Old-growth coast redwoods are fierce allies in the climate fight, storing more carbon per acre than any other forest on Earth. But to remain powerful carbon sinks, they must be protected from industrial logging and development.

In 2018, Save the Redwoods League acquired one of the largest privately held ancient redwood forests left in California: Harold Richardson Redwoods Reserve in Sonoma County.

One-third larger than Muir Woods National Monument, the reserve holds 352 acres of ancient redwoods—112 more acres of old-growth than Muir Woods itself. For decades, this privately owned forest remained largely unknown to the public, even as conservation groups recognized it as one of the most important unprotected redwood landscapes in California.

I’ve been honored to help protect this extraordinary place and its towering giants—some more than 1,600 years old.

Today, we have a rare opportunity to expand that protection by securing 200 acres of adjacent land, including hundreds of additional old-growth trees that are over 200 feet tall.

These parcels will expand the Reserve to more than 930 acres. The expansion acts as a buffer against wildfire risk for the old-growth trees at the heart of the existing reserve. Once the acquisition is complete, the League can begin planning expanded public access to the entire reserve, so more people can connect with the wonder of this forest firsthand.

This project holds deep meaning for me. During my tenure at the League, I’ve seen how pivotal moments like this can shape the future of entire landscapes.

Your gift today will help us secure this land and safeguard these ancient trees for future generations.

Harold Richardson Redwoods Reserve lies within the ancestral land of the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians, whose stewardship of this region stretches back countless generations.

In 2024, we partnered with the Kashia to conduct the first prescribed burn on the property, following cultural burning practices used for thousands of years to promote healthy habitats and prevent severe wildfires.

Our shared goal is to protect this forest in perpetuity, honoring both its ecological and cultural significance. 

Will you stand with us?

Photos by Coldwater Collective

Save the Redwoods League
111 Sutter Street, 11th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104
United States 

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