I’m writing this post with two special events on my mind: the Save the Redwoods League art contest for kids, and Thanksgiving! The winners of the art contest will be announced tomorrow, November 15, and it seems apropos that the contest draws to a close just as the coming Thanksgiving holiday reminds us to think about all we have to be grateful for. Our office here at Save the Redwoods League was flooded with art contest entries for the third year in a row, and with each envelope that landed on our doorstep I became more and more appreciative of all the kids who care about the redwoods.
As Harry recently wrote, saving redwoods is just the beginning—the job of caring for them lasts forever. I am filled with hope, knowing that children all over the U.S. feel connected to the redwood forests and want to help protect them—and the more than 1,000 art contest entries, in which K–12 students portrayed themselves playing, learning, and exploring in the redwoods, show that kids of all ages really love the redwoods! I’m so glad, because the redwoods have so much to offer, especially when it comes to connecting people—children and adults alike—with the enchantment of nature.
I am so grateful to have access to beautiful, ancient redwood forests like those in our state parks and reserves, and that there is a supportive community of people dedicated to protecting these special places. But most of all, this November I am giving thanks for the next generation of stewards and caretakers to whom we can entrust the legacy of redwoods conservation—and for all the parents, guardians, and teachers who helped these kids cultivate a love of the outdoors. Thank you!
Starting November 15, check out the winning entries in the “Find Me in the Redwoods” art contest for kids by visiting SaveTheRedwoods.org/ArtContest.
And be sure to let me know what you are thankful for this year!
