About
Whitaker's Forest was donated in 1913 by Horace Whitaker, who wanted the site to be managed for research that would help conserve giant sequoia forests. Located in the Redwood Mountain Grove (the second-largest grove in the world), Whitaker’s Forest is adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park and Giant Sequoia National Monument. Over 215 large giant sequoia trees (>8' diameter) occur on the property, along with multi-cohort stands of second-growth redwood and mixed conifer species. 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 were collected on Whitaker’s Forest from 1966 until 1980. Average annual precipitation was about 1092 mm (43 inches) of rain and about 410 mm (16 inches) falling in the form of snow. Year-to-year fluctuations are high, with variations in precipitation from 381 mm (15 inches)/yr to 1524 mm (60 inches)/yr. Snowfalls have exceeded six feet in a single storm. Temperatures are moderate, with summer highs around 30 degrees C (86 degrees F) and lows around 10 degrees C (50 degrees F) while winter temperatures often drop to -7 degrees C (20 degrees F), never rising above freezing for weeks at a time.
Land Acknowledgement
Whitaker’s Forest is located on the ancestral lands of the Western Mono, Yokut, and Eastern Mono peoples. The Mono and Yokut stewarded the region prior to colonization and forced removal. Their use of frequent, low-intensity fire contributed to the health and survival of the forest. We honor and celebrate the persistence of local tribal groups with descendants from these and other Indigenous nations, while acknowledging the legacy of violence within California’s history. In recognizing that Whitaker’s is on Indigenous land, we pay tribute to those who cared for and cultivated this forest since time immemorial. At Berkeley Forests we are continually working to acknowledge the colonialist history of this land, create lasting partnerships with local tribal groups, and make this forest an accessible educational resource for all.
Dominant Usage
Whitaker’s Forest has the oldest permanent plots (established 1915) in California, on of which is still intact and is being monitored. Studies occur from the individual plant to stand scales, with a focus on giant sequoias. Management is focused on facilitating research that improves the understanding and management of giant sequoia forests. The restoration of giant sequoia regeneration and large tree vigor via mechanical manipulations is a focus, contributing a unique research venue. Studies of large tree and regeneration responses to prescribed fire and mechanical manipulations are active. Other studies have focused on giant sequoia seedling interactions with mycorrhizal fungi, light requirements for successful seedling establishment, large-tree physiology, large-tree biometrics, ozone pollution effects, and wildfire-treatment interactions.
The primary headquarters area has one large, three bedroom house. Power and propane are available on the site. Camping may be available to researchers upon request. Primitive roads provide non-motorized access to some of the forest. Unpermitted camping and motorized access is not allowed.
Wildfire Impacts
The 2021 KNP Fire burned through the entirety of the Whitaker's property, with low to mixed severity impacts. Limited old growth mortality occurred, likely related to fuels treatments that had been done previously. Monitoring of large trees continues in order to study delayed mortality. Infrastructure damage included impacts to the water system and the destruction of an older building. Recovery work and new research related to the wildfire are on-going, including leveraging the fire to further restore functional giant sequoia habitat and structure.