“Planting Giant Sequoia Seedlings – A Rare Opportunity “

2019-2020 PLANTING SCHEDULE (tentative to final USFS/WP agreement)

December 21st – 22nd

January 4th – 5th

January 18th – 19th

February and March TBA

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In addition to this weekend scheduled events, any group of 4 or more can contact Mehmet and arrange to come up on dates that are better suited for your group.

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Please note that events can change and adjustments made in the implementation of events. Check here and call 760.447.1702 prior to events to check. No response? Try AGAIN.

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The Story

How many people have had the peak experience of planting one year-old Giant sequoia seedlings BACK into the mother grove from which the seeds were collected? Outside the mostly inappropriate locations one finds Giant sequoias, there are only a handful of those who plant like we do at WildPlaces. Do you want to be part of the richest “one percent” who plant these trees and essentially plan for the future - 3,000 years?

Giant sequoias are one of the largest living creatures on the planet. They exist naturally in a very finite elevation band along the west slope of the Sierra with 75 plus groves being in the Tulare County. Studies confirm that Sequoia trees mitigate climate change by holding carbon for 3,000 years and more, reducing the rate and intensity of climate impacts, most notably for Tulare County in the on-going drought. Of course, many other benefits flourish as the groves flourish - habitat for wildlife, prevention of catastrophic fires, and the expansion of our spirits’ imagination.

WildPlaces offers this volunteer and funder opportunity again this year through a partnership with Otis College of Art and Design and Danza Azteca groups from Los Angeles, Fresno, and Porterville and with guidance from the Tule Indian Tribal Council, U.S.F.S., and others. Each has its specific strengths and together, the 100 Giants Project will:

• Plant Giant sequoia seedlings

• Engage and change the mindset of all generations towards reverence for Nature

• Remove and hold more carbon from the environment than any species worldwide

• Improve the quality of air, water, health

• Inspire the imagination of children (and adults)

• Show the stewardship is for the long-term —3,000 years in the case of planting Giant sequoia seedlings.

For 2019-20 WildPlaces will plant the seedlings in the spring in the southern Sierra Nevada at the iconic Trail of 100 Giants in the Giant Sequoia National Monument/Sequoia national Forest from where they came and will care for the seedlings for two summers.

It seems that WildPlaces and Otis College have crossed paths by way of the very unique and a perfectly intersected way between a volunteer and staff member of Otis College and a founder of an environmental community benefits organization…

…and now a great thing is happening for all of us.…click here to see last year’s success!

Otis Community has germinated and grown 100 Giant Sequoia seedlings from seeds from the Giant Sequoia National Monument and will now hand these trees over to WildPlaces for planting at the Trail of 100 Giants. The seedlings have been raised on campus for a full year.

“Just short of miracle,” says McMillan of WildPlaces, “The truth of the importance of this umbrella species is shown in the hearts and hands of the volunteers involved in their care. “

Bouncing off WildPlaces experience at planting sequoias and mobilizing the messes, the 100 Giants Project deeps the program.

"Planting Sequoiadendron giganteum back in 2010-12 was a life changing experience”, says Ian Herdell, past Program Coordinator for WildPlaces. “It was awesome. But why have so few folks, who practically live in the shadow of these giants, are not better utilizing their power as a tool for self-care?”

“The preservation and education about our Giant Sequoia heritage is everyone's gift from nature as well as the responsibility we all share”, says Mehmet McMillan, founder of WildPlaces. “As a grassroots, volunteer-driven organization, WildPlaces holds the stewardship of land and water at center of it mission. These Giant sequoia plantings certainly speak to this.”

Space is very limited. To sign-up, send an email to info@wildplaces.net and tell why you think you should be invited to the events. Youth groups and those bringing youth get priority as do those donating to Sponsor-a-Sequoia, which ensures that youth have transportation, guidance from field leaders, safety, and lunch. Donations are tax deductible and will guarantee your spot at the planting.

Otis College of Art and Design will be hosting a presentation/Q&A by WildPlaces on the subject of the 100 Giants Project and the partnership possibilities between Otis students and WildPlaces.

Otis College of Art and Design is celebrating 100 years by hosting a 100% Festival on November 10 and 11, 2018, a dedication to creativity and the 100% commitment artists and designers give to their passion. WildPlaces' Mehmet McMillan will present on Day 2 (November 11th) at 3:30 pm at the Forum- Otis College of Art and Design, 9045 Lincoln Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045 (310) 665-6800.