Draft:Galen Clark Tree
Submission declined on 17 April 2025 by Asilvering (talk).
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Comment: I suggest merging this into Mariposa Grove and creating a redirect instead. asilvering (talk) 20:19, 17 April 2025 (UTC)
| Galen Clark Tree | |
|---|---|
 The Galen Clark Tree in Mariposa Grove, Yosemite National Park | |
| Species | Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoiadendron giganteum) |
| Location | Mariposa Grove, Yosemite National Park, California, United States |
| Height | 240 ft (73 m) (estimated) |
| Diameter | 15.3 ft (4.7 m) at 10 ft above base |
| Custodian | National Park Service |
The Galen Clark Tree is a giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) located in Mariposa Grove of Yosemite National Park in California, United States. It is named in honor of Galen Clark, the first guardian of Yosemite and a key figure in the protection of the grove. The tree is historically notable as the first giant sequoia Clark reportedly encountered in 1857, sparking his lifelong dedication to preserving Yosemite's natural wonders.
History
[edit]
Galen Clark is credited with discovering the Mariposa Grove in 1857. Following this, he advocated vigorously for its protection, leading to the Yosemite Grant in 1864, signed by President Abraham Lincoln. This act set aside the grove and Yosemite Valley for public use and preservation—marking the first instance of federally protected natural land in the United States.[1]
The Galen Clark Tree was later named in Clark's honor, and is traditionally considered the first sequoia he saw upon entering the grove.[2] Clark was known for his humility and initially removed a sign bearing his name from the tree, uncomfortable with personal accolades.[3]
Physical characteristics
[edit]The Galen Clark Tree stands approximately 240 ft (73 m) tall with a trunk diameter of about 15.3 ft (4.7 m) measured 10 feet above ground.[4] While not the tallest in the grove—surpassed by trees such as the Columbia Tree—it remains one of the more iconic specimens. The tree shows minimal fire damage and is structurally intact. It grows near the Mariposa Grove Cabin, historically inhabited by Clark, and lies along a popular loop trail that passes many named trees.[2]
The Mariposa Grove underwent a major restoration project from 2015 to 2018, including the removal of roads and the reestablishment of natural hydrology to improve root conditions for the sequoias.[5] During the 2022 Washburn Fire, the National Park Service deployed sprinklers and cleared fuels to protect iconic trees including the Galen Clark Tree.[6] Thanks to proactive management, the tree survived.[7]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Galen Clark: Yosemite's Guardian". National Park Service. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
- ^ a b "Mariposa Grove Brochure" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
- ^ Owens, Julie (June 7, 2015). "Visit the Mariposa Grove Before it Closes for Two Years". Retrieved April 16, 2025.
- ^ McFarland, James W. (June 1949). "A Guide to the Giant Sequoias of Yosemite National Park". Yosemite Nature Notes. XXVIII (6).
- ^ "Mariposa Grove Restoration Project". National Park Service. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
- ^ Harrell, Ashley (July 11, 2022). "Yosemite's Mariposa Grove Will Survive Washburn Fire, Says Park's Forest Ecologist". SFGate. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
- ^ "Fire Management Saves Yosemite's Giant Sequoias". U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
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