Once Was Forest

Once Was Forest represents the lost redwood trees of Sacramento—reconstructing their trunks and highlighting their loss. Redwoods, the most iconic and identifiable tree when thinking about California’s picturesque forests, was once a popular tree in Sacramento’s impressive tree canopy (when rain was more predictable). Today, redwoods are no longer suitable in our changing climate, due to their high-water needs and posed safety risks.

Special thanks to the ‘Sacramento Tree Foundation – Urban Wood Rescue’ program for donating the wood used in this installation. The Urban Wood Rescue program diverts fallen trees from the landfill so they continue to bring benefits to the community.