About
Located on Redwood Mountain, Whitaker’s Forest is adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park. It lies on gentle to steep slopes in the giant sequoia/mixed conifer forest. Over 215 large giant sequoia trees occur on the property, along with fine stands of second-growth redwood. Mixed conifer forests of both mature and second-growth trees predominate on the west side of the forest and are interspersed with giant sequoia elsewhere.The soils are of granitic origin with the Shaver soil series supporting the mesic giant sequoia and mixed conifer types, while the xeric areas of ponderosa pine and brushland are underlaid by soils of the Holland series. Numerous granitic outcrops can be found on the property. Climatic data was taken on Whitaker’s Forest from 1966 until 1980. Average annual precipitation is about 1092 mm (43″) of rain and about 410 mm (16″) falling in the form of snow. Year-to-year fluctuation can be great, with variations in precipitation from 381 mm (15″)/yr to 1524 mm (60″)/yr recorded. Snowfalls have exceeded six feet in a single storm. Temperatures are moderate, with summer highs in the 80′s F and lows in the 50′s, while winter temperatures are often in the 20′s, never rising above freezing for weeks at a time.
Dominant Usage
Whitaker’s Forest has the oldest permanent plots (established 1915) in California. Studies on vegetation, breeding birds, and resident mammals indicate the rich natural history of the area. Management is focused on facilitating research that improves the understanding and management of giant sequoia forests. Whitaker’s is one of the few places where successful restoration of giant sequoia regeneration via mechanical manipulations has been accomplished. Studies of large tree responses to prescribed fire and mechanical manipulations are active, as are studies of cultural treatments that may advance recruitment of large giant sequoias. Other studies have focused on giant sequoia seedling interactions with mycorrhizal fungi as well as the light requirements for successful seedling establishment.
The primary headquarters area has one large, three bedroom house. Power and propane are available on the site. Camping may be available by researchers upon request. Primitive roads provide access to some of the forest.
Primary Contact
Ariel Thomson, Research Stations Manager
4501 Blodgett Forest Road
Georgetown, CA 95634
Email: athomson@berkeley.edu
Telephone: 530-333-4475
Location
Redwood Mountain adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park.
Facilities
The primary headquarters area has one large, three bedroom house, three one-room cabins, a bathhouse, and a team. The other area, formerly used by 4-H camps, has a bathhouse/lab and nine tent frames. Power and propane are available on the site and numerous campsites exist. Primitive roads provide access to some of the forest.
Size
320 acres (130 ha)
Elevation
945 to 1097m (3100'-3600')
Temperature
Summer: 10C to 27 C (50-80F)
Winter: lows around -6C (20F)
Precipitation
Average precipitation: 1092 mm (43″)
Low: 610 mm (23 inches)
High: 1870 mm (74 inches)
Average snowfall: 410 mm (16″)
Forest Description
Over 215 large giant sequoia trees occur on the property, along with fine stands of second-growth redwood. Mixed conifer forests of both mature and second-growth trees predominate on the west side of the forest and are interspersed with giant sequoia elsewhere
Soils
Granitic origin with the Shaver soil series supporting the mesic giant sequoia and mixed conifer types, while the xeric areas of ponderosa pine and brushland are underlaid by soils of the Holland series.
Water
Dry Creek flows through portions of the property.