King Sequoia

William C. Tweed brings humans closer to nature using the knowledge and skills he developed during thirty years as a chief naturalist, historian, and writer with the National Park Service. His published works include Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks: The Story Behind the Scenery (KC Publications, 1980); Challenge of the Big Trees: A Resource History of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (coauthored with Larry Dilsaver, Sequoia Naturalist History Association, 1990) Death Valley and the Northern Mojave: A Visitor's Guide (coauthored with Lauren Davis, Cachuma Press, 2003); and Uncertain Path: A Search for the Future of National Parks (University of California Press, 2010). Tweed makes his home in Bend, Oregon.

"When Mr. Tweed speaks about sequoia trees, people listen. When he writes about the world's largest trees, people should read.” —Mark Tilchen, executive director, Sequoia Parks Conservancy"This is a story that must be told. As Tweed insightfully reminds us, the solemn majesty and beauty of the giant sequoia inspired the conservation movement that has changed the world. From a seed the size of an oat flake has grown a relationship with nature that defines our national character, and a species that is among our greatest assets in the fight against climate change. Read on, and be reminded that while we are saving the redwoods, the redwoods are saving us!" —Sam Hodder, president and CEO, Save the Redwoods League"Drawing on real-life experience and extensive research, William C. Tweed incisively explains how Americans have exploited, preserved, and managed Sequoiadendron giganteum. This is the best single-volume history of the world's greatest plant." —Jared Farmer, author of Trees in Paradise: The Botanical Conquest of California"Well-written, engaging, masterful." —Visalia Delta-Times