It was early fall of 2025, and my team and I were prepping for the biggest stage National FFA has to offer. The four of us were attending a practice on a cool saturday evening at the house of our Agricultural Sales and life coach, Mr. Greg Wildhaber. Traditionally, when you hear the term practice, you envision long hours of repetition, different sales scenarios, and working till the idea of failure is out of the picture. But for this practice, Greg had something different in mind.
A large plastic tote with hard hats appears. Blue, green, big, and small, there was one for everyone in the box.
So, as everyone chooses the hat that fits their fancy, we saddle up for what now has become one of the greatest lessons I have had the privilege of learning.
We begin walking down the driveway, gazing high up into the tree tops of the stunning grove that lines the property. A bountiful medley of ash, spruce, firs, and oaks collide to create a little slice of paradise in the countryside.
As we follow Greg’s lead, we are stopped at the base of one that stands a little differently than the rest. In front stood the Sequoia sempervirens, Coastal Redwood. Known as the tallest tree in the world, standing at a staggering 381 feet.
He explains that the tree is special in many aspects. Not only is its lumber highly coveted for its straight grain, red hue, and decay resistance, but its flat needles have the unique ability to absorb moisture from fog. In combination with the redwood’s expansive root system, the branches of the evergreen high and low can get the nutrients and water it needs to thrive.
Just like every aspect in life, there is a down side. Though the roots of the Coastal are wide and expansive, they run shallow. As high windstorms that have the tendency to take place on the coast arise, these trees topple as they attain great heights.
You may ask, how can a tree so fragile be able to be named the tallest tree in the world? Well when found in the wild, the tallest redwoods are found together. As their roots run wider, they weave together, providing nutrients to one another. They become so dependent on each other that they begin growing together. Shared nutrients and stability allows them to achieve monumental heights.
Now there is a close cousin to the Coastal redwood that can also be found within the Willamette Valley. The sequoia gigantica, or commonly known as the Sequoia, is known for its impressive diameter at the base, though its trunk traditionally tapers up much faster.
This may all seem like lots of tree facts, or what Greg likes to call “Tree School” but there is truly a lesson to be found within.
As we move through life, we have decisions to make. We can decide to follow in the footsteps of our friend the Coastal Redwood, growing together with each other, lifting one another up, and supporting one another. Or we can grow alone like the Sequoia.
Together, we can get through storms, and we all can grow taller.
With best regards,
Tucker VanDyke
2026-2027 Oregon FFA State Secretary
