2 000

The age in years of the oldest trees in Yosemite National Park’s famed Mariposa Grove.

The grove — home to about 500 sequoias, some of which are counted among the world’s largest and oldest trees, growing up to 76m tall — re-opened this month after a three-year restoration project.

The goal of the project was to return the grove to a more natural state and protect it from too many tourists. Several modern additions, including pavements and parking lots, were removed; while streams and wetlands were restored.

Cars can no longer drive up to the grove — visitors take a shuttle from the welcome centre. Walkways and fences were also installed to protect the trees and soil from the potential damage of hundreds of souvenir hunters.