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October 22, 2025
Join educator, ecologist, and author Michael Kauffmann for an evening of stories, science, and stewardship. Michael will share the origins of the Bigfoot Trail, from his early exploratory hikes in 2009 and 2011 to the growth of today’s Bigfoot Trail Alliance, which connects hikers, volunteers, and youth with the extraordinary landscapes of the Klamath Mountains.
Along the way, discover why this region is recognized as one of the most biodiverse mountain ranges in North America—home to more species of conifers than anywhere else on Earth. Learn how community efforts are helping to restore historic trails, inspire the next generation of stewards, and strengthen connections to the landscapes we call home.
Michael Kauffmann is an educator, author, and ecologist based in Humboldt County. He is the founder of the Bigfoot Trail Alliance and author of several natural history books, including Conifer Country, Conifers of the Pacific Slope, and The Klamath Mountains: A Natural History. His latest book, co-authored with Matt Ritter, is California Trees: A Guide to the Native Species.
Michael manages the North Coast Redwood Education Program for Save the Redwoods League and has spent over two decades exploring and documenting the unique biodiversity of Northwest California. Through books, trail work, and education, he works to connect people to place and inspire stewardship of the wild landscapes he calls home.