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The drive to preserve the redwoods on the northern coast of California
began in 1917, after the completion of Highway 101, when several prominent
conservationists traveled to Humboldt and Del Norte counties to view the
magnificent redwood groves there. These conservationists were John C.
Merriam, University of California paleontologist and later President of
the Carnegie Institute, Madison Grant and Henry Fairfield Osborn. They
saw widespread destruction of the forests along the new highway, and were
appalled to find that not one tree was owned by any public agency or protected
for public enjoyment in any way.
These great conservationists were impressed by the urgent need to preserve
redwood groves in public parks for their unique beauty and scientific
interest. In an article which appeared in the National Geographic magazine,
they revealed the coast redwoods to the American public, and made a plea
for the preservation of redwood forest. Together, in the spring of 1918,
they organized Save-the-Redwoods League. Its objective was to rescue from
destruction representative areas of primeval redwood forests, and to cooperate
with state and national park services in establishing redwood parks.
Almost 90 years later, the League's mission remains the same. While
redwoods have been preserved in our network of national and state parks,
in many areas they are still under threat. The League is working tirelessly
to ensure the preservation of these magnificent trees.
Historical Resources:
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