Explore the Urban Forest of Reno, Nevada

Autumn is depicted in the changing colors of the leaves on display here in northwestern Nevada. When I look at the contrasts of gold, green, maroon and red against the blue sky that is found in the high desert I am awe inspired. The vivid arrays of colors have prompted many hiking enthusiasts to search out trails leading to the best locations to view the trees. But you don’t have to go on a hike to view the wonders of Reno’s trees. We have a treasure right here in the “urban forest” of the biggest little city in the world.

For me, one tree in the neighborhood stands out from all others: the Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum). This beauty was planted in 1939, at 595 W. Arroyo Street. Standing well over 100 feet its spire crown seemingly stabs the sky. The tree in the photo (pictured in the center), at age seventy-two, is a mere sapling. Once the tiny seed takes root several hundred years will have to pass before the sapling is considered full grown. After a hundred years or more the top will begin to flatten out as the branches below become heavier and denser. As the Giant Sequoia widens out it is easily differentiated from other redwoods, firs and pine trees. Giant Sequoias can reach heights over 300 feet and can live as long as 3,200 years making it truly a champion of trees.

Are there any landmark or champion trees in your neighborhood? I would bet there are and all you have to do is walk out your front door to explore that “forest”. Better yet, plant a tree and maybe it will grow to be a landmark or champion of trees.

This article is related to the You Don’t Know Reno series.

www.library.thinkquest.org
Footprints Vol. 10 No. 3 Summer 2007 City of Reno’s Landmark & State Champion Trees, by Leanne Stone


People also view

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *