Give the gift of a redwood tree

Sweaters fade, electronic gadgets become obsolete, but redwood trees last 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 friend or family member 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 seedlings support forest restoration efforts in California state parks.

"In tough economic times, more people want to give and receive meaningful gifts," says Jennifer Benito, outreach director of Save the Redwoods League. "Dedicating a redwood seedling is an easy way to support the environment and our California State Parks this holiday season and beyond. This partnership facilitates key restoration efforts in California's forest and parklands."

In 1850, there were almost two million acres of ancient coast redwood forests in California. Today, less than five 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.

"New trees protect our parklands and the wildlife that depend on it," says Director Ruth Coleman of California State Parks. "This offers our supporters an opportunity to make a difference for the future of the state 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 place an order: 415-820-5800, www.savetheredwoods.org.