In Donostia, the presence of giant sequoias has become a source of public debate and reflection on the management of natural heritage in urban environments. After the Transplant in 2011 of three large specimens From the gardens of the old Peñaflorida Institute to Plaza Pío XII, one of these trees has recently died, putting the future of its wood and the ecological value of these species at the center of the discussion.
From the association Park Bizirik “Kukulunbera”It is emphasized that this loss could have been avoided, and emphasis is placed on transforming the wood from the 24,6-meter-tall dead tree into a public bench accompanied by an informative plaque telling its story. Furthermore, it is proposed that the residents of Amara decide what the fate of this natural resource should be, thus strengthening the bond between citizens and their environment.
The history of these San Sebastian redwoods is marked by controversial urban planning decisions. In 2011, the demolition of the original Peñaflorida Institute building led to the felling of most of the trees in the garden, with only three sequoia trees saved thanks to the efforts of the Parks and Gardens Department. These three specimens, of the species Sequoiadendron giganteum originally from California, were relocated to the nearby plaza, while 42 other trees were not so lucky.
The Parkea Bizirik collective recalls the importance of the trees removed, some oaks and native species closely linked to the local fauna, and regrets that conservation requests were not met by the Basque administration. Even so, the surviving sequoias, although exotic, have found their place in the city and serve a significant environmental function.
After the death of the copy of Pius XII, the proposal to create “The Peñaflorida Bank” It is gaining strength as a commemorative and educational measure. The goal is for its wood, rather than being lost or privatized, to remain visible and useful to the neighborhood, avoiding previous cases such as that of the felled coast redwood in Igara In 2023, the trunk was moved to a private pavilion without clear public information, raising suspicions about the economic value of the redwood wood, valued at between 1.500 and 4.000 euros per cubic meter.
Municipal officials have indicated that, for now, There are no immediate plans to cut down the dead specimen.According to experts, the tree poses no risk of falling, although citizens are calling for greater transparency when deciding the fate of these natural elements.
The sequoias, famous for their volume and longevity, stand out not only for their ornamental presence but for being one of the largest and longest-lived trees in the worldIn Spain, the Valverdón Giant Sequoia in Salamanca stands out. It stands 46,7 meters tall and was planted in 1874. It has witnessed centuries of history and is linked to historical figures such as Christopher Columbus. For more information on similar species, please visit our section on redwoods.
In California, the original habitat of the species, The redwoods have reached up to 105 meters, with General Sherman being the most famous example. However, the climate change and human intervention They represent real threats to their survival, which underscores the importance of protecting them both in their natural environment and in European urban contexts. You can learn more about the causes of forest decline on our page about why trees die.
Citizen participation in the protection of redwoods
From associations such as Parkea Bizirik a call is made to citizen participation in the protection, management, and dissemination of this shared heritage. We invite you to collaborate in communication and awareness-raising efforts so that the legacy of the redwoods can be preserved and valued by future generations.
