Visit California’s New Redwood Park

California’s collection of parks protecting its massive, iconic Redwood trees — old growth specimens that soar above the forest floor and thrive in a damp environment — will soon have a new member.

A swath of privately owned Redwood forest will soon be under public ownership. Called the Harold Richardson Redwoods Reserve, these 730 acres in Sonoma County, as of last month, were acquired by the Save the Redwoods League.

The forest purchase cost $9.6 million, and the goal is to create hiking trails and infrastructure to allow for public visits within the next few years. There is a tree on the land thought to be 1,640 years old.

The reserve is relatively small, but it’s about 30 percent larger than Muir Woods National Monument, a very popular Redwoods viewing area near San Francisco.

“It’s as if we’ve discovered an ancient civilization; an oasis of towering Redwoods hidden from public view for over a century,” said Sam Hodder, CEO, Save the Redwoods League. “We are grateful for the Richardson family’s foresight in stewarding this forest with such care and allowing us the opportunity to save it. The League envisions stewarding this property as a public park in the future for all to enjoy — the first new old-growth Redwood park in a generation.”