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They always have been and remain focused on preserving redwoods in special places...and on sharing these special places with the public so that we experience and value them. They raise money to protect and save Redwoods in such beautiful areas. Donations are well spent and every time we do a hike in one of the areas they have valued and preserved, it makes us want to donate again for the next project.
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Every time I read of a property in a special place that is being purchased by Sempervirens Fund, usually in partnership with other funders and other nonprofit orgs who also care about that spot, I am so thrilled that they exist. I have been a donor for a long time and when they open a new property to the public that has been in private hands or in jeapordy of being developed, I am always feeling so glad that so many people contributed to make this possible. It's the best of how nonprofits operate...in partnership with others who care and devoted to the success of accomplishing the Vision of all of these orgs and those who care about what they do!
The Big Reds must be protected. Sempervirens personnel offers us a chance to do just that. I regard the Reds as anchors and protectors of the earth in so many ways. Let us help them help us. We need them. I need and appreciate Sempervirens.
I fully support the work that Sempervirens fund does for the majestic and magnificent redwoods of our California coast. The preservation of the magic, and rejuvenating qualities of the redwoods aptly described by E.R. Sill:
"In the forest, sweet
The shade, the peace! Immensity, that seems
To drown the human life of doubts and dreams..."
is the most noble and important work!
Particularly the restoration work in the wake of the CZ fire. The dedication of this team and their efforts has demonstrable results. This crew has my heart!
I learned about Sempervirens several years ago from a friend who raved about their efforts. I researched Sempervirens & found their environmental & conservation goals admirable & their communication re: projects, successes & challenges excellent. Supporting these efforts is important to: 1) protect the Santa Cruz Mountains ecosystems, 2) to provide its beauty for public enjoyment & 3) to prevent development of some of the most pristine land in CA. The longevity of this group shows how important they & their efforts are to so many.
Sempervirens Fund does an excellent job of protecting and restoring lands in the Santa Cruz mountains. They let supporters know about projects and successes and form dynamic partnerships to overcome challenges. Recently, I was very excited to hear about the return of threatened and endangered fish species to one of the properties they helped protect and restore. Their determination, experience, and partnerships pay off for redwoods and the plants and animals that call them home. As threats like wildfires, droughts, and hotter temperatures increase, I feel confident that my donations to Sempervirens Fund are the best way to support the unique, diverse environment of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Sempervirens is one of the best orgs I've had the pleasure of working with and donating too. Their team is small but super efficient and passionate about the work they do. They're battling climate change and nature-loss in the local area that is super at need. The work they've done to get Big Basin restored has been phenomenal to witness!
Very pleased that Sempervirens Fund is taking a major role in leading the restoration of Big Basin State Park. Just learned of their acquisition of an important 150-acre parcel that will play a role in the major work ahead.
Sempervirens Fund continues to set the standard for Land Trusts across California. This organization operates with true integrity, leadership, and vision, and have made an incredible impact on the preservation of redwood ecosystems in the Santa Cruz Mountains. I'm proud to be affiliated with this group as a member of their Board of Directors.
The trees on the peninsula are so important to the peninsula and beautiful to those of us who live or have lived there. Their continued and protected lives are critical to LIFE, not just to the lives of those of us to take time and energy to appreciate them.
When I was a young child in the middle 1950's my family lived in Mountain View. Because it was so close, we spent many weekends and week-long vacations camping in Big Basin State Park. Many years later in the late 1970's when I returned to the area, I moved to the Santa Cruz Mountains. It was then as an adult, I became aware of the Sempervirens Fund mission and ongoing work to preserve Redwood Forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains. I have been a supporter of Sempervirens for over thirty years because it has been so effective in identifying properties and acquiring properties for its Great Park Plan.
Sempervirens has shown its ability to adapt its long relationship with the California State Parks Department. In the past, after property was purchased by Sempervirens the property was transferred in a relatively short period of time to the State Parks. For several reasons, the State Parks is no longer able to quickly accept ownership of newly purchased properties. In keeping with its long range, Great Park Plan, a new model has been created in which Sempervirens holds ownership of a property and the State Parks manages the property. A good example is the addition at Castle Rock State Park of property to expand greatly needed parking and other features such as picnic tables, an amphitheater, and more restrooms. This has made the Castle Rock much more user friendly, especially for families. I believe in years to come more local residents will see the need to support local State Parks.
Another example of Sempervirens adaptability are its plans to help with the recovery of Big Basin State Park after the devastating CZU Lightning Complex Fire that started in mid-August 2020. Through the use of television, newspaper and social media Semperivirens is keeping the public informed on the recovery status.
Another reason I support Sempervirens is its long, successful history of working with other land trust organizations.
I plan to continue my support of the Sempervirens Fund for many years to come.
We’ve enjoyed many, many hikes together through beautiful Bay Area parks and open spaces over the past quarter century. But only recently, crystallized by the impact of fire on one of our favorite places, Big Basin, have we come to appreciate the important role Sempervirens Fund plays in making our access to such places possible.
