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As seasonal access improves, preparation for cone collection begins with detailed planning and field reconnaissance. Cone collections require coordinated logistics, including route assessment, campsite identification, and evaluation of cone-bearing trees. These early efforts are essential to ensure that later-season collections can be carried out safely and efficiently. In mid-May, we conducted scouting trips to Eden Creek Grove and Oriole Lake Grove in Sequoia National Park to evaluate collection feasibility and logistics for the upcoming field season. At Eden Creek, we completed a two-night backpacking trip using an entirely off-trail approach into the grove. While we successfully reached our destination, our route involved a major river crossing and substantial bushwhacking and elevation gain, making it not ideal for future collection operations. As a result, we plan to conduct a second scouting trip in August to assess an alternative—though much longer—approach into the grove. Despite the challenging access, cone production was encouraging. We observed numerous trees with heavy cone loads, though the cones had not yet reached full maturity. Current plans involve returning in September for collection, when cone development is expected to be complete. If you want to learn more about the scouting adventure, watch the video about it.
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