Save the Redwoods this Holiday Season

Shop for loved ones – and the environment – this holiday season. Save the Redwoods League and California State Parks are leading a new movement to restore the complexity, diversity and ecological values of the remaining young redwood forest stands throughout their natural range so that one day they can begin to resemble an ancient redwood forest.

Sweaters shrink. Gadgets become outdated. A redwood tree lives for centuries. This holiday season, Save the Redwoods League and California State Parks make it possible for shoppers to give a gift that gives back to the environment for years to come.

For a donation of $50 to Save the Redwoods League, gift-givers can have a redwood seedling planted in honor of a loved one in a California state park. Save the Redwoods League delivers a commemorative card featuring a photograph of an ancient redwood forest to the recipient to showcase the gift. All dedicated trees support forest restoration efforts in California State Parks.

"With many shoppers looking to spend their dollars in a way that makes a positive impact, dedicating a redwood seedling is a meaningful way to support the environment this holiday season and beyond," said Ruskin Hartley, executive director, Save the Redwoods League. "In addition, this partnership will allow us to restore and rejuvenate our forestlands that were once overharvested."

In 1850, there were nearly 2 million acres of ancient coast redwood forests in California. Today, less than 5 percent remains. Save the Redwoods League and California State Parks are leading a new movement to restore the complexity, diversity and ecological values of the remaining young redwood forest stands throughout their natural range so that one day they can begin to resemble an ancient redwood forest.

"Once these fragile saplings are planted in a state park, they will always be protected so that they can grow strong and be still standing hundreds of years from now," said Director Ruth Coleman of California State Parks. "In addition to providing shade and habitat, they reduce atmospheric carbon that contributes to global warming. New this year, we’re proud to expand the seedling program to include planting of other tree species, as needed, to best support healthy and diverse ecosystems within our parks."

Steve Horvitz, superintendent of North Coast Redwoods District at California State Parks, will ensure that genetically similar trees are planted together so that the delicate redwood forest can be restored as naturally as possible. While redwood seedlings are the first to be planted through the program, other trees species such as western hemlock, Sitka spruce, red alder, Douglas-fir and big leaf maple will be planted if no additional redwood seedlings are needed in an area. California State Parks staff will determine where trees will be planted to effectively promote the health and diversity of state park forests.

To ensure that the seedling gift arrives in time for the holidays, all orders must be received by December 12, 2008 at 5 p.m. To place an order, please visit the League online at http://savetheredwoods.org/give . The opportunity to have a seedling planted in honor of a loved one or organization exists year round.

About Save the Redwoods League
Celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2008, Save the Redwoods League is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting ancient forests so that all generations can experience the inspiration and majesty of these towering giants. In 1850, there were nearly 2 million acres of ancient coast redwood forests in California. Today, less than 5 percent remains. Since its founding in 1918, the League has completed the purchase of more than 181,000 acres of land. For more information, visit http://www.savetheredwoods.org .

About California State Parks
California State Parks manages more than 5 million acres that make up California’s 278 state parks. These include beaches, museums, recreation areas, state vehicular recreation areas, state reserves and historic parks. The department’s mission is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

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California, conservation, parks, Redwoods, wildlife