Living Fossil

Forests of Dawn Redwood flourished throughout North America 50 million years ago. Before its rediscovery in 1941 in a remote region of China, metasequoia was considered extinct, sole evidence of its existence found in fossils. Through the efforts of Harvard University, ornamental specimens survive throughout the world. But it is with dedication and determination that the stewards of North Carolina's Crescent Ridge Dawn Redwood Preserve are succeeding in birthing a magnificent, flourishing forest of these living fossils.
The cones in this series were collected along my daily walk over several years with permission of the owner of two wonderful specimens in Upper Arlington. Imagine my surprise and satisfaction when a simple curiosity led me to uncover such a profoundly moving story. Connections and quiet inspiration.