Old-growth Redwood at Big Basin dedicated to former Congresswoman Anna Eshoo

On Sunday, October 4, Sempervirens Fund dedicated an old-growth redwood tree in Big Basin Redwoods State Park in honor of former Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, recognizing her more than three decades of conservation leadership representing parts of San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara counties in Congress. The dedication bookends a tribute campaign that raised $250,000 in Eshoo’s honor.

Eshoo championed the protection of California’s coastlines, wetlands, and forests. She helped secure the addition of the Cotoni-Coast Dairies property, including  hundreds of acres of redwood forest, to the California Coastal National Monument.

“It is both a humbling and singular honor to be chosen by Sempervirens Fund to have a magnificent coast redwood bear my name in honor of my environmental work to preserve and protect throughout my public service,” said the former Congresswoman. “Redwood trees are the tallest in the world, can live for over 2,000 years, support diverse ecosystems, and are among the Earth’s greatest carbon storage resources helping to significantly offset climate change, and are known for their incredible resiliency. They are our living cathedrals and profound source of silence and awe. I am unendingly grateful to Sempervirens Fund, my public service colleagues, constituents, superb staff, family and friends whose strong shoulders I have depended on.”

“Anna Eshoo helped shape a conservation legacy that stretches from the Pacific coast to the redwood-covered mountains of our region, said State Senator Josh Becker. “Her leadership played a vital role in protecting places like Cotoni-Coast Dairies and strengthening the connection between people and nature. This tree dedicated in her honor is a powerful reminder that public service can leave a legacy that grows stronger with every passing year.”

“As we celebrate Anna Eshoo’s extraordinary contributions, we also reaffirm our commitment to the work that remains ahead,” said Assemblymember Marc Berman. “The challenges facing our forests and public lands require the same foresight, determination, and partnership that Anna brought to natural resource conservation – and to public service. May this tree inspire future leaders to continue protecting these irreplaceable landscapes.”

“Public service is measured not only by the laws we pass and by the lasting impact we leave on our communities,” said Supervisor Ray Mueller, District 3, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. “Anna Eshoo dedicated decades of service to protecting the landscapes that make the Central Coast such a special place to live, work, and explore. This tree stands as a living tribute to her vision, leadership, and commitment to conservation.”

Congresswoman Eshoo’s honorary tree is located near Big Basin’s Tree of Honor, behind and to the right of the amphitheater space, which is along the Redwood Loop. The tree is believed to be at least as old as the park itself, and while it was impacted by the CZU fire, losing most of its limbs, it is considered to be in excellent health. For digital directions to the tree visit: sempervirens.org/EshooTree

(Pictured L-R) Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, State Senator John Laird, Former Congressman Sam Farr, Former Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, Assemblymember Marc Berman, Supervisor Ray Mueller, State Senator Josh Becker, and Congressman Jimmy Panetta

Photo credit: Orenda Randuch