Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park Joins National Old-Growth Forest Network
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park is the 17th Forest in California to Join the Network and the First in Alameda County
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park in Oakland – the largest remaining natural grove of coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) in the East Bay – joins the more than 190 Old- Growth Forest Network forests across the United States in 32 states dedicated to sharing the nation’s complex and diverse old-growth forests with the public. The 1,833-acre park has 700 acres of mature second- and third-growth redwood forest. Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park was nominated by the nonprofit Save the Redwoods League.
“We are pleased to receive this recognition to be part of the national Old-Growth Forest Network and look forward to working together to connect the public with the beautiful and majestic California coast redwoods at Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park,” said Park District Board President Dennis Waespi.
“It’s a privilege for us to honor Dr. Reinhardt’s legacy and include East Bay Parks and Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park in this network of old forests for people to explore and experience their beauty, biodiversity, and magnificent old trees,” said Old-Growth Forest Network Southwest Regional Manager Noelle Collins.
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park is a hidden gem in the East Bay Hills, just a few miles from downtown Oakland. The forest's peaceful groves give little evidence of the park's bustling past. In the mid-1800s, the area was the scene of extensive logging to supply building materials for the San Francisco Bay Area. After the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, a second wave of deforestation occurred. Today, a stately forest of 150-foot-tall second- and third-growth coast redwoods remains.
“I would like to thank the Old-Growth Forest Network for designating Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park as part of their national network of protected old-growth forests,” said Park District Board Member Dee Rosario whose ward includes Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. “Coast Redwoods are living monuments that must be protected and enjoyed responsibly so that future generations can experience their splendor.”
Formerly Redwood Regional Park, the forest was renamed in 2019 to honor the commitment and vision of Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt who was passionate about protecting natural spaces. Dr. Reinhardt was one of five founding directors elected to the East Bay Regional Park District in 1934 and the first woman to serve on the board.
Contacts:
East Bay Regional Park District – Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, 510-544-2217, dmason@ebparks.org
Old-Growth Forest Network – Noelle Collins, Southwest Regional Manager, 949-372-6208, noelle@oldgrowthforest.net
The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN) connects people with nature by creating a national network of protected and publicly-accessible, mature forests. OGFN was founded in 2012 by Dr. Joan Maloof to identify an old-growth forest in each county of the U.S. that can sustain one, ensure its protection from logging, and inform people so that they can explore and experience an old-growth forest. Visit www.oldgrowthforest.net to learn more.
