Rooted In California

Description California’s trees are more than landmarks on the landscape—they are living archives. Rooted in place, they carry stories of fire and ice, drought and abundance, human care and human harm. From ancient conifers clinging to alpine ridges to flowering trees shaping valleys and deserts, these species tell the long, intertwined story of land and people. Rooted In California invites you into that story. Led by botanists and storytellers Matt Ritter, Michael Kauffmann, and historian Jared Farmer, this five-part webinar series blends clear, accessible science with field experience, history, and deep-time perspective. Together, we’ll learn how to recognize California’s native trees, understand the forces that shaped them, and consider what responsibility we carry as the next chapter in their lives. What You Can Expect A guided journey through California’s native trees Clear, approachable science focused on identification, ecology, and adaptation Stories rooted in field experience, cultural history, and deep time Visual learning tools including photos, range maps, and practical ID tips Live Q&A and conversation each session A deeper sense of connection, stewardship, and place Part 1 — What Is a Tree? March 2 with Matt Ritter & Michael Kauffmann An opening session that defines what makes a tree a tree—biologically, ecologically, and culturally—while setting the tone for curiosity, wonder, and connection. Part 2 — Conifers in Detail: Giants, Ancients, and Endemics March 9 with Michael Kauffmann A deep dive into California’s extraordinary conifer diversity, exploring adaptations to fire, fog, snow, and drought, and meeting some of the oldest and rarest trees on Earth. Part 3 — Flowering Trees in Detail March 16 with Matt Ritter An exploration of California’s broadleaf trees, from oaks and maples to desert specialists, with a focus on identification, form, and seasonal rhythms. Part 4 — Elderflora: Trees, Time, and Memory March 23 with Jared Farmer This session slows the clock. Trees live across multiple tempos—annual rings, centuries-old trunks, millennia-old lineages. Through the concept of chronodiversity, we explore how long-lived trees connect ecology, culture, and ethics across deep time. Part 5 — Big Trees of California March 30 with Matt Ritter & Michael Kauffmann A culminating session celebrating California’s biggest trees and forests, reflecting on their legacy, vulnerability, and what it means to care for giants yet to come. About the Presenters Matt Ritter Matt Ritter Matt Ritter is a professor of biology, botanist, and widely respected voice in plant identification and education. He is co-author of California Trees: A Guide to the Native Species and author of several books including A Californian’s Guide to the Trees Among Us and Plants of San Luis Obispo: Their Lives and Stories. His work helps people recognize patterns in plant diversity and build confidence in learning the trees around them. Michael Kauffmann Michael Kauffmann Michael Kauffmann is a botanist, author, and educator focused on California’s forests, conifers, and fire-shaped landscapes. He is co-author of California Trees: A Guide to the Native Species and has written numerous field guides and natural history books, including Conifers of the Pacific Slope, Field Guide to Manzanitas, and The Klamath Mountains: A Natural History. He is Executive Director of the Bigfoot Trail Alliance and is known for blending field science with storytelling rooted in place. Jared Farmer Jared Farmer Jared Farmer is an environmental historian whose work explores trees, time, and cultural memory. He is the author of Elderflora: A Modern History of Ancient Trees and Trees in Paradise: A California History. Farmer is known for introducing the concept of chronodiversity, encouraging long-term thinking and care for ancient trees in a rapidly changing world. Allison Poklemba (Host) Allison Poklemba is the publisher of Backcountry Press and host of the series. She guides discussion, moderates Q&A, and helps connect scientific insight with accessible storytelling, supporting learning that is grounded, welcoming, and place-based.