Peter,

Have you ever followed a stream just to see where it goes?

Within Monte Rio Redwoods, if you sit beside a quiet stream, you’ll discover the source of something much bigger. This 1,517-acre property is home to the headwaters of three critical tributaries of the Russian River: Dutch Bill Creek, Freezeout Creek, and Willow Creek.

This is the magic and importance of Monte Rio Redwoods. Within these forests is a life-giving source that touches thousands of lives—including people like you and me.

Photo by Smith Robinson Multimedia

If you think I’m exaggerating, think again! The health of downstream ecosystems depends on the health of their headwaters. In the redwoods, rainwater, springs, fog drip, and other surface runoff water accumulates in these headwater streams, and then flows down into larger streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans.

What happens to these headwaters affects the health and resilience of the land and wildlife downstream.

The headwaters within Monte Rio Redwoods add up to 3.7 miles of streams that support critical spawning sites for coho salmon and steelhead trout downstream. The input of forest debris and aquatic life in the headwater streams provide important food sources for fish and other downstream wildlife. Headwater nutrient inputs support healthy stream vegetation that provides wildlife habitat and bank stability. The cold, clean water from headwater streams helps keep rivers cool for fish and other aquatic life during the warm summer months.

At Monte Rio Redwoods, everything is connected. People, forests, and water work in tandem. By protecting these headwaters, we are working to nurture thriving redwood forests and vital habitats for native plants and wildlife.

Photo by Justin Lewis

Every living being—humans included—depends on clean water to survive. And that starts with healthy headwaters.

Our actions today to safeguard the streams and headwaters of Monte Rio Redwoods will positively impact the health of rivers, wildlife, and people. Here and now, near and far, and generations into the future. That is something worth conserving!

With gratitude,

Laura Lalemand Senior Scientist