It’s so easy to take something for granted. We now see much more clearly the connection between these places we love and the work done by Sempervirens Fund. Their expertise at knowing how best to help conserve our remaining redwoods and their surrounding ecosystems, and their deep experience working with the myriad agencies and other stakeholders involved, means our contributions have the greatest possible impact.
If you also love and value these natural treasures, please consider supporting Sempervirens Fund.
When my family moved from the East Coast to the San Francisco Bay Area in the early '60s, my mother took us to see the redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
That was my first time seeing these elegant giants and I was absolutely blown away by their unbelievable beauty, power, grace, and majesty. I fell in love with them then and have never wavered from that feeling. Recognizing how important it was to take care of them, I became aware of the work of the Sempervirens Fund. Their focus and dedication was really impressive. And recently, their partnership with the Indigenous People who tended this land so skillfully in the past is so important. Their goal to preserve these treasures forever for the benefit of all, the environment included, prompted me to start donating to their organization many years ago. More recently, I decided to make them one of the beneficiaries of my IRA. It gives me great comfort to know that, in some very small way, I am helping them to reach that goal. I hope all may experience the comfort brought by being among the redwoods. Supporting the Sempervirens Fund can make that possible.
Redwoods and their environment exist in very few places in California/ let alone the World. You, who live in California have experienced the HEAT and FIRES of this Summer season, not to mention what may happen until it rains to put some moisture in the soil. When does the Fire season slow down? Regretfully, I doubt that it will stop like it used to, less than a decade ago.
There was a politician who said that Global Warming was fake news. We "thinking Californians" KNOW that that pol IS WRONG. It is HERE.
Sempervirens Fund is a group of caring people that are doing their best to help conserve the environment that is most essential to the Redwoods survival into the next generations. I want my 3 month old Grandson to be able to visit these places especially when I am gone. That is why I support the Sempervirens Fund. Would you please join and contribute support our/your cause?
Ray W
Walnut Creek
Greetings from Docent Dave !!
I hope you are doing well today and life is treating you respectfully.
I have had the privilege of Volunteering for, and working with the Sempervirens Fund (whom I shall refer to as SFUND) for almost 30 years. I “came on board” to lend my support and experience to aid with the Gazos Creek Campaign along with the wonderful Forest Manager Linda Yule. After the successful completion of that project I decided to continue working with the SFUND in a volunteer capacity.
I found their hope, a clear vision and integrity were particularly important and parallel with my understanding of how necessary their efforts were and still are as California’s oldest Land Trust.
The staff is consistently searching for ways of treating Nature with the respect and dignity it deserves And… they are a delight to work with.
Please consider this nonprofit for your future efforts and your donations. For this I am grateful and blessed.
Respectfully
Docent Dave
Four generations of my family have lived in San Mateo County. All those years and folks have LOVED being near the Redwoods. There is nothing like the peaceful walk through these giants of nature. All the comments that proceed mine are so true to the experience you get from just being in the forest. Sempervirens Fund provides us a way to make sure these trees are preserved and cared for, for many more generations to enjoy. The planet needs all of us to help preserve our natural environment. What a great way to leave a legacy and honor a family member. We can do this together.
Sempervirens Fund is doing so much great work to preserve the Redwoods in my home state of California and they are one of my favorite charities. From their hikes and seminars, to the land they protect and steward, to the recovery they are working on from the recent wildfires, the work that Sempervirens conducts is hugely important and there is no other organization I would trust. Thank you for all you do to educate hikers and consumers, and to save some of my favorite places in the world!
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Sempervirens Fund's core mission is to serve and protect the natural land and habitat that I grew up visiting, the land that has inspired me with so much joy and wonder, the land I call home. Living abroad in Australia this year my partner surprised me with a visit to the California Redwoods Forest in Beech Forest, VIC along the Great Ocean Road. Planted in 1939, these trees were part of a seed exchange between the USA and Aus. It meant so much to find this little patch of heaven so far from home. I am grateful for Sempervirens' work to preserve these natural wonders so that they will be there to explore and admire when I return, and for future generations to come.
Wonderful group not restrained by stupidity of government officials. They actually DO, not just talk. These types of organizations will steward our lands for the upcoming generations to enjoy.
I spent my summers in the Santa Cruz Mountains in the 50's and 60's. I learned to camp under the redwoods there, and love the area. Not so much the banana slugs, even though I recognize even they need to be preserved. Sempervirens Fund is my way to share the beauty of the area with future generations.
We are all connected. Today more than ever before it is important to strengthen our connection to our environment and ourselves. In quiet peaceful places, we can find the gifts that truly nourish our souls. The preservation of the redwoods, watersheds and wildlife are crucial for our continued existence. The Sempervirens Fund can lead the way!
While my experience with the Sempervirens Fund has not been a direct one, I have taken advantage of the results of their efforts. My concerns are of the future and our ability as a society to continue to preserve the redwood forests for the generations to follow. It is up to us to continue to support the efforts of Sempervirens to preserve the lifeblood of our environment. If you have had the opportunity to walk among the redwoods and feel the peace and the solitude of the moment, you will come away with a feeling of what the future can hold for our grandchildren and the generations to follow. Our environment is now more important than ever and we must do everything we can to preserve and enlarge areas such as the redwood forests. Sempervirens is one of the oldest and most progressive in approaching the future of our planet. I truly believe in their mission.
