Sequoia Parks Conservancy

This episode of Big Blend Radio features Gary Rogers, Communications Director for the Sequoia Parks Conservancy, the official nonprofit partner of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and Lake Kaweah, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Watch here in the YouTube player or download / listen to the podcast on Spreaker or Podbean.

One of the first parks in the country, Sequoia National Park is famous for its giant sequoia trees and black bears.

Visit the General Sherman Tree (the largest living organism and tree in the world), climb Moro Rock, take in spectacular views of Mt. Whitney (the highest mountain in the contiguous 48 states), and hike through glacial canyons, and oak woodlands. The scenery is spectacular, offering a rich diversity of bird, plant and wildlife. Covering 404,064 acres, there are hundreds of streams, ponds, rivers, creeks, and lakes, and over 200 marble caverns to explore.

Spanning 461,901 acres, Kings Canyon National Park is made up of mostly wilderness, forests, and spectacular canyons, with Kings Canyon itself being one of the deepest canyons in the United States. The park is known for being home to the General Grant Grove of giant sequoia trees, the famous General Grant Tree, and the Redwood Mountain Grove which is the largest remaining natural grove of giant sequoias in the world.

Sequoia Parks Conservancy works hand-in-hand with the National Park Service to support projects including trail improvements, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. Their efforts have been critical in the conservation of wild, beautiful landscapes for the enjoyment and inspiration of generations of visitors.

In the evening of September 9, 2021, a lightning storm came through Sequoia National Park. Fire erupted and national park firefighters responded to local ignitions. By September 14, there was a mandatory evacuation of Ash

Mountain, Lodgepole, Wuksachi Lodge, and Three Rivers, CA. Through the KNP Complex Fire Recovery Fund, the Sequoia Parks Conservancy has a goal of raising $1 million to help fund efforts to rebuild trails, protect sequoia groves and meadows, safeguard cultural and historic features, reestablish access to Crystal Cave, restore wildlife habitat, and more.

Note: Access to Sequoia National Park and the Giant Forest remains limited and weatherdependent. In the case of a closure, Sequoia Parks Conservancy will do its best to notify participants of the closure and issue refunds as quickly as possible.

After the Fire: Exploring the Kaweah - Public group 1-hour day hike along the Middle Fork Road above the Kaweah River​. Held winter and spring, on Fridays and Mondays at 10am and 1pm.

Walk Among the Giants - Public group 2-hour day hike through the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park. Held year round, with winter hikes being done in snowshoes.

Program - Public group astronomy program held year-round for 1 hour in Sequoia National Park. Winter trips are in the Foothills.

The 2022 Dark Sky Festival - Scheduled to take place at various locations across Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks on September 23, 24, and 25, 2022.