras big trees is that many of them are named after historical figures and notable individuals. Notably, a symmetrical tree in Lot 19 was named after Abraham Lincoln shortly after his assassination in 1865. This living tribute stands as a reminder of history, resilience, and the enduring relationship between nature and humanity.

Beyond the trees, the students were also able to explore the diverse ecosystem and practice their tree-climbing skills. For instance, upon encountering a fallen tree on Lot 9, some of the students decided to climb it to capture the perfect picture of the environment surrounding them. 

As they left the park, the students left with more than their notes and pictures. During this hour-long hike, they gained a further appreciation of their state’s nature and reinforced the importance of preserving it. 

When asked about the recent trip to the wonder, senior Wyatt Franklin shared, “This trip has been one of the biggest highlights of my final year at CVHS and I’m grateful that I received a chance to be a part of it.”