Leading nonprofit in redwood preservation, Sempervirens Fund has a clear mission to protect the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Essential to the wildlife and biodiversity of the region, the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains face the modern perils of climate change, wildfires, and the spread of urban wildlife interface development. It is essential to the beauty and quality of life of the Santa Cruz area that the surrounding forests are left standing. No one does it better than Sempervirens Fund.
As California's oldest land trust, Sempervirens Fund founded the state's first park, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, in 1902. The organization adopts and cares for the lush, ancient coast redwood forests blanketing the Santa Cruz Mountains, helping them survive and thrive through logging, wildfires, and now climate change and its myriad effects. The Sempervirens Fund folks really know and love the complex ecosystems of these amazing coast redwoods, which capture more carbon from the atmosphere than any other tree. The world needs more of them!
There is no more peaceful environment for me than the Redwoods. The Sempervirens Fund not only protects existing groves but works to expand the acreage that can be enjoyed. My mother donated as I do so that 1500 year old living things can continue to fill their role in the coastal mountains.
I worked as an intern for Sempervirens over the summer of 2018, and I was one of the first people to benefit from the incredible work they did in building the Robert C. Kirkwood Entrance to Castle Rock State Park. This was just one of the many examples of the care and commitment they have towards their mission of preserving and promoting the beautiful coastal redwood habitat. I had an incredible experience working for such an important mission, but also working with their wonderful, tight-knit staff. I only have good things to say about my time working for this organization.
I volunteered as an intern at the Sempervirens Fund last summer and had a great experience! The projects they were working on, such as the Robert C. Kirkwood Entrance, clearly have significant impact, and it was great to be able to be a small part of that. The employees and volunteers are passionate and informed about their work, making them a very effective organization.
I grew up traveling to California every summer, and it was always so special when we got to spend time in the redwoods. As an intern, I had the opportunity to support their far-reaching conservation efforts, and I really enjoyed it.
After living in the Santa Cruz Mountains for a few years I became enthralled with the redwoods and all they do to help our environment. I learned about all that Sempervirens was doing to help preserve them and wanted to join the effort. I enjoying volunteering to help guide donors to their "trees" and helping others learn about the redwoods and their amazing benefits for our environment. The staff at Sempervirens is talented, dedicated and tireless in their efforts - it is so rewarding to volunteer!
Our family has been supporting the efforts of the Sempervirens Fund for more 20 years for several reasons: 1.) We believe in redwood forest preservation, just as the original founders did 120 years ago, for the personal inspiration and the ecological benefits they provide. 2.) We honor our relatives who have gone before us and our children and their future by dedicating redwoods trees; and 3.) We have enjoyed a wonderful association with the professional staff of the Sempervirens Fund as they have been creative and helpful, and together we have built an enduring relationship. Mike and Erin Monroe
After my wife of 55 years died, our family and friends dedicated a redwood in her memory. What else can I say about the beautiful redwoods?
Love love love redwoods. I grew up in this area and my family camped at Big Basin almost every summer.
Sempervirens Fund’s mission is to protect these trees. They are an effective organization and I trust them to do what’s in the best interest of maintaining healthy and resilient redwood forests. For that, I am grateful.
My family loves Castle Rock State park and we learned that Sempervirens partners with the Park. We've been impressed by the facilities developed by Sempervirens for Castle Rock and by the educational family programing they have provided.
My name is Liz and I'm from Poland.I live in Chicago for almost 20 years now. Seeing Giant Sequoias was always a dream of mine,and once I finally was in their presence I cried. Those majestic beings are breathtaking and their presence creates home for so many other species. Protecting those trees is a duty of all Americans since Sequoias and Redwoods only grow in North America.Please protect them for all of humanity! I was so happy once I found Sempervirens Fund ! They actually have results and it makes me feel less hopeless when I think about dissapearing forest.
A camping trip to Big Basin in the Santa Cruz mountains marked the first time our family explored a redwood forest. Our three children, ages eleven, eight and five had taken hiking trips with us throughout California's national parks but here we were in a fragrant forest of trees that stretched their red barked trunks straight up to the sky. It was a new experience. We were all captivated by their magnificance. More than any other forest we had visited, these forest giants, the coast redwoods known as sequoia sempervirens, seemed to be an expression of nature's grand mission.
One evening, at twilight, our family gathered 'round the campfire site with other fellow campers for a sing-along led by the ranger. We raised our voices in the soft mountain air along with others, the children laughed at the funny words and reveled in the joyful friendship surrounding us. But after a few songs, I was drawn again to the redwoods nearby, especially the family of trees just beyond the campfire. I broke away from the singers and found a place to stand in the giant tree's ancient circle. I felt sheltered by the tall trunks now smoothly rounded together. I was surrounded in a protective embrace. I looked up into their branches. The wonder of reddish bark and wood still standing over thousands of of years seemed to be giving me a deeper message. I was touched by their ability to multiply and stand shoulder to shoulder. Had Nature created a tree that would stand as a living symbol, a model for humans to imitate, to stand and survive? Was this circle of trees a revelation? Were they showing a deeper message, the importance of family?
