News

Of the 10,000 acres of old-growth redwood forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains, less than 1,000 acres remain unprotected in small, fragmented patches across the region. But what does old-growth really mean? Although old-growth has no one agreed upon definition, read on to learn more about what old-growth means for Sempervirens Fund and why it matters for the forests, wildlife, and people in and around the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Climate change shows no signs of slowing down, and neither will those of us committed to curbing the crisis. Celebrate the beauty of the redwood forests all around us and get inspired to help protect it!

Join OpenRoad with Doug McConnell to explore natural land and park gems, including episodes featuring lands Sempervirens Fund protects, right here in the Bay Area.

Today Governor Gavin Newsom announced his administration’s revised fiscal year 2022 budget proposal, which included significant, necessary, and welcome increases in funding for Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

Sempervirens Fund announced that they have secured approvals and critical post-fire funding to remove a dam from Mill Creek. CEMEX, the former owner of what is now San Vicente Redwoods, retains water and infrastructure rights on the property, and approved the dam removal. Deconstruction will begin later in 2021.

The Santa Cruz Mountains are a rich and dynamic place with diverse habitats and landscapes rising from the shores to the ridges. In this guide you can explore three key plant communities – Santa Cruz Sandhills, Chaparral, and Redwood Forest – and the special flowers, plants, and trees to look for as fire-scarred landscapes reset and rebound. Photo by James Maughn.

Land trust accreditation recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Sempervirens Fund is pleased to announce it is applying for renewal of accreditation. A public comment period is now open.

Pumas thrive when they can range from mountain top to mountain top. Unfortunately, in the Santa Cruz Mountains, their range is interrupted frequently, making it difficult for the species to survive. In fact, only 40 pumas are known to be active in the region. We have a lot of work to do to protect and expand their habitat, but how do pumas develop and grow? Read about the life cycle of pumas and their families over time.

Pumas (Puma concolor) are the native mountain lions and bobcats, also known as panthers, cougars, or catamounts. The extensive ranges pumas need for territory, hunting and breeding is one reason why it’s so important to have large intact habitats with connected wildlife corridors. Roads and new development that fragment habitat are the biggest threats to pumas.