Save the Redwoods League Launches Photo Contest to Bring Awareness of the World’s Tallest Trees to New Heights

SAN FRANCISCO, June 3, 2009 — Save the Redwoods League, the only nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting ancient redwood forests throughout their natural range, announced today a free statewide photo contest to encourage people to share striking images from the world’s tallest forests. The League’s Walk Among GiantsSM photo contest invites California residents to capture every angle of the redwood forest, from the smallest critters inhabiting the forest floor to the grandeur of the tree canopy, for a chance to win redwoods prizes.

“The proposed elimination of public funding for California State Parks could close 60 of 61 parks that are home to redwoods, severely limiting opportunities for people to visit and experience awe-inspiring redwood forests,” said Jennifer Benito, outreach director for Save the Redwoods League. “Participating in the Walk Among Giants contest is a way for park supporters, outdoor enthusiasts and aspiring and professional photographers to show their support for these beautiful natural treasures.”

The League is now accepting photo submissions from the public that capture all parts of redwood and giant sequoia ecosystems, from sorrel and lichens, to deer and elk and to the trees themselves. Photos of friends and family enjoying the forest are also welcome. The League will select 12 finalists, and public voting will determine the contest winners.

For contest rules and information, please visit the League online at savetheredwoods.org/contest. All photo submissions and completed contest forms must be received by July 23, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. Winners will be notified by e-mail via their Flickr.com IDs. There is no fee to join Flickr.com; no purchase is necessary to enter the contest.

Prizes include:

* 1st prize: A Redwood Adventures package for two that includes a one night stay in a cabin and a half-day guided eco-tour of Redwood National Park. The first prize winner will also be featured in Save the Redwoods League publications and on its Web site.
* 2nd prize: A one-night stay at the historic Requa Inn in Redwood National Park. The Requa Inn was featured in National Geographic Traveler magazine’s 2009 Stay List, a collection of 129 “Hotels We Love” in North America, Mexico and the Caribbean.
* 3rd prize: Two redwood seedlings planted in the winner’s honor in a California State Park.

In addition to participating in the Walk Among Giants photo contest, the public can also act now to help save redwoods and California State Parks by:

* Sending a message to your elected officials and the Governor by visiting: savetheredwoods.org/voice. Ask friends, family members and colleagues to do the same.
* Uploading a one-minute video to Save the Redwoods League’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/savetheredwoods to let people know what you think.
* Visiting redwood parks http://grove.savetheredwoods.org/ with friends and family this summer.

About Save the Redwoods League
For more than 90 years, Save the Redwoods League has been dedicated to protecting the ancient redwood forests so all generations can experience the inspiration and majesty of redwoods. In 1850, there were nearly 2 million acres of ancient coast redwood forests in California. Today, less than 5 percent remains and faces threats from logging, development and global climate change. Since its founding in 1918, the League has completed the purchase of more than 181,000 acres of land. For more information, visit savetheredwoods.org.