I have been donating to Sempervirens Fund since 1991, and volunteering with their stewardship program for about 3 years. Since helping start Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California's first State Park in 1902, they've continued to acquire and protect land, save our coastal redwoods, and provide access to all.
A friend worked with Sempervirens Fund to name a redwood tree in my husband’s honor shortly he passed away. I had never heard of Sempervirens Fund before, but quickly became a donor, too. Now, I’m a Redwood Ranger! Thank you, Sempervirens Fund. A great organization filled with great people!
I have been a donor and now a volunteer since 2001. Sempervirens Fund does very important work in preserving and taking care of local forests around the local urban area of Silicon Valley. In addition to this, the areas they help to protect (Big Basin Park, Little Basin Park, Butano Park, Castle Rock Park, and others) are wonderful recreation areas for many people. Within 1-2 hours, we can be camping in the redwoods or climbing rocks. What a privilege!
Also, the staff here are wonderful and caring in their work. It is really worthwhile for me to volunteer at SVF.
I lived up on Glenwood Drive for many years, and love the peace and serenity of the redwoods. I first became aware of Sempervirens Fund with their Lompico carbon project. I’ve moved to Campbell now, but wholeheartedly support the work of Sempervirens Fund, both as a donor and volunteer. The new Robert C. Kirkwood Entrance at Castle Rock State Park is amazing! Great work, Sempervirens Fund!
Sempervirens Fund is one of the oldest nonprofits in the history of environmental activism. Founded in 1900, it has been actively working to preserve the redwoods and other ecosystems in the Santa Cruz Mountains. We wholeheartedly support their work and encourage you to do so as well.
I can still remember my first time walking through a redwood forest. I felt an incredible sense of belonging, of peace, and of happiness, as I stood in awe of these majestic giants. I truly feel a part of my DNA is linked to these trees. That's why I support Sempervirens Fund. Their work in the Santa Cruz Mountains truly matters. They currently own and care for more than 11,000 acres there--that's three times the size of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco! Keep up the good work, Sempervirens Fund. All pictures taken at Big Basin Redwoods State Park--California's first state park, saved by Sempervirens Fund in 1900.
Awesome work done by this organization. Thankyou for giving me the opportunity for volunteering for tree planting at castle rock state park park. Every one enjoys hikes , runs , walks with nature, but building these forests is quite a lot of work. It takes 10 years for the plants we planted yesterday to turn into a full fledged tree. And minutes to cut them! Stop deforestation!! Let’s make earth greener again!! I look forward to be a part of more events of volunteering like this .
Sempervirens Fund is a primary reason why the south bay area still has such amazing redwood forests. They are dedicated professionals who care deeply about what they do, and do it well. They have long term sustainable plans in place that they communicate well to their supporters so that we feel like we are truly engaged in helping preserve the Santa Cruz redwoods.
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Sempervirens Fund does great work and does it well. I have been a volunteer and donor for about the last three years. I am consistently impressed by the professionalism of the staff and the quality of the work they do. Their annual picnic is a wonderful event in the Santa Cruz mountains that brings together people from many walks of life in one park to share outdoor stories and our hopes for the environment. All in all, a great organization to dedicate time or money to.
Redwood trees play an important role in the ecosystem of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Sempervirens Fund has been doing a great job of protecting them for the last 118 years. Inspiring others through their mission and commitment to providing access and recreational
opportunity in this unique part of the world.
Sempervirens Fund is perhaps one of my all-time favorite non-profits. Great mission, friendly staff, and they just get things done. My family volunteers at their annual picnics every year. My dad isn't very mobile anymore, but this event is something he looks forward to. It's October and he is already talking about how he wishes it were summer so he can pour the beer. I thank the staff for accommodating my dad. They make him feel welcome and valued. How can I not love that? Thanks from the bottom of my heart.
The Sempervirens Fund contacted me last year to give a talk about culturally modified trees in California. They did a fine job in promoting and hosting the talk. I'm extremely thankful for their interest in support of my work on fire mimicry. Speaking of fire mimicry, here are some recent results with redwoods . . .
Kind Regards,
Lee Klinger, MA PhD
Sudden Oak Life
I've been a Sempervirens Fund board member for the past 24+ years because I strongly believe in the wildlands preservation that it accomplishes in our Santa Cruz Mountains. If you live in the greater Bay Area and donate, you will see the results!
Nick Wyckoff
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I have worked with Sempervirens Fund as a board member for many years. It preserves wildlands in the Santa Cruz Mountains and usually provides public access to the acquired properties. I enjoy being able to use the newly opened trails with friends. Because Sempervirens efforts are focused locally, staff, volunteers and contributors can readily see and experience the consequence of its activities.
Sempervirens Fund enables the preservation of acres upon acres of redwood forest. While much of it is left in a wilderness state, in the last decade they have evolved to have a more active relationship with land that will be used for state parks. They intervened in 2012 to help keep Castle Rock State Park open in the face of state wide cuts. And they continue to work to upgrade Castle Rock with the new entrance that is in progress.
