Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks now include more of the world's largest trees, among which visitors can feel humbled. In May 2002, Save the Redwoods League and friends celebrated the addition of Dillonwood Grove, 1,540 acres we transferred that contain the largest grove of privately owned giant sequoias.
During the celebration, Kate Anderton, then League Executive Director, introduced 10-year-old donor Julie Peterson. Julie, of Seaside Park, New Jersey, had never before seen a giant sequoia, but two years earlier, she donated $20 from her allowance to help with the $10.3 million campaign to buy Dillonwood Grove. Save the Redwoods League secured $5 million from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, and $600,000 from the State of California. Gifts from League members, benefactors and foundations covered the remainder of the purchase price.