2024 in Review: A Year of Growth and Impact

by Erin Burk

We’re thrilled to share the release of our 2024 Annual Report, celebrating a year of bold progress and meaningful accomplishments at Ancient Forest Society. This year has been one of tremendous growth—new projects, new team members, and new discoveries have expanded our capacity to protect giant sequoias and their ecosystems for generations to come.

Expanding Our Impact

This year, we grew in every sense of the word. We welcomed new team members, opened a dedicated office and lab space, and launched three exciting research projects: our Bark Beetle Study, Tree Hydrology Study, and Fire Damage Study. Each of these studies brings us closer to understanding and protecting the majestic giant sequoias and the ecosystems they call home.

Highlights from our Research Program

• Fire and Water Study: Last summer marked the conclusion of our field work in a multi-year effort to understand how fire and water interact to impact giant sequoia health. Over four years, we collected data on tree xylem, soil, and water source isotopes to trace where giant sequoias draw their water from. We also measured tree water use with treetop sapflow sensors. With data collection now complete, we’ve shifted our focus to analysis and publication of the results.

• Bark Beetle Study: Last year, we selected 18 trees at each of five study sites, completing spring and fall surveys to better understand how bark beetle activity interacts with drought and fire damage. We are also monitoring climatic and soil conditions around a subset of the trees and in four trees we are monitoring treetop water use. This study is providing new insights into giant sequoia health and beetle defense mechanisms in a rapidly changing environment.

• Tree Hydrology Study: This project investigates how sequoias access water and how fire impacts their hydrologic systems. Last spring, we deployed a host of sensors both in the treetops and the soil to begin monitoring tree water use and stress.

• Fire Damage Study: We began testing sonic and electrical resistance tomography to create visual models of tree interiors. This technology allows us to assess tree fire damage and water stress, providing tools to help land managers prioritize conservation efforts.

Seeding the Future

Our seed collection efforts continued this year with the collection of over 250 bushels of giant sequoia and sugar pine cones from six locations throughout the Sierra Nevada. Gathering these seeds is a vital step toward safeguarding genetic diversity and ensuring reforestation efforts for generations to come.

Building Connections

None of this would have been possible without our incredible team, collaborators, and volunteers. From our scientists leading canopy research to our tree climbing volunteers, our accomplishments in 2024 reflect the power of collective action. We also strengthened partnerships with National and State Parks, and other organizations to expand our impact. Together, we’ve made strides toward understanding and protecting one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring ecosystems.

Looking Ahead

As we close out 2024, we’re energized by the possibilities ahead. With your support, we will continue to protect ancient forests, expand our research, and foster a deeper understanding of the critical role these ecosystems play in a changing world.

Read the full 2024 Annual Report on our website to dive deeper into our accomplishments and vision for the future. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey.

Breathtaking Scenery from Ancient Forests

If you missed our 2025 Calendar filled with the unique images taken throughout Sierra Nevada landscapes, it’s not too late to purchase one.

If you are captivated by the images we share to highlight our critical work, we have the perfect opportunity for you. We have large prints available for purchase that can be customized. These UltraHD photo prints are available on a Dibond Aluminum composite metal canvas, ready to hang with mounting hardware installed. You can display these as a work of art in your home or office.

Click here to order your photo print or learn more

Take a look at some of our beautiful perspectives below of ancient forests from aloft.

Get through the Winter Season in Style!

We’ve got you covered this winter with some Ancient Forest Society cold weather merchandise to keep you warm all season long. There are beanies available in black, green, and grey, along with our comfortable hoodie in grey.