I have donated to Sempervirens Fund as a Redwood Ranger monthly donor for several years now. I am consistently impressed by all the behind-the-scenes work that Sempervirens Fund does to protect redwoods and other wildlife in the Santa Cruz Mountains. They often partner with other, larger organizations with more name recognition, providing their intensive local expertise while not demanding the credit. I am proud to support them.
Sempervirens Fund is exactly the non-profit my family and I were searching for. We were looking for a way to remember and honor a beloved family member, while at the same time providing a small measure of support toward a much larger cause important to us, in this case the protection and preservation of California's coastal redwood forests. Sempervirens Fund invited us to fund a particular sequoia, a redwood tree in the Big Basin area of the Santa Cruz Mountains, designated as "our" tree, which we personally selected from among a number of trees nearby, and to plant a memorial stake at the base of that sequoia with a plaque inscribed with words of our choosing. Sempervirens Fund will assure that the memorial stake stays in place for years to come, certainly through the next several generations of our family at least. Indeed, we have invested in the right to plant other memorial stakes nearby, with their own plaques, to form a quiet, secluded grove for the extended family to visit and enjoy whenever they are able to do so. A special feature of Sempervirens Fund is that anyone, family or friend, can donate to any designated tree, and so remember especially a friend or family-member in perpetuity. We could not be happier with the opportunity that Sempervirens Fund has provided us for honoring a loved one while simultaneously supporting an enormously important earthly cause, the imperiled redwoods. Signed, Ted Dietz, of Kenmore, WA, July 14, 2017 (dietzted@comcast.net)
My late wife was a tree-hugger who loved redwoods and Big Basin. After her death from brain cancer in March 2014, her family worked with Sempervirens Fund to identify an appropriate site for the "Janette Kettmann Klingner Memorial Grove" in December 2016 and arrange its dedication and scattering of her ashes there in June 2017. From November 2016 to June 2017 their Tribute Giving Manager Amanda Krauss did it all. We are most grateful to her for tramping through Big Basin with me to identify an appropriate grove, arranging our charitable donation to Sempervirens Fund, shepherding its designation through the Calif Dept of Parks & Rec, arranging for State approval to scatter her ashes there, and being present at the grove dedication. Amanda Krauss, thanks!
I have been a Trustee and supporter of Sempervirens Fund for over fifteen years. I am very proud of what this organization has accomplished, not just for the many mission focused initiatives it has successfully completed but also for the way it has gone about its business. The Board and staff of Sempervirens Fund serve, for me, as the model of an effective, efficient and well governed non-profit organization.
My family camped at Big Basin every year when I was growing up. Now I take my nieces and nephews to introduce a new generation to these magnificent trees. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people who had the foresight to protect them. It would be an absolute shame for our country to lose such treasures.
The Sempervirens Fund has been active in protecting land, educating people of all ages, as a model for many other conservation organizations and providing a beautiful and wonderful forest and open space experience for local people and those from around the world. There management, staff and volunteers are excellent and provide an unusually fine opportunity for many to learn and enjoy the forests.
By providing camp sites in Big Basin State Park they started a backpacking tradition for my son and I 35 years ago. Sempervirens is at the top of my list of charities for its aggressive pursuit of public lands and responsible logging.
One of the greats. They have a clear vision and concrete goals, and a plan to achieve those fairly specific goals, so one can be assured of progress and clarity as the process unfolds.
Sempervirens Fund does work that lasts for generations. I give to the trees monthly as a Redwood Ranger because I KNOW that an overwhelming amount of my support goes towards programs that preserve, protect, and connect vital ecosystems in Northern California.
Sempervirens Fund is an accredited land trust. Accreditation means Sempervirens Fund meets national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Sempervirens Fund has demonstrated to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission its commitment to excellence. Accredited land trusts meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. These land trusts demonstrate their commitment to excellence by adopting Land Trust Standards and Practices, the ethical and technical guidelines for the responsible operation of a land trust, and meeting the accreditation requirements drawn from them. Learn More: http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/about.
Review from Guidestar
If you met me, you'd never guess that I've never went on a hike until I was in my 20's (I'm a lover of nature) and my very first hike was at Big Basin. One of the first thoughts that ran across my mind was, "Wow. This is what I've been missing?!" All this in my own backyard (i.e. w/in a 30 mile radius) and to know that a place like this was that close made it that much more special. When I found out there was an organization that has a mission to protect places like Big Basin and the redwoods, it gave me a very comforting feeling. I truly hope Sempervirens will continue to protect these places and the wildlife that cannot protect themselves. Thank you Sempervirens!
Sempervirens is an amazing organization that protects the Coastal Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. They are responsible for starting some of the best parks in the area such as Big Basin and Castle Rock. These parks and many others that Sempervirens has started not only protect these gigantic majestic trees, but also provide the community with a place to hike, camp, and enjoy nature. Even after protecting all these areas, they are continually working to protect more, both for the better of the environment as well as provide more areas for the public.
