Press Releases

Sam Hodder inspecting a stand of mature redwoods

Sam Hodder, President and CEO of Save the Redwoods League, Announces Plans to Step Down After More than a Decade Leading 107-year-old Conservation Organization

by Save the Redwoods League on

After 11 years leading one of the nation’s oldest and most beloved conservation organizations, Sam Hodder announced today that he has decided to step down as president and CEO of Save the Redwoods League on March 31, 2025, at the close of the organization’s current fiscal year. A search for the League’s next leader will commence immediately, led by Vice Chair of the League’s Board of Directors Rosemary Cameron.

Collage of parks

California State Parks and Save The Redwoods League Unveil New Plan to Safeguard Iconic Redwood Parks in Santa Cruz County

by Save the Redwoods League on

SANTA CRUZ — California State Parks and Save the Redwoods League today released a new Forest Management Strategy (FMS) aimed at restoring and protecting three state parks in Santa Cruz County following the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire. The devastating wildfire burned through more than 24,000 acres in Big Basin Redwoods, Año Nuevo and Butano state parks. The FMS outlines critical actions needed to help the forests recover and to improve wildfire and climate resilience in the parks and neighboring communities.

Woman walking in a redwoods forest where two paths converge. One is well trodden, the other less travelled.

Save the Redwoods League Acquires 750 Acres of Redwood Forest in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties for Future Parks Expansions

by Save the Redwoods League on

Save the Redwoods League today announced that it has purchased three coast redwood properties totaling 750 acres in Sonoma and Mendocino counties that will one day be added to Armstrong Redwoods and Montgomery Woods state natural reserves (SNR). The League acquired the properties from private landowners, the Ayers and Robinson families and the Mendocino Redwood Company for nearly $3.5 million. The acquisitions are the first steps toward long-term protection for these coast redwood properties.

A drone shot of the coastal hills, with forested areas and farmland on one side, overlooking the blue ocean in the background.

Save the Redwoods League Secures Opportunity to Protect and Restore 1,600+ Acres of Redwood Forest and Coastal Prairies from Threat of Development along Sonoma Coast

by Save the Redwoods League on

Save the Redwoods League (League) has secured an opportunity to purchase, permanently protect and restore the 1,624-acre Sonoma Coast Redwoods property, home to significant mature second-growth coast redwood forest, biodiverse coastal prairies, ocean views and opportunities for future public access.

Kirsten Saenz Tobey

Save the Redwoods League Names Two New Leaders

by Save the Redwoods League on

Save the Redwoods League today announced the hiring of two new staff in key positions: Kirsten Saenz Tobey as chief operations officer and Carrie Speckart as director of people and culture.

Jug Handle State National Reserve

League calls on Legislature to put climate bond before California voters in 2024

by Save the Redwoods League on

Save the Redwoods League joined a chorus of conservation groups today in calling for the California State Legislature to place a $15 billion climate bond on the November 2024 ballot. Such a bond would fund programs that improve and protect water and air quality, strengthen community climate resilience, mitigate wildfires, provide recreational access to the outdoors and protect natural resources.

Last Chance Grade overlooking highway

As Last Chance Grade Crumbles, Caltrans Considers Two Solutions

by Save the Redwoods League on

In Northern California, the famed coastal Highway 101 winds through some of the world’s last ancient coast redwood forest. For decades, a 3.5-mile section of the highway between Eureka and Crescent City, known as Last Chance Grade, has been plagued by landslides and frequent closures, with no viable alternate routes for the local community, commerce or tourism. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has been working with local stakeholders for 10 years on a solution. Tragically, their final two roadway alternatives will have substantial impacts on nearby old-growth redwood forest.

Georgia McIntosh, newly appointed Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Save the Redwoods League.

Save the Redwoods League Names Georgia McIntosh as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

by Save the Redwoods League on

Save the Redwoods League announced today that Georgia McIntosh has been named Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. In this key leadership role, McIntosh will oversee organization-wide strategic communications and marketing programs to support the mission, strategic direction and brand positioning of the only nonprofit land trust working across the entire coast redwood and giant sequoia ranges.

A ranger standing in front of the new Rancho del Oso Welcome Center - a blue and brown building with interpretive signage in front.

California State Parks, Save the Redwoods League and Waddell Creek Association Open New Rancho del Oso Welcome Center at Big Basin Redwoods State Park

by Save the Redwoods League on

A gateway to the western coastal side of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the new welcome center facility and adjacent public campground will greet visitors to California’s oldest state park and largest expanse of old-growth coast redwoods south of San Francisco. The park has had limited access since the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fires.

Sara Clark, Save the Redwoods League Chair of the Board of Directors

Save the Redwoods League Elects Sara Clark as Chair of the Board of Directors

by Save the Redwoods League on

Save the Redwoods League today announced that its Board of Directors has elected Sara Clark to serve as chair. The Board also elected Rosemary Cameron and Abe Tarapani to serve as vice chairs, John Montague as secretary and Mike Wyatt as treasurer. The newly elected officers are vastly experienced in land conservation, tribal law, parks and public engagement, scientific research and philanthropy. They will advance conservation strategies that protect, restore and connect people with California’s coast redwood and giant sequoia forests.