Sempervirens Fund

Sempervirens Fund operates as California's oldest land trust, dedicated to the permanent preservation of coast redwood forests, associated wildlife habitats, and vital watersheds within the Santa Cruz Mountains. The organization's core activities involve strategic land acquisition, comprehensive ecological restoration, and ongoing stewardship efforts to safeguard these irreplaceable natural resources. Through these actions, Sempervirens Fund ensures that critical redwood ecosystems are protected from development, degradation, and destruction, maintaining their ecological integrity for future generations.

The organization was established in 1900 by Andrew P. Hill, initially as the Sempervirens Club. Hill’s foundational insight stemmed from a pressing need to conserve the region’s ancient redwood forests, a vision that directly led to the creation of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California’s first state park. This early dedication to preserving old-growth timberlands laid the groundwork for over a century of sustained conservation impact, driven by a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Sempervirens Fund’s work directly benefits the ecological health of the Santa Cruz Mountains, providing essential habitat for wildlife and contributing to clean air and water for surrounding communities. Its long-term vision is to foster resilient redwood forests capable of withstanding environmental challenges, particularly climate change. The fund remains committed to expanding and caring for these forests, recognizing their crucial role as natural climate solutions and biodiversity strongholds, ensuring their enduring value.