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I have volunteered for Sempervirens a few times now. They are an amazing organization with great staff. Sempervirens started Big Basin as well as many other parks. They are continually creating parks and protected areas to preserve California for generations to come. As an avid outdoors-man, I would not have all the great places to hike, backpack, and camp without the outstanding work that Sempervirens does. If you are looking for an organization to donate your time and money to, you won;t be able to find many origranizations are more worthwhile.
For me, Semper Virens protects the essential parts of our fabulous coastal forests. These huge and beautiful trees provide for every other living member of nature's bounty. I consider the soil, the water and the air to be the living warp and weft of the great fabric we call nature. These redwoods clean the air and water and hold the soil in place in addition to enriching their components. They provide an anchor for the flora and fauna that decorate this carpet of life and give us a gift of peacefulness and beauty that turns our prosaic existence into joyful bliss. The noblest response we can muster is to support this cause with our gifts and energies. To this end Semper Virens is the perfect vehicle of action.
I've always had a special place in my heart for the redwoods of the coast range in Northern California. The Sempervirens Fund helps protect and preserve this precious resource for our kids and their kids someday. I've been particularly impressed with what Sempervirens has done over the years with Big Basin State Park. I'm an HP employee, and was glad to see Little Basin (which used to be a getaway for HP employees) move into the public domain, with help from the Sempervirens Fund and POST. Keep up the good work!
The Sempervirens Fund has greatly contributed to the creation and expansion of many of the State Parks in the Santa Cruz Mountains. They developed a regional, science-based plan to guide their work to further expand and connect existing protected lands, in order to protect redwood forests, conserve biodiversity and wildlife connectivity, and create more opportunities for compatible public uses of the land in this important bioregion. Sempervirens Fund staff are hard working, dedicated, and innovative; the organization is highly collaborative, and works effectively with diverse groups including local, state, and federal agencies, other conservation organizations, private landowners, and the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of Ohlone/Costanoan Indians--the native people of the region. I look forward to witnessing the next era of conservation in this region, which I call home.
I love going hiking in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It was amazing to
encounter the beautiful redwoods in Big Basin. And I learned how
Sempervirens Fund was instrumental in protecting these trees back then
and how they continue to protect more of them today. It's such an
important mission and they undertake it with great dedication. I highly
recommend them as a place to donate or volunteer.
I have hiked extensively in the Santa Cruz mountains, but only in the last two years have I realized the importance of Sempervirens Fund in creating the state parks and preserving this wonderful resource for all the people living in Silicon Valley and the surrounding areas.
Since 1900 when Sempervirens Fund was founded, the donations to Sempervirens Fund have create Big Basin Redwoods State Park (the first state park in California), and Castle Rock State Park, and the fund is trying to create an uninterrupted wildlife corridors and an ecological preserve in cooperation with existing land owners, as well as by acquiring land as it becomes available.
This is important to our present as well as to our children's future.
Jim Mott, Oakland, CA
I have been a donor for around 14 years and now also a volunteer since 2013. Preserving and managing local redwood forest is so important for the present and the future. Sempervirens Fund does a great job to accomplish its goals. All the staff, board members and volunteers work very hard. Every cent of my donation is put to good use. I will keep on donating to Sempervirens Fund. Thank you so much.
I am so grateful to Sempervirens Fund for preserving the redwood forests of California and the wildlife habitat they provide.
The redwoods are an American legacy that held a storied place in my childhood, spent all the way across the country in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. My Granddaddy loves trees, and he loves none more than California's redwoods. He drove all the way across the country, twice, just to see them.
They are magical. Even if I had never had the joy of living in Santa Cruz and seeing them everyday, I would (and did) support the mission of preserving them for future generations. Thank you Sempervirens!
When my husband and I first met almost 20 years ago, we went hiking most weekends. We'd go to Big Basin, Waddell Creek, Fall Creek or Wilder Ranch, often coming out at dusk. Our partnership was forged on those long walks as we talked, laughed and wondered together.
Today we have an outdoor recreation website that we started precisely because we wanted to share our enthusiasm for and love of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Naturally that means parks and open spaces, and you cannot find an organization more integral to open spaces in the Santa Cruz Mountains than Sempervirens Fund. From starting the movement to protect old-growth trees in Big Basin more than 100 years ago -- a movement that culminated in the first state park -- to spearheading an innovative approach to conservation with the San Vicente Redwoods, Sempervirens Fund has proven time and again that it is a forward-looking leader in conservation. You could even say we owe our livelihoods to them! After all, without open spaces, Hilltromper would not exist.
Nor, probably, would our marriage!
My young kids absolutely love to camp among giant trees, and Sempervirens Fund continues to make this possible. California's coastal redwoods are a treasure that needs to be protected.
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I was in the fifth grade the first time I camped in Big Basin. That was around l955. I still remember the magic of it all. To me ,redwood trees are the land's equivalent to the ocean's whales. Fabulous nature that must be protected and preserved! Many many thanks for your decades of important work.
Rob Caughlan
Best place near Silicon Valley to hike and camp. The view of the Santa Cruz Mountains is unreal! Having bathrooms and fresh water at the campsites really helps keep the place clean and accessible. I have been here with friends and Girl Scouts and each experience we all walk away feeling like we have reconnected with a part of nature that is missing from our high paced lives. What I loved most is the people we met while backpacking that would stop and help us identify plants and trees. Truly a park that calls one back, including me!
