ROAD TRIP: Save the Redwoods League to Provide Free Day-Use Admission to Visitors at Redwood State Parks on the Second Saturday of Each Month in 2018

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 8, 2018 -- To celebrate 100 years of saving California's iconic redwood forest, Save the Redwoods League and California State Parks are offering free day-use admission to more than 40 redwood state parks on the second Saturday of each month in 2018. The goal of Free Second Saturdays at Redwood State Parks is to reconnect the people of California with these magnificent natural legacies, to inspire visitors with the beauty and power of the redwoods, and to celebrate Save the Redwoods League's 100-year conservation legacy.

Thanks to the generous support of Oracle and Save the Redwoods League members, more than 16,000 free vehicle day-use passes will be available in 2018 for more than 40 redwood state parks. The passes cover day-use admission and parking fees. Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis at FreeRedwoodsDays.org beginning today at 8 a.m. Some of the participating parks are Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Calaveras Big Trees State Park and Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. League staff will also be hosting free guided hikes at select parks. Please visit our FreeRedwoodsDays.org to sign up as space is limited.

The 2018 dates for Free Second Saturdays are:

"People come from around the world to walk among California's ancient redwoods," said Sam Hodder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Save the Redwoods League. "As part of our Centennial celebration, Save the Redwoods League is thrilled to host a free day in the redwood parks once a month all year long. We invite you to stand under the world's tallest living creatures - the most powerful forest in the fight against climate change - and learn why we are working so hard to protect and restore it. We are celebrating our 100^th birthday in the redwood parks, and we want you to join us!"

"Free Second Saturdays at Redwood State Parks events are among many successful programs in the long history of our collaboration with Save the Redwoods League," said Lisa Mangat, California State Parks Director. "Together, we work through our state parks to support the health, inspiration and education of all Californians. Free Second Saturdays at Redwood State Parks events allow people who might not otherwise be able to visit a park to get outdoors in our spectacular redwood state parks."

Please keep in mind:

• The number of passes is limited. They will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis according to each park's capacity.
• Only one day-use pass is needed per vehicle, per park.
• The pass covers day-use admission and parking fees. The pass does not guarantee a parking space or entry if the park is full due to high demand.
• To ensure valid entry and avoid fines, printed passes must be presented to park staff members at entry gates or displayed on vehicle dashboards if no personnel are on duty.
• Electronic images of the pass will not be accepted.
• Consider visiting a state park during off-peak hours – opening time to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to closing time.
• Visitors without passes are welcome, but must pay admission.
• We encourage all park visitors to review and obey park rules.
• Share your experiences with us on social media and tag them with #FreeRedwoodsDays, #Stand4Redwoods and #CAStateParks.

For detailed information, including a full list of participating state parks, park operating hours and outdoor safety tips, please visit FreeRedwoodsDays.org.

California State Parks invites the public to enjoy state parks year-round. With 280 park units, over 340 miles of coastline, 970 miles of lake and river frontage, 15,000 campsites and 4,500 miles of trails, the state park system provides wonderful recreational, educational and inspirational opportunities for more than 68 million visitors annually.

Presenting Partners

Save the Redwoods League
One of the nation's oldest conservation organizations, Save the Redwoods League has been protecting and restoring redwood forests since 1918, connecting generations of visitors with the beauty and serenity of the redwood forest. Our 17,000 supporters have enabled the League to protect more than 204,000 acres of irreplaceable forest in 66 state, national and local parks and reserves. For more information, go to SaveTheRedwoods.org.

California Department of Parks and Recreation
The California Department of Parks and Recreation provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Off-highway motor vehicle recreation, boating activities, horseback riding, on- and off-road cycling, hiking, camping and rock climbing are some of the recreational activities enjoyed in 280 state parks organized into 22 field districts throughout the state. Visit us at parks.ca.gov.