I am a newcomer volunteer working with the Sempervirens Fund to help raise funds for the critical work of protecting the remaining redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains where only 5% of the original forest remains and much of that is at risk. I initially contacted Sempervirens to partner with a local Santa Cruz group to protect a redwood forest about to be timber harvested. Together we were able to save the trees! I was so inspired by our partnership, their strong history of accomplishments and their visionary goals that I agreed to join their Great Park Campaign Committee. Sempervirens Fund is leading the way to protecting as much of what remains of the redwood forest as possible utilizing the most strategic, cost-effective, and creative pathways. And have been doing so since 1900! Supporting Sempervirens enables you to become a partner in creating a permanent legacy of giant redwood trees, clear-running streams and an extraordinary forest where wildlife thrives and people find peace, joy and renewal.
Although I've only recently been introduced to Sempervirens Fund, I have been enjoying the fruits of their labors all my life. Some of my favorite memories growing up consist of the family's annual camping trips to Big Basin.
One of my favorite things about living in the Bay Area is just how close these redwood forests are... where else can you be in the heart of a big modern city one minute then a beautiful redwood forest in less than an hour? It's amazing!
These forests need to be protected and Sempervirens Fund has been at the forefront doing so. They may be a small organization, but they give big bang for every buck they get! I am proud to be a supporter!
Look at a map of the Santa Cruz Mountains, south of San Francisco, and you will see lots and lots of parkland. Better yet, go there and get out and hike amid the many groves of redwoods and other kinds of forest habitat, and experience the many animals that depend on these habitats for their survival. We can all of us have this experience, and our grandchildren will be able to as well, partly because of the difficult and patient work that Sempervirens Fund has been doing for more than a century to help achieve protection for these areas. The raising of funds, the analysis of properties, the negotiations with willing sellers--all of this requires sustained, painstaking work. Being even a relatively small change donor as I am, I find myself having a sense of pride at every new land acquisition, at every story of a threatened species offered a fighting chance for recovery--I feel proud that I played some small part. I look up at these mountains and I breathe a sigh of relief--and I breathe more oxygen!--because these people have worked so hard and so successfully to preserve a quality of life that very much deserves being preserved.
My friends got me involved with Sempervirens Fund this year and I volunteered at the Anniversary Picnic at Castle Rock Sate Park. I was impressed by the numbers of supporters Sempervirens has and I plan to volunteer again.
This is a worthy cause that benefits everyone. The recent controversy over the proposed desalinization plant has highlighted just how valuable our forests are. Nature is indispensable and the more we destroy it, the more we destroy ourselves.
Preserving the redwoods is an important task that Sempervirens Fund has taken to heart. Their dedication to preserving these important areas is crucial to our heritage as well as the wildlife that live and pass through the area, including some endangered species. Many of the old growth redwoods that they protect would never be seen again at this age for generations had it been allowed to be logged.
This is a REAL non-profit run organization. Love their mission and how their staff truly believe in it.
Sempervirens is trying to protect all of the redwood forests and other natural features in
the Santa Cruz Mountains This is an area of 224,000 acres--bigger than most national parks--
of which nearly half is now protected. I am working at finding linkages between protected
parcels to assure wildlife corridors and develop a self-sustaining ecosystem.
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Sempervirens Fund is committed to protecting and preserving redwood forests and other natural features of California's Santa Cruz Mountains. Over the years, it has been instrumental in creating four state parks and protecting tens of thousands of acres of redwood forests. Last month Sempervirens purchased two large parcels from a major timber company. One parcel will be key to Castle Rock and Big Basin State Parks and presrved hundred year old trees that were approved for timber harvest in June. The other parcel preserved habitat for the critically endangered marbled murrelets. A celebratory lunch was held at the first site and was attended by 300 members and by the leadership of the California State Parks system. The weather was beautiful, the location magnificent, and everything went forward flawlessly despite a heavy downpour the previous day. The strength of this organization is its highly profesional staff and its 7000 committed members. The challenge for the future is to work collaboratively with other conservation entities and agencies without losing its geographical focus.
As a young lawyer in the 60s I worked with the founder of Sempervirens in setting it up, and also helped lay out one of its popular trails. Since then it has been spectacularly successful in preserving thousands of acres of irreplaceable redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains, between Silicon Valley and the coast. It works creatively with a combination of gifts, purchases and conservation easements. It has also taken the lead in bring other groups together to cooperate in making large purchases.It has a played a major part in giving the Bay Area more recreational parkland than any other urban area.
I didn't know much about the Sempervirens Fund or what it was till a good friend from California introduced it to me. Their history & legacy really touched my heart - the struggles they faced to protect & preserve the redwoods of California, showed just how much heart the people of California have. The sights of the redwoods are awe inspiring and breathtaking to say the least. It is truly amazing that what started off a club passing around a hat; to collect a small donation to finance their efforts and to launch a fundraising and lobbying campaign; has become the heart & soul of so many who have witnessed, the true untouched beauty of the redwoods. They have raised over 50 million dollars to preserve and protect over 34,000 acres!!! For the past 100 years and for generations to come - their efforts are outstanding and highly commendable!
We have been buying rewood forest land for over 100 years. Currently we are working on "The Great Park" initiative. Please view our web site and check us out, thank you.
This year Sempervirens Fund protected Late Serial Redwood Forest that has beautiful Marbled Murrelet Habitat and old growth trees. Places like these need to be protected and Sempervirens Fund is working hard against many odds to accomplish that goal. Thank you Sempervirens Fund! Keep up the great work!
Fantastic! I grew up in the redwoods so they have a special place in my heart. I like to know that every small donation I make goes towards buying up land that can't be touched for my kids and their kids. Central California has these wonderful treasures and it really comes down to who owns the land. They made great headway this year purchasing the Cemex property and I'm so proud that even my meager contributions will ultimately make an impact since it goes directly to land procurement and conservation of the lovely redwoods and various ecosystems within. I do believe in sustainable enjoyment as well, and they do a lot of work maintaining trails and parklands so people can actually enjoy the land they are working to save.
As a donor (and former staff member for 30 years), I and my family have supported Sempervirens Fund and its mission. It has been exciting to see the acreage that the Fund has protected grow in size. Through the efforts of Sempervirens Fund, it is special to me to know that the trees will be protected and undisturbed for generations to come. Preserving the parks of the Santa Cruz Mountains is a wonderful legacy.
In 2000, I was a member of the California State Assembly, and authored the largest park and environmental protection bond in the nation's history. Two years later, in 2002, I authored another park bond, and that was voted into law by the voters of California. Together, these bond measures provided $4.7 billion for parks and environmental protection. Sempervirens Fund has worked for several years with both California State Parks and other entities (such as the Penninsula Open Space Trust) to acquire and manage some of California's most previous redwood habitat. Sempervirens Fund understands how to work strategically to maximize donor's funds together with public funding. By doing so, Sempervirens Fund is able to preserve both precious redwoods and the unique habitat in which they grow and thrive. It is worthy of note that Sempervirens Fund's mission and actions have, for over 100 yeasr, protected a species of tree that is recognized throughout the world as one of the half dozen or so symbols of California. The redwood, the Big Sur coast, the Sierra Nevada range, the Golden Gate Bridge, the "Hollywood" sign...each are known by folks throughout the world as "California." Sempervirens Fund is doing legacy work for all of us. Fred Keeley Treasurer County of Santa Cruz Board Member, Sempervirens Fund
For the past few years, I have been volunteering with the Sempervirens Fund, leading hikes among the redwoods, helping out at events and building trails.
As a member of the Sempervirens Fund for over 30 years and as an Advisory Board member for almost as long, I have seen this basically grass-roots organization step up and save thousands of acres of irreplaceable redwood forests and surrounding acreage. The legacy of this incredible group will be treasured and enjoyed for many generations to come. There have always been a wide array of opportunities to participate in support of the organization. Some people love to build trails or lead walks, while others may be happier hosting events or soliciting targeted donations. Fundraising is well-thought out and well-planned. Early-on the organization realized that establishing long-term relationships with those who value the redwood environment would be more satisfying and rewarding to both parties than one-time get-everything-we-can fundraising. The cause is noble, the people are fantastic, the locations unbeatable -- it doesn't get much better than volunteering for and supporting the Sempervirens Fund.
The Sempervirens Fund is the oldest land trust in California and the second oldest in the United States. Founded in 1900, Sempervirens Fund was instrumental in creating the first state park in California (Big Basin Redwoods) and was the first organization to preserve old-growth redwoods. Sempervirens continues to protect critical and threatened lands in the Santa Cruz mountains, adjacent to millions of residents of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Without the Sempervirens Fund the old-growth coast redwood forests of the Santa Cruz mountains would be nothing but a memory.
Sempervirens Fund has preserved over 50,000 acres of redwood forest and is now acting on an extraordinary vision of turning the Santa Cruz Mountains of coastal northern California into a "Great Park" as large as National Parks in Utah. Our region is heavily populated - the Great Park will not only preserve trees and rare habitats. but will preserve the sanity of the San Francisco Peninsula residents for all time. The "Great Park" will forever preserve a beautiful natural area from development.
I have lived on the San Francisco Peninsula for over 80 years and seen the open spaces along the Bay be filled up with development. But as a child I remember the thrill of driving less than 20 miles over the Coast Range Mountains and being able to see and walk among giant Redwoods. Today this is still an available thrill and in fact even more Redwoods are protected today than then. The protection and access to these magnificent trees is due more to the work of Sempervirens than any other organization. That is why I serve on its Advisory Board and have been a substantial financial contributor for over 30 years. Their past success has not slowed their efforts and present goals of this great organization will result in the largest protected mountain forest near to a large urban area in the nation.
I have had the pleasure of serving on the Sempervirens Fund Board of Directors for a number of years. I am continually impressed and gratified by the organization's ability to complete major transactions efficiently and in alignment with its mission. The lean and professional staff is well supported by a dedicated Board of Directors and incredible generous and engaged members. Bottomline, they get it done and make s significant